NBC Universal, StudioCanal extend joint venture, distribution agreements

Under the first deal, Universal Pictures International Entertainment and StudioCanal have extended their international sales agreement for a further two years, to end in 2012. Their joint venture - Universal StudioCanal Video GIE (USCV), which was first set up in 2008, will market and distribute home entertainment titles in France for the next three years to the end of 2013. 

Under the terms of the second agreement, NBC Universal International Television Distribution will continue distributing StudioCanal theatrical titles internationally. NBCUITD had been licensing international TV rights to StudioCanal’s library since 2001.

The 5,000+ titles include About a Boy; Billy Elliot; Bridget Jones’s Diary; Johnny English; Nanny McPhee; Apocalypse Now and TotalRecall.

USCV combines the sales, marketing and distribution force of Universal Pictures France and StudioCanal. The forthcoming slate includes Robin Hood, L’Amour C’est Mieux à Deux,  l’Arnacoeur, Moi Moche et Méchantand Le Voyage Extraordinaire de Sammy.

Eddie Cunningham, President UPIE, said, “UPIE is very proud of the successful relationship with StudioCanal and we look forward to continuing our partnership as one of the leading home entertainment distributors in France.”

Pauline Grimaldi D’Esdra, Managing Director, USCV, said, “The success of USCV since 2008 is indicative of the combined expertise and professionalism of the Universal and StudioCanal teams.”

Olivier Courson, CEO, StudioCanal, added, “I am very pleased we managed to renew our agreement with Universal. We did a very good job together these past few years. Universal highlighted the library in a successful and profitable way. It is a real pleasure for our teams continuing their successful relationship.”