Showtime Networks and The Weinstein Company Sign Exclusive Long-Term Output Deal

In a move that enhances its slate of theatrical motion pictures, Showtime Networks Inc. has entered into an exclusive seven-year film distribution arrangement with The Weinstein Company (TWC). The joint announcement was made today by Matthew C. Blank, Chairman and CEO of Showtime Networks and Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Co-Chairmen of TWC.

The new output deal is effective with TWC's 2009 release schedule and includes such highly anticipated films as "Nine," directed by Rob Marshall ("Chicago") and featuring an all-star cast including Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench and Sophia Loren, and Quentin Tarantino's "Inglorious Bastards."

The agreement with TWC -- combined with upcoming deals from other theatrical distributors and future product from CBS Films -- will form a potent feature film portfolio alongside SHOWTIME's award-winning, critically acclaimed original series and sports programming. These series include Dexter, Californication, The Tudors, Weeds, Brotherhood, The L Word, Tracey Ullman's State of the Union, Penn & Teller: Bullsh*t, Secret Diary of a Call Girl, and the just announced series, United States of Tara, from Executive Producer Steven Spielberg, written by Academy Award(R) winning screenwriter ("Juno") Diablo Cody and starring Toni Collett. SHOWTIME is also the new home of "Inside The NFL," with hosts James Brown, Cris Collinsworth and Phil Simms which premieres September 10 as well as Showtime Championship Boxing and Elite XC, Showtime Networks' entry into the fast-growing sport of mixed martial arts that will be airing its second national broadcast on July 26, with SHOWTIME airing the first hour, from 8-9 before going live on the CBS Television Network at 9.

The output deal also includes releases from Dimension Films such as "Youth In Revolt," based on C.D. Payne's bestselling book and starring Michael Cera, "6 Billion Dollar Man," the remake of David Cronenberg's "Scanners," re-starting the "Scream" franchise with "Scream 4," and "Piranha 3D."

This deal furthers the relationship between Showtime Networks and TWC's Dimension Films which began in 1997 with SHOWTIME airing "Mimic," and "Scream 2."