Home Entertainment
December 11, 2006
Warner Home Video And 2entertain Renew Home Entertainment Distribution Deal For BBC Programming
(December 11, 2006 - Burbank, CA) — Warner Home Video (WHV) and 2entertain Video Ltd (2EV) the UK’s leading independent audio-visual publisher, have entered into a renewed distribution agreement to deliver home entertainment programming from the BBC and other premium content providers to retailers within the U.S. and Canada. The announcement was made today by Jeff Brown, WHV Senior Vice President and General Manager, Television and Franchise and Richard Green, Chief Executive, 2entertain.
Under terms of the multi-year agreement, WHV will serve as the exclusive home video distributor of all titles in the BBC library as well as additional titles acquired by 2EV for North American distribution.
The new agreement, effective November 29, 2006, marks a renewal of the previous six-year relationship and represents the most extensive relationship between the companies to date.
“The BBC is indisputably one of the world’s leaders in creating original, compelling and powerful television content and we feel privileged to bring their product to consumers in the US and Canada. Our partnership with 2entertain is a very important one and the renewal of this deal reaffirms our commitment to the company in bringing its products to the forefront,” said Brown.
The renewed partnership between WHV and 2EV is commensurate with WHV’s strategy of maintaining its #1 market share position in TV series and documentaries on DVD. Other distribution and library arrangements in place include such partners as HBO, National Geographic, Warner Bros. television series and a number of key children’s franchises. 2entertain’s programmes include "The Office," "Fawlty Towers" and "Absolutely Fabulous," with forthcoming 2007 releases including "Planet Earth" and new "Doctor Who" volumes.
“We are delighted to have renewed our partnership with WHV, whose strengths and track record in releasing TV prospects in North America is very well respected,” said Green. He added, “Their team has been dedicated to handling our programmes and we believe the extension of our relationship will continue to increase growth and visibility of our brand among retailers and consumers.”
About Warner Home Video
With operations in 89 international territories Warner Home Video, a Division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc., commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Video and New Line Home Entertainment.
About 2EV
Formed in September 2004, 2 entertain is a joint venture between VCI Group, previously the UK's leading independent audio/visual packaged media business, and BBC Video, a division of BBC Worldwide. 2entertain has a key licensing agreement with BBC Worldwide and also has many existing relationships with key major talent and content providers throughout the entertainment industry.# # #