Universal Film Deal For ITV1

ITV1 has signed a deal with Universal which will see the commercial broadcaster gain access to Universal’s 2001-2003 releases, including About A Boy, one of the most successfull UK box office films this year, The Mummy Returns and Hannibal, as well as library titles and a selection of television programming.

The exclusive multiyear licensing agreement was announced today and will include product from the UK’s Working Title Films as well as library titles such as Terminator 2. ITV controller of acquisitions Jeremy Boulton said: “Universal has been experiencing tremendous success and this agreement secures the studio’s incredible slate of films for ITV1 in the UK. We look forward with relish to screening these great movies for our viewers.”

ITV1, which was recently beaten for the first time in the monthly peak time ratings by the BBC (see ITV Beaten For First Time In Monthly Ratings By BBC1), does not usually count films among its top audience-generators, having better success with soap operas. However, the regular broadcasting of films has done well for up and coming commercial broadcaster Channel 5, which can often rely on an audience of around 2 million for its Hollywod offerings, usually placing them among the top rated programmes for the channel.

ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.co.uk

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