ITV wins Bridget Jones 2 after renewing Universal deal

by Sam Matthews,, Brand Republic 20-Jan-05, 12:00

LONDON - ITV has extended its deal with film giant NBC Universal to include all of Working Title's films including 'Bridget Jones Diary: The Edge of Reason', as well as a selection of Universal's library of feature films.

Other films from UK firm Working Title includes 'Thunderbirds' and 'Notting Hill'. NBC Universal's 2004 to 2006 library of films offered include 'Gladiator', 'The Mummy', and the original 'Bridget Jones's Diary' and Oscar-winner Peter Jackson's 'King Kong', which is currently filming in New Zealand.

Nigel Pickard, director of programmes at ITV, said: "Films form a key part of the ITV schedules in both peak and off-peak hours and we are delighted to build on this hugely successful relationship we have with NBC Universal."

Belinda Menendez, president of NBC Universal Television Distribution, added: "This agreement underscores the power of our product portfolio, as well as the significance of strong client support to help make our titles successful around the world."

Last week, German car manufacturer Volkswagen announced it had signed a wide-ranging deal with NBC Universal to feature its products in its movies and TV shows.

ITV also snapped up the rights to a string of blockbusters in a movie deal with Warner Bros last October, which will see it screen 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' and 'Troy', alongside 'The Matrix Revolutions' and Tom Cruise's 'The Last Samurai'.

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