Showtime lines up new feature film supplier

11:20 PM PDT 10/13/2010 by Nellie Andreeva, AP

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Disney-ABC deal includes content from Spielberg

Showtime has lined up another feature film supplier.

The pay cable network has inked an output deal for up to 35 films from DreamWorks Studios that will be released between 2010 and 2015.

Showtime made the pact with Disney-ABC Domestic TV which handles TV distribution for the now-indie DreamWorks under DreamWorks’ distribution agreement with the Walt Disney Co.

“We expect a great supply of high-profile commercially successful films from Steven Spielberg, Stacey Snider and their wonderful team,” Showtime Networks chairman and CEO Matthew Blank said.

Following Showtime’s loss of longtime feature suppliers Paramount Pictures, MGM and Lionsgate, which went on to launch rival pay cable venture Epix, Showtime has been slowly building a new movie slate through deals with a number of production companies, including Summit Entertainment and the Weinstein Co., in addition to access to the output of sibling CBS Films.

Showtime already has a relationship with DreamWorks on the TV side where DreamWorks TV produces the net's comedy series "United States of Tara" as well as a Broadway-themed project, now in the works. DreamWorks TV also is involved in Showtime's upcoming period drama "The Borgias" starring Jeremy Irons.