Enough with the deal-making -- bring on the films already.
The long-awaited CBS Films announced late Tuesday that it had allied with Sony Pictures Entertainment for international distribution of its films, for both theatrical and home entertainment.
A statement released by Sony said:
"Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group has signed a three-year marketing and distribution deal with CBS Films, under which Sony Pictures will handle international theatrical distribution of CBS Films productions as well as service worldwide distribution of the unit’s films in the home entertainment marketplace, it was announced today by Peter Schlessel, president, Worldwide Affairs for Sony Pictures, and Jeff Blake, chairman, Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing & Distribution."
"CBS Films will handle domestic theatrical distribution of all titles and retains rights in a limited number of foreign territories."
Les Moonves' foray into moviemaking was launched in 2007, and the division, run by Amy Baer, will release its first films early next year.
The studio's first release, in late January, is Extraordinary Measures, an inspirational drama inspired by the true story of John Crowley, who pursued a cure for his children's life threatening disease. The film stars Harrison Ford, Brendan Fraser and Keri Russell, and is produced by Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher and Carla Santos Shamberg.
The second release is titled The Back-up Plan, a romantic comedy starring Jennifer Lopez.
Schlessel worked Senior Vice President of Business Affairs Michael Helfand in negotiating the pact on behalf of Sony. The deal was negotiated on behalf of CBS Films by Bruce Tobey, Chief Operating Officer, and Rik Toulon, EVP and General Counsel.
