MUMBAI: ION Television has inked multiple deals to acquire close to 35 major feature films and television series. The deals are with leading Hollywood studios, including Paramount Pictures Worldwide Television Distribution, Twentieth Television and Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution (WBDTD).
The announcement was made by Kristine Hunsinger, senior vice president, Planning, Scheduling and Acquisitions. The newly acquired titles will roll out on ION Television throughout the year.
“With nearly 35 star-studded movies and high profile network television series, ION Television continues to position itself as the premiere programming destination for the many viewers looking for top feature films,” said Hunsinger. “With this announcement, ION Television is establishing itself as a clear choice for appointment viewing.”
The television series acquired from Twentieth Television include the critically acclaimed crime drama Shark (Seasons 1-2; 38 episodes), starring James Woods, and the reality series Texas Justice (Seasons 1-4; 572 half-hour episodes).
The Paramount Pictures Worldwide Television Distribution package includes 15 film titles and features all three titles in The Godfather trilogy, starring Al Pacino, Death Wish and Death Wish IV: The Crackdown starring Charles Bronson and Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise.
ION has also acquired over a dozen releases from Warner Bros Domestic Television Distribution, including top films such as The Fugitive, starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones; GoodFellas, starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci; and The Outlaw Josey Wales and Space Cowboys, both directed by and starring Clint Eastwood.