SHOWTIME Info
The U.S. Showtime primarily shows
motion pictures as well as some original programming and occasional boxing
matches. Showtime, originally a service of Viacom, went on the air on July
1, 1976, on a local cable system in Dublin, California. |
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On March 7, 1978, it expanded to the
national market via satellite, competing with HBO. In 1979, Viacom sold 50%
of Showtime to TelePrompTer. In 1990, Showtime ventured into
acquiring and premiering independent films directly for the channel,
originally as part of its 30-Minute Movie anthology series of short films.
One of its first premieres, 12:01 PM, was nominated for an Academy Award. In
the years that followed, Showtime expanded its acquisitions into the realm
of feature-length fare, including the critically acclaimed remake of Lolita,
directed by Adrian Lyne. |
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Movies
The quality and selection available on Showtime and The Movie Channel has
fallen off considerably in recent years. This is attributable to a few
factors. After its launch, Starz signed exclusive first-run agreements with
several movie studios. After being acquired by Viacom in 1994, Paramount
Pictures began an output deal with Showtime (then also owned by Viacom),
effective after 1997. In addition to Paramount, Showtime has agreements with
MGM Studios, Lions Gate Films, IFC Films (which it shares broadcasting
rights with Starz), ThinkFilms among others.
Though not owning the broadcasting rights to show first-run movies from 20th
Century Fox, Showtime has been able to show independent films the studio
owns the home video rights to, even if they didn't release them
theatrically. Most notably being Mel Gibson's controversial 2004 film, The
Passion of the Christ. Others include Party Monster, Ong-Bak: The Thai
Warrior, Woman Thou Art Loosed and, recently, Donnie Darko.
As of 2006, Showtime has a partial deal with Rogue Pictures, allowing them
to broadcast particular films put out by the studio, including Carlito's
Way: Rise to Power and Dave Chappelle's Block Party.
The window between a film's inital release in theatres and its inital
screening on Showtime is much larger then on HBO and Starz.
Showtime also plays a lot of classic movies from United
Artists, Columbia Pictures, and some early/mid 90's movies from Miramax
Films and Warner Bros..
Usually films which Showtime has pay-cable rights will also run on The Movie
Channel during its time of license. |
Sources: Wikipedia and SHOWTIME Press
Releases/media kits
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