MGM inks TV deal with German media group, including 22 Bond films

29-Jun-2007 • Bond News

Herbert Kloiber, topper of Teutonic media conglom Tele Munchen, has signed a long-term TV licensing agreement with MGM for the free television, German-language rights to Tom Cruise's upcoming suspenser "Valkyrie" as well as an unspecified number of other United Artist and MGM theatrical pics, MGM telefilms and straight-to-video titles.
No financial details were available, but Germany is one of the most lucrative territories abroad for the major Hollywood studios, so observers are reckoning the deal is in the tens of millions of dollars. It is thought to run for three years - reports Variety.

Accord is the first major licensing arrangement put together by MGM co-prexy of Worldwide TV Gary Marenzi, who rejoined the Lion in mid-May.

Agreement encompasses future movie output from MGM and UA, including the 22nd film in MGM's James Bond franchise, which will star Daniel Craig; a new installment of comedy franchise "The Pink Panther," with Steve Martin as Inspector Clouseau; and the first release under Cruise and Paula Wagner's management of the UA studio, "Lions for Lambs," directed by Robert Redford.

WWII thriller "Valkyrie," directed by Bryan Singer, is being shot on location in Germany. Shooting at local military sites has been held up over jurisdiction concerns and Cruise's affiliation with the Church of Scientology. However, officials are now claiming that a filming permit will be given (see related story).

"The diversity of MGM's movie selection, with everything from riveting dramas and high adventures to coming-of-age comedies, appeals to the widest range of audience," said Kloiber, who has long served as MGM's main buyer in Germany.

"Our agreement with Tele Munchen is significant not only in that it brings MGM and UA popular theatrical releases to television viewers throughout the German-speaking region, it also introduces audiences to MGM's engaging telefilms and our new crop of consumer-direct movies, which are developed specifically for today's young global adult audience," Marenzi said.

Thanks to `Jack Wade` for the alert.