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NBC Universal and News Corp sign film deal

27/03/2008

NBC Universal and News Corp have secured a deal that will see most of Universal's films released in 2008 shown on the FX Network.

According to US magazine Hollywood Reporter, many of the titles are yet to be released and marks NBC Universal's first 'slate deal' – thought to be worth more than $100 million.

Films include in the package include Judd-Apatow-produced Forgetting Sarah Marshall, George Clooney's Leatherheads, and Angelina Jolie's Wanted.
Upcoming films The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, with Brendan Fraser and Maria Bello; Hellboy II: The Golden Army, starring Ron Perlman and Selma Blair; and Death Race, featuring Jason Statham and Joan Allen are also said to be part of the deal.

Most of the films will be shown between 28-30 months after they are released, although NBC Universal has retained the right to change broadcast windows on certain titles.

FX executive vice president Chuck Saftler said: "For us, it's about picking up a very diverse slate that will give us movies that appeal to every quadrant of the 18-49 demographic.

"We are choosing movies diverse enough that we have the ability to support all of our original programmes."

Hollywood Reporter said although all parties declined comment on the financial terms of the deal, sources said that FX will pay 11 per cent-12 per cent of the domestic box-office takings on each title.