Starz Distribution

Starz Distribution (formerly IDT Entertainment and Starz Media) is the motion picture, animation, television, and home video operating unit of Starz Inc., a subsidiary of Lionsgate. Starz Distribution develops, produces, and acquires original programming content (Starz and AMC), feature films (Anchor Bay Films), anime (Manga Entertainment) and other filmed entertainment. Distribution methods include DVD, digital formats and traditional television.[1]

Starz Distribution
TypeSubsidiary
Industry
Founded
  • 2003 (2003) (as IDT Entertainment)
  • 2006 (2006) (as Starz Media)
  • 2013 (2013) (as Starz Distribution)
HeadquartersBurbank, California, USA
Key people
Chris Albrecht, CEO
OwnerLionsgate
ParentStarz
Divisions
  • Digital Production Solutions (DPS)
    (Global Animation Studio)
  • Starz Digital
  • Starz Media Sales
Subsidiaries
Websitewww.starz.com

History

In May 2004, IDT Entertainment purchased a minority share in POW! Entertainment with exclusive distribution rights to POW's animated DVD properties and joint development of 6 cartoon films.[2] In 2005, IDT signed a deal with 20th Century Fox.[3] On May 16, 2006, IDT agreed to sell its IDT Entertainment division to Liberty Media "for all of Liberty Media's interests in IDT, $186 million in cash and the assumption of existing indebtedness."[4] On August 31, 2006, the sale of all of IDT Entertainment's US operations and several international operations was completed. "The remainder of the deal, to include the Canadian and Australian operations, is expected to be closed in the next few weeks after regulatory approval has been given."[5] This sale was completed on September 29, 2006.[6]

On January 4, 2011, The Weinstein Company purchased a 25% stake in the operating unit. While not including TV rights, the deal spans Blu-ray, DVD and VOD, pay-per-view and digital distribution and covers up to 20 TWC and Dimension titles per year. They include The King's Speech, Blue Valentine and Company Men.[7] Starz acquired the 25% stake owned by Weinstein in October 2015.[8]

On January 11, 2013, Liberty Media Corporation completed the "spin-off" of its Starz Entertainment segment as a separate entity. Under this new structure, the entity that was known as "Starz Media" became Starz Distribution.[9]

In November 2015, Waterman Entertainment purchased the animation studio Film Roman from Starz Distribution.[10]

On December 8, 2016, Lionsgate purchased Starz Inc. for $4.4 billion.[11]

Subsidiaries

Starz Distribution's units include:

Minority stakes

Starz Distribution holds minority stakes in:

Former assets

Live-action films

Animated films

Starz Distribution/IDT Entertainment have been in charge of the animation production or distribution of the following films:

Theatrical

TV specials

Direct-to-Video

References
  1. "Starz (STRZA.O)". Reuters. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  2. Graser, Marc (May 7, 2004). "IDT joins Lee in POW! to distrib toon DVDs". Daily Variety. Archived from the original on November 6, 2012. Retrieved June 28, 2011.
  3. Fritz, Ben; Brodesser, Claude (June 8, 2005). "IDT animated over 20th". Variety. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  4. IDT Corporation - Press Releases
  5. UK Film and Television News - Liberty Completes First Stage of IDT Acquisition
  6. "Liberty Completes Final Stage of IDT Entertainment Acquisition". IDT Corporation. Archived from the original on October 5, 2006. Retrieved May 15, 2017.
  7. "Weinstein Company Acquires 25 Percent Stake in Starz Media". The Hollywood Reporter. January 4, 2011. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  8. "Starz - Annual Report". February 22, 2016. Archived from the original on February 29, 2016.
  9. "Liberty Media Corporation and Starz Announce Completion of Spin-Off". Reuters. Archived from the original on February 3, 2014. Retrieved January 11, 2013.
  10. McNary, Dave (November 12, 2015). "'Simpsons' Animator Film Roman Bought by Waterman Entertainment". Variety. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
  11. Lieberman, David (December 8, 2016). "Lionsgate Closes Deal To Buy Starz". Deadline. Retrieved December 9, 2016.
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