Fox, U.K.'s LoveFilm Ink Multi-Year Streaming Deal

LONDON - Amazon.com's online streaming service LoveFilm has struck a multi-year content deal with News Corp.'s Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution that will give LoveFilm subscribers access to recent and upcoming movies and library TV series.

our editor recommends

Netflix, LoveFilm Impact On Hollywood U.K. Pay TV Deals to Be Examined by Regulator

U.K. Regulator: Netflix, Amazon's LoveFilm Have Not Weakened BSKyB's Pay TV Grip on Hollywood Movies

LoveFilm U.K. Signs Multi-Platform Streaming Deal with Warner Bros.

Under the arrangement, members of LoveFilm, known as the Netflix of Europe, will get exclusive on-demand access to what will be a new second pay TV window for 20th Century Fox films in the U.K.
 
Financial terms weren't disclosed, but the Fox deal starts with film titles released theatrically in the U.K. last year, which will become available on LoveFilm as early as March 2013.
 
The agreement is the company's latest with a major Hollywood studio. Over the past year, LoveFilm also has struck deals with Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal, Disney/ABC, Entertainment One, StudioCanal, the BBC and ITV.

The deal with 20th Century Fox Television Distribution also will give LoveFilm users access to library movies and TV series. Among the TV library shows that will be available starting next month are Sons of Anarchy and all seasons of 24, Prison Break, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.

"We are delighted to be partnered with LoveFilm on this new window for Fox films in the U.K.," said Gina Brogi, executive vp worldwide pay television and subscription video-on-demand at 20th Century Fox Television Distribution. "This film and series agreement enables us to give U.K. fans yet another avenue to enjoy the great stories and characters they have come to know and love from our studio.”
 
"Twentieth Century Fox is one of the world’s leading studios, known across the globe for creating fantastic, iconic content," said LoveFilm managing director Jim Buckle. "This partnership will give LoveFilm members access to the studio’s huge range of recent movies and the opportunity to revisit some of the best American TV series produced in recent years.”
 
LoveFilm also will continue to rent 20th Century Fox titles on DVD, Blu-ray and Blu-Ray 3D via its LoveFilm by Post service, the companies said.

Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com

Twitter: @georgszalai