Bond Films Deal Renewed

A multiyear renewal agreement for the James Bond movies has been inked between ITV and MGM's TV distribution unit.
Gary Marenzi, MGM Worldwide TV Co-President settled the deal, which will keep the franchise on the British commercial network and its family of channels for several years. Quantum of Solace, the most recent film in the Bond series is also included.
This will be the first time in the U.K. marketplace, that all the Bond films will be shown on ITV1 HD.
Annual revenue from licensing the MGM library internationally and domestically to TV outlets, including moneys for the Bonds, is thought to be in the $300 million range.
Zai Bennett, ITV Director of Digital Channels and Acquisitions commented: "James Bond is a British cinematic icon loved by ITV's audience, and we're delighted to continue the franchise's long association with ITV as well as the chance, for the first time, to show every Bond feature film in fantastic HD."
(BMcN)