Movie service Epix has scored its second distribution deal, as it will launch across multiple platforms on Cox Communications systems, starting in April.
Epix, a joint venture formed by Viacom's Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Lionsgate, will bring some 15,000 films, comedy and concert events and original programming to Cox, which joins Verizon FiOS in carrying the service.
Like the telco, Cox, which Bloomberg reported last month was said to be nearing a deal with the movie service, will position Epix on a premium movie tier. The service, available in both the standard and high-definition formats, will also available on demand, as well as online to Cox subscribers. Deal terms were not disclosed.
Among the movie and entertainment offerings Cox subs will be able to access from Epix upon launch: blockbuster theatricals Star Trek and GI Joe, the cult hit Paranormal Activity, Tyler Perry's highly successful film franchise - Madea Goes to Jail and I Can Do Bad All by Myself, and the critically acclaimed Precious.
"The video business is evolving, especially the way in which customers consume movies, and the movie products they value" said Bob Wilson, senior vice president of programming for Cox, in a statement. "This agreement will allow Cox to work closely with Epix and its studio partners to transform and enhance viewer access to movies across multiple availability windows and platforms - linear, transactional movies on demand, subscription video on demand and online. Our cross-platform distribution of Epix will increase our customers' anytime/anyplace access to content and increase their convenience and satisfaction. "
Mark Greenberg, president of Epix added "Working together with Cox, EPIX will be able to reach more consumers with our premium movie entertainment offerings and showcase the tremendous quantity and range of film titles in our on-demand offering while providing consumers with access to some of the biggest Hollywood blockbuster films from the nation's leading studios, all in SD and HD and on television, on demand and online."
