MGM Worldwide Television to license pan Middle Eastern pay TV & VOD offerings to Showtime Arabia
MGM Worldwide Television, a division of Metro-Goldwyn Mayer Studios Inc., has concluded its first pan Middle Eastern Pay TV and VOD agreement with Showtime Arabia, the leading Pay TV network in the Middle East and North Africa, and its Show On Demand, the region's first video on demand service. The licensing agreement marks MGM's first VOD offer for the region and brings MGM's films to Showtime customers throughout the Middle East.
Showtime Arabia broadcasts the very best and latest blockbuster movies through its exclusive deals with 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 and SHOWSPORTS. 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.
“As the leading Pay TV provider throughout the region, Showtime Arabia is a great partner for MGM," said Chris Ottinger, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Television, MGM, while making the announcement. "We are pleased to collaborate with Showtime Arabia in bringing MGM's theatrical blockbusters to the movie fans throughout the Middle East and believe that the Show On Demand platform will be a tremendous asset in gaining exposure for MGM's films and growing our global VOD business model. Paul Bischoff, Vice President, Rights and Acquisitions at MGM served as a key member of our team in making this important deal happen.”
"MGM's brand and its diverse selection of popular feature films will enrich our customers’ experience," said Marc-Antoine d'Halluin, President & CEO, Showtime Arabia. "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."
According to the terms of the five-year agreement, Showtime Arabia will carry such MGM titles as the recent James Bond franchise hits Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, the final installment in the Rocky franchise Rocky Balboa, the political thriller Lions for Lambs which starred Tom Cruise, Robert Redford and Meryl Streep, and Pink Panther 2, starring Steve Martin.
