Starz Inks Post Pay-One Output Licensing Deal with Universal Filmed Entertainment Group
STARZ today announced that it has entered a multi-year, theatrical output deal with Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG). Beginning with the 2022 theatrical slate, Universal’s live-action films in the U.S. will become available exclusively across all U.S. STARZ platforms in the Post Pay-One window immediately following their previously announced Pay-One windows.
Under the multi-year agreement, STARZ subscribers will have access to the newest installment in the blockbuster Jurassic World franchise, Jurassic World: Dominion; The 355 and Ambulance along with Focus Features and Blumhouse movies and a selection from UFEG’s library of movies.
“This agreement with UFEG allows STARZ to continue deepening our premium content offering for our subscribers with Universal’s award-winning and critically-acclaimed film slate that complements our existing extensive film library and original programming,” said Jeffrey Hirsch, President and CEO of STARZ. “This windowing strategy builds value to our subscribers and partners while expanding our deep roster of premium movies for fans of all genres.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with STARZ as they continue to build a comprehensive film offering with content that appeals to its broad consumer base with compelling new releases and iconic library titles,” said Peter Levinsohn, Vice Chairman and Chief Distribution Officer, UFEG. “This agreement reflects UFEG’s commitment to flexibility in building value through our distribution capabilities and constantly refreshing our content across multiple platform partners.”
STARZ announced earlier this year a multi-year exclusive first window output deal for all theatrically released Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) and Summit label films when current agreements expire at the end of 2021 and end of 2022, respectively. The agreement brings to STARZ such blockbuster franchises as John Wick, starring Keanu Reeves; Borderlands, based on the best-selling video game franchise; and The Hunger Games prequel based on Suzanne Collins’ runaway bestseller The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
About STARZ
STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading global media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly-rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ(R) service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. In 2018, STARZ launched its STARZPLAY international premium streaming platform to provide subscribers access to the “best of global SVOD.” STARZPLAY, coupled with its STARZPLAY ARABIA joint venture, has expanded its global footprint into more than 55 countries throughout Europe and Latin America along with Canada, Japan, India and Indonesia. STARZ and STARZPLAY are available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies around the world. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company.
About Universal Filmed Entertainment Group
Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG) produces, acquires, markets and distributes filmed entertainment worldwide in various media formats for theatrical, home entertainment, television and other distribution platforms. The global division includes Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, DreamWorks Animation Film and Television. UFEG is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
