MTV Networks Acquires Significant Movie Package From NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution

NEW YORK, Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- MTV Networks has acquired the broadcast premiere rights to some of 2010's hit theatrical films from NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution. Spike TV, the deal's primary beneficiary, attains rights to "Robin Hood" ($310 million gross worldwide), "Wolfman" ($160 million), and "Green Zone" ($94 million), which target the network's male demographic of Men 18-49.  Comedy Central procures the rights to the broadcast premiere of "Get Him to the Greek" while MTV acquires "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World."

The deal was announced today by John Griffin, senior vice president, programming and acquisitions, MTV Networks and Frances Manfredi, executive vice president, cable and ancillary sales, NBC Universal Domestic TV Distribution.  Josh Vodnoy from MTV and Bruce Casino, senior vice president of cable and ancillary sales, NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution brokered the deal. Overall, Spike TV and fellow MTV Networks' Comedy Central, MTV and VH1 have acquired the rights to 57 films.

"This action-packed movie package, highlighted by the premieres 'Robin Hood,' 'Wolfman,' and 'Green Zone,' all feature the intensity and drama our guy-centric audience craves," said Griffin. 

"We applaud MTV Networks for recognizing the quality of this film slate which is the perfect fit for their brands," said Casino. "This significant acquisition establishes MTV Networks as a serious player in the network premiere window." 

Spike TV's broadcast rights for "Wolfman," and "Green Zone" begin June 1, 2012 while the premiere window for "Robin Hood" and "MacGruber" begins September 1, 2012.  The deal with NBCU also includes legendary films "Scarface," "A Bronx Tale," "Cape Fear," and the "Jaws" trilogy.

In addition, as part of the movie package, Comedy Central has a premiere window for the comedy hit, "Get Him To the Greek" on September 1, 2012 while MTV will have the broadcast premiere of "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" on November 1, 2012.

About MTV Networks:

MTV Networks, a division of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world's leading creators of entertainment content, with brands that engage and connect diverse audiences across television, online, mobile, games, virtual worlds and consumer products.  The company's portfolio spans more than 150 television channels and 400 digital media properties worldwide, and includes MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, Harmonix, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Nick Jr., TeenNick, AddictingGames, Shockwave, Neopets, COMEDY CENTRAL, SPIKE, TV Land, Atom, and GameTrailers. 

About NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution:

The NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution division is responsible for the distribution of NBC Universal product to all forms of television within the U.S. and Canada. This includes distribution of current and library film and television product, formats and non-scripted programming in the pay, free, and basic cable television markets, as well as the domestic syndication of first-run syndicated TV programs, theatrical and TV movie packages.

Current first-run strip syndicated programming from NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution includes "Access Hollywood," "Access Hollywood Live," "The Jerry Springer Show," "Maury" and "The Steve Wilkos Show." Current first-run weekly syndicated programming includes "The Chris Matthews Show," "The Wall Street Journal Report with Maria Bartiromo" and the off-network distribution of "30 Rock," "Friday Night Lights," "House," "Law & Order," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "Monk," "The Office," "The Real Housewives" franchise and much more.

SOURCE MTV Networks