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Wednesday, November 11 - 2009

Showtime signs five-year exclusive deal with MGM

  • United Arab Emirates: Sunday, May 10 - 2009 at 13:16
  • PRESS RELEASE

Showtime Arabia announced it signed a five-year deal with MGM Worldwide Television, a division of Metro-Goldwyn Mayer Studios Inc., bringing a bouquet of blockbusters to Showtime customers throughout the Middle East.

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  • Casino Royale.
    Casino Royale.
The agreement marks MGM's first Video On Demand (VOD) offer in the region and offers MGM's films exclusively to Showtime customers. With 205 Academy Awards, the world's largest library of modern films and home to numerous successful film franchises, including James Bond, Pink Panther and Rocky, MGM is a fantastic addition to Showtime customers' entertainment line-up.

The deal adds MGM to the list of powerhouse studios that are signed up with Sowtime including Sony, Disney, Universal, Dreamworks, and many local and international producers.

According to the terms of the five-year agreement, Showtime Arabia will carry MGM titles such as the recent James Bond franchise hits that include Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, the final installment in the Rocky franchise Rocky Balboa, the political thriller Lions for Lambs starring Tom Cruise, Robert Redford and Meryl Streep, and Pink Panther-2, starring Steve Martin.

Marc-Antoine d'Halluin, President and CEO, Showtime Arabia, said: "MGM's brand and its diverse selection of popular feature films will enrich our customers' experience. We're very proud to add MGM's popular film franchises to Showtime's Pay TV and Video On Demand services and look forward to exploring other opportunities with the studio."

Chris Ottinger, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Television, MGM, said:

"As the leading Pay TV provider throughout the region, Showtime Arabia is an ideal partner for MGM. We are pleased to collaborate with Showtime Arabia in bringing MGM's theatrical blockbusters to the movie fans throughout the Middle East and believe the Video On Demand platform will be a tremendous asset in gaining exposure for MGM's films and growing our global VOD business model."


Showtime will kick off the partnership in June, premiering two of the latest Bond films in the 007 franchise. A man that needs no introduction, Daniel Craig hasn't lost a step since Casino Royale. This James Bond remains dangerous, a man who could earn that license to kill in brutal hand-to-hand combat, but still look sharp in a tailored suit.

And Quantum of Solace carries on from the previous film like no other 007 movie, with Bond nursing his anger from the Casino Royale storyline and vowing blood revenge on those responsible.

Later this year, Showtime will hit the ultimate in viewing - the complete collection of James Bond films - 22 in total making the 007 franchise one of the most famous and indeed the longest running in the history of cinema. Showtime customers can also look forward to many future titles currently in production including Cabin in the Woods starring Oscar nominee Richard Jenkins and Hot Tub Machine starring John Cusack.
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Notes and media contacts

About Showtime Arabia
Showtime Arabia is the leading Pay TV network in the Middle East and North Africa broadcasting the very best and latest blockbuster movies through its exclusive deals with the leading Hollywood studios including Paramount, Dreamworks, Sony Columbia, NBC Universal, Disney, MGM, and local producers; exclusive premium sports including the world's most popular football league the Premier League, International Rugby and other major sporting events; and the best International series and shows including Desperate Housewives, Lost, Prison Break, CSI and Ugly Betty to name just a few, first on TV and one full year before any other channel.

Showtime Arabia is based in Dubai and produces its own premium channels branded SHOWCINEMA, SHOWMOVIES, SHOWSPORTS, SHOWSERIES, SHOWCOMEDY, SHOWKIDS, SHOWTODAY and SHOWSHASHA. Showtime Arabia acquires, produces and packages the best programs to deliver an exciting and broad range of programming to meet all of the family's entertainment needs. The network's owned channels are complemented with a premium selection of International partner channels including global brands like Disney, BBC Lifestyle, MBC + Drama, Discovery, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Adventure, The Style Network, CNBC, Sky News and many more.

The network's commitment to its customers goes beyond the region's best programming. With SHOWBOX, the most advanced and first digital video recorder in the region and SHOWGUIDE, the electronic programming guide and print magazine. Via the SHOWBOX, Showtime Arabia has also launched SHOW ON DEMAND the region's first video on demand service. Showtime Arabia incorporates the latest innovations in technology and the broadcast industry to provide customers with the maximum TV viewing experience.

Showtime Arabia is owned by Gulf DTH, which is a joint venture between Kuwait Projects Company Holding (KIPCO) and Viacom, Inc.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.:
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise.

The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution In, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive.

In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows:

Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%).

For more information on Showtime, please contact:

Ahmed Negm
Director Corporate Communications
Showtime Arabia
Tel: + 971 (0) 4 367 7346
Fax: + 971 (0) 4 367 7348

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