Showtime Networks Inc. and Artisan Entertainment have reached a five-year
extension on their output deal, linking the parties through 2008.
The pact -- which extends a current contract that runs through 2003 -- gives
SNI exclusive premium-television rights to all theatrically released Artisan
features to a maximum of 133 films, including the upcoming Dirty Dancing
2 and the prequel to The Blair Witch Project. These films are
expected to air on Showtime in 2002.
With the agreement, SNI ensures exclusive rights to Artisan product for
subscription-video-on-demand delivery or other distribution forms.
'One of the important things in doing deals of this length is to maintain
flexibility as technology continues to develop, 'SNI executive vice president of
programming acquisition and planning Matthew Duda said. 'We retain exclusivity
during our premium window in whatever forms Showtime will be available to
viewers.'
