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Showtime Arabia, the pay TV network has signed an agreement with MGM Worldwide Television, a division of Metro-Goldwyn Mayer Studios Inc.
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 customers' entertainment line-up, Showtime says.
The agreement marks MGM's first Video on Demand (VoD) offer in the region and brings MGM's films exclusively to Showtime customers throughout the Middle East. 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 instalment 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.
"MGM's brand and its diverse selection of popular feature films will enrich our customers' experience," said Marc-Antoine d'Halluin, president and CEO, Showtime Arabia. "We're very proud to add MGM's popular film franchises to Showtime's pay TV and VoD services and look forward to exploring other opportunities with the studio."
"As the leading pay TV provider throughout the region, Showtime Arabia is an ideal partner for MGM," said Chris Ottinger, executive vice president, worldwide television, MGM, in making the announcement. "We are pleased to collaborate with Showtime Arabia in bringing MGM's theatrical blockbusters to 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."
Showtime will kick off in June by premiering the latest two 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 licence 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.
