Showtime Networks and STX Entertainment, the newly launched film, television and multimedia studio, announced today that they have closed a multi-year output agreement to bring motion pictures distributed theatrically by STX exclusively to Showtime Networks during the premium television window. The deal will begin in 2015 and covers the studio’s theatrical releases through 2019, which will be shown exclusively on Showtime Networks and its multiplex channels including Showtime, The Movie Channel and Flix.
Additionally, STX Entertainment is commencing production on its initial film slate, with more titles to be revealed in the coming months. The first four features include projects from Academy Award nomineeGary Ross(The Hunger Games,Seabiscuit), Oscar nomineeBilly Ray(Captain Phillips,The Hunger Games), Oscar winnerMark Johnson(Rain Man,Breaking Bad) and Oscar nomineeJason Blum(Whiplash). The announced projects will star Academy Award winnersMatthew McConaughey,Julia RobertsandNicole Kidman, as well as Oscar nomineeChiwetel Ejiofor, Golden Globe nomineeWill Ferrelland Golden Globe winnerJason Bateman, among many others. Here’s whatKent Sevenerand Gary Garfinkel, Co-Heads of Content Acquisition, Showtime Networks Inc., had to say in a statement.
Adam Fogelson, Chairman of the STX Motion Picture Group, also added the following statement.
“STX Entertainment is the first major studio to launch in two decades, and these titles reflect the start of our diverse, long-term film strategy. We look forward to working withMatt Blank, David Nevins,Kent, Gary and the entire Showtime family as our pipeline of films finds an even broader audience on their cable and digital platforms post-theatrical.”
Oren Aviv, President and Chief Content Officer for the Motion Picture Group, had this to say in his statement.
“We have been poring over a number of outstanding projects and creative opportunities in the last few months and we could not be more excited to be launching the STX film division with these four very distinctive motion pictures. Choosing these inaugural projects really came down to the exceptional quality of the screenplays as well as our confidence in our filmmakers and talent.”
The first STX motion pictures to debut in theaters includeThe Free State of Jones, based on the true story of defiant Southern farmer, Newt Knight, and his extraordinary armed rebellion against the Confederacy during the Civil War. Written, directed and produced by four-time Academy Award nomineeGary Ross(The Hunger Games,Seabiscuit), and produced byScott Stuberand Jon Kilik, the action epic will star Academy Award winnerMatthew McConaugheyin his next leading role afterInterstellar. Route One / Union Investment Partners and Vendian Entertainment are co-financing, with IM Global overseeing international distribution. Here’s what directorGary Rosshad to say in his statement.
“I’ve been looking forward to this reunion withAdamever since we didSeabiscuit. I’ve never worked with a more thoughtful, confident, talented executive. I’m thrilled for him in this new venture and I’m honored to be one of their first films.”
Based on the 2010 Academy Award-winning Best Foreign Language Film,The Secret in Their Eyesis an all-star ensemble that begins production this month. Featuring Academy Award winners and nominees in front of and behind the camera, this intensely layered mystery starsChiwetel Ejiofor,Nicole KidmanandJulia Roberts, is written and directed byBilly Ray(writer ofCaptain Phillips,The Hunger Games), and produced byMark Johnson(Rain Man,Breaking Bad). STX is producing in conjunction with IM Global, with Route One / Union Investment Partners co-financing. Here’s what directorBilly Rayhad to say in a statement.
“I’m truly proud to be a part of the birth of this new studio. The people at STX are everything I could ask for in a partner: seasoned pros who are constantly doing what’s best for the movie. What else could a director want?”
Also shooting this month is an untitled, contemporary adult thriller from producers Rebecca Yeldham andJason Blum’s Blumhouse that explores if bygones are really ever bygones. This chilling, suspense-filled film starsJason Bateman,Rebecca Hall, andJoel Edgerton, and marks the writing and directorial debut of acclaimed actorJoel Edgerton. Couper Samuelson is executive producing. Here’s what writer-director-starJoel Edgertonhad to say in a statement.
“This has been a long-time passion project of mine and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be starting production with such a talented cast and in partnership with the incredible team under Adam and Oren at STX.”
ProducerJason Blumalso added his own statement.
“I’m excited to be in business with such a smart and nimble group.”
Golden Globe nomineeWill Ferrellis attached to star inRuss & Roger Go Beyond, based on the outrageous true story of the unlikely collaboration between two maverick outsiders - controversial directorRuss Meyerand his fledgling screenwriterRoger Ebert- who stormed the gates of Hollywood and forever changed the course of motion picture history. STX is eyeing a late summer start date for this original comedy that will feature a variety of A-list cameos, and is producing with Mark Amin,Cami Winikoff, David Permut and Richard Waltzer.
