ITV lose Bond to Sky

[mrs_emma_peel]

ITV lose Bond to Sky ...
Sky has broken ITV's almost 40-year hold on James Bond films, striking a deal to air the full 22-strong franchise in high definition. Sky Movies has struck a deal with MGM to air all the Bond films, including Daniel Craig's latest outing in Skyfall which is due to premiere on pay-TV next spring, from October.

Bond films have been a staple of ITV's movie output since 1975. Sky has held pay-TV rights to new Bond movies since the 1990s, giving the satellite broadcaster the UK TV premiere of each.

Until now ITV has held the rights to repeat old Bond movies and broadcast the free-to-air premiere of new films in the franchise. However, Sky now appears to have acquired all UK TV rights, shutting ITV out, although it is understood that the deal is only for one year.

The Sky deal comprises the 22 official Bond films made by Eon Productions as well as two non-Eon movies – Casino Royale and Never Say Never Again. ITV stuck a deal to keep hold of the free-to-air rights for the entire Bond franchise, in HD, in a two-year deal struck in August 2010.

Sky's deal comes into effect on 5 October, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the franchise which began with the release of Doctor No, starring Sean Connery and Ursula Andress. BSkyB intends to air the Bond films on Sky Movies Showcase HD with no commercials.

"We are simply delighted to have secured the Bond films for our customers," said Ian Lewis, director of Sky Movies. "Everything about these films is iconic – whether it's the cars, the gadgets or the catchphrases. They've become hugely significant culturally demonstrating the best of British film."

Source: The Guardian online
Emma

[Amethyst_Isle]

That is good news to hear as that will mean that ITV won't clog up the TV schedules with them,instead they can clog it up with something else.

[GRAEME]

This made my 8 year old son cry his eyes out! The thought of no more Bond!

Good job his birthday is in two weeks and we've got him the complete box set! Shh - secret...

[Amethyst_Isle]

Good job his birthday is in two weeks and we've got him the complete box set! Shh - secret...