Starz Entertainment extended its relationship with independent Yari Films Group, obtaining the exclusive rights to five films that will premiere in 2008 on the Starz and Encore linear channels, plus other platforms.
The films in the exclusive deal; Even Money, starring Danny DeVito, Kim Basinger, Tim Roth, Ray Liotta, Nick Cannon and Kelsey Grammer; Kickin’ It Old Skool, starring Jamie Kennedy; Redline, starring Eddie Griffin; Gray Matters, starring Sissy Spacek, Heather Graham, Bridget Moynahan and Alan Cumming; and First Snow, starring Guy Pearce, Piper Perabo, J.K. Simmons and William Fichtner.
In addition to appearing on the linear service, the films will be accessible through Starz On Demand and Vongo, Starz Entertainment’s broadband video download service.
"We have a long-standing relationship with Starz and are pleased to be able to continue that partnership,” said Bob Yari, president of the Yari Film Group, in a statement. “Being able to offer our content to Starz' subscribers on their various distribution platforms helps us achieve our goals - enabling our films to have a long and profitable life, broadening their audiences as well as their business potential."
Noted Starz Entertainment vice president of program acquisitions Nancy Silverstone:
“It gives us great pleasure to be able to continue our relationship with Bob Yari. We’re excited to showcase his films, each filled with unique casts, on all our platforms.”
Founded in 2002, Yari Film Group has established itself as one of the most successful independent film companies in Tinseltown, with over 30 films produced over the last three years. Its release schedule for 2008 includes The Accidental Husband, a romantic comedy starring Uma Thurman, Colin Firth and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, as well as Assassination of a High School President, an irreverent high school comedy with Mischa Barton, Reece Thompson and Bruce Willis. The film premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival.
