• by Wayne Friedman , February 9, 2009

USA Network has acquired the exclusive network television premiere rights to the 2009 Universal Pictures' film slate--worth around $200 million, according to executives.

The companies say the deal is considered to be one of the largest of its kind between a film studio and basic cable network. NBC Universal owns USA Network and Universal Pictures; the goal is to capitalize movie inventory cross-platform.

USA Network will begin receiving 24 films in 2010, after their pay-TV run on HBO. The film lineup includes "Fast & Furious," "Milk," "Frost/Nixon" and "Atonement," as well as movies in current and future theatrical release: "Duplicity," "State of Play," "Land of the Lost," "Funny People," "Couples Retreat," "The Wolfman," "The Boat That Rocked," "Cirque du Freak" and "Taking Woodstock."

The movie lineup features various actors, including Julia Roberts, Russell Crowe, Keira Knightley, Meryl Streep, Will Ferrell, Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro.

Jane Blaney--executive vice president, programming, acquisitions and scheduling, USA Network--called the arrangement "the most ambitious movie acquisition to date for USA" in a statement.

USA Network, home of "Psych" and "Monk," is seen in 94 million U.S. homes.