BT signs broadband content deal with DreamWorks

by Mark Banham, Brand Republic 18-May-06, 11:00

LONDON - BT has inked a video-on-demand deal with film studio DreamWorks SKG, as part of a new push for its BT Vision television-via-broadband service launching this autumn, to bring DreamWorks' catalogue of films to the platform.

BT Vision customers will be able to receive a range of film, music and television programming available on-demand, as well as Freeview channels and interactive services, without a subscription fee.

DreamWorks films included in this package include Tom Cruise alien invasion drama 'War of the Worlds' and the 'Shrek' franchise starring Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy.

Dan Marks, chief executive of BT Vision, said: "We look forward to bringing [DreamWork's] movies to our customers with the choice, convenience and control that they want."

BT Vision customers will also be able to request more recent titles as part of a pay-per-view package. Films will include Steven Spielberg's hostage drama 'Munich', animated adventure 'Madagascar', Reece Witherspoon romantic comedy 'Just Like Heaven' and thriller 'Red Eye'.

Hal Richardson, president of worldwide television distribution at Paramount Pictures, the theatrical distributor for DreamWorks, said: "We look forward to participating in this exciting new service, and providing both DreamWorks and Paramount pictures to BT Vision video-on-demand consumers."

The move takes BT further into the realm of broadband television competing against terrestrial broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 who have all entered the broadband content market.

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