Epix Screens Roadside Films

film reel

Epix, the premium cable network run by three studios, has signed a deal with a fourth allowing it to air up to 22 films over the next three years. The deal with independent Roadside Attractions allows Epix to air its movies on its linear channel and online, as well as VOD.

Epix is a joint venture of Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate -- and the subject of much industry interest. It currently seeks distribution partners in a marketplace crowded with pay-movie channels. In a sense, the arrangement is not a stretch for Lionsgate, a minority stakeholder in Roadside and its distributor for video and TV.

So far, it has announced only one deal with Verizon FiOS that will put it in relatively few homes. Epix had been targeted for an October launch, but now lists the target date as the fourth quarter of this year.

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In addition to films from the libraries of its partners (and Samuel Goldwyn Films) and now Roadside, Epix is seeking TV content a la HBO or Showtime. Lionsgate has said it is working on an "Atlas Shrugged" mini-series.

Among the 2009 Roadside films that Epix is expected to carry are "From Mexico With Love" and "The Cove."

Roadside is also behind "The September Issue," a new documentary with a limited release focusing on legendary Vogue editor Anna Wintour. It also produced a previous documentary success, "Supersize Me."

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