XYZNETWORKS AND PASSION DISTRIBUTION ANNOUNCE VOLUME DEAL
July 5th, 2010 - XYZnetworks has signed a volume deal with Passion Distribution it was announced today by Bruce Mann, CEO, XYZnetworks and Sally Miles, CEO, Passion Distribution. XYZnetworks has just acquired 253 hours of content from Passion Distribution. Under the terms of the volume deal, XYZnetworks agrees to acquire another 350 hours of first run exclusive content across its portfolio of channels and has first option to purchase formats based on the shows they acquire. Passion is a major distributor to XYZnetworks and supplies many key titles to its three LifeStyle Channels – The LifeStyle Channel, LifeStyle FOOD and LifeStyle YOU. “Passion is an important strategic partner who supplies many of our key shows. We wanted to further formalise our arrangements as Passion consistently provide programs so well to brief. In addition to supplying us with numerous shows for LifeStyle FOOD and LifeStyle YOU, Passion now represents the Scripps catalogue which is important for our increasing interest in US programming,” said Bruce Mann. The deal was brokered by XYZnetworks’s Director of Programming and Acquisitions, Hannah Barnes, and Passion Distribution’s CEO, Sally Miles, and marks Passion as a key supplier to the XYZnetworks. “XYZnetworks portfolio of LifeStyle Channels lead the Australian market in the lifestyle genre and we believe this arrangement with Passion is a significant step towards reinforcing this position,” said Hannah Barnes. “Passion has great shows including the food hit, ACE OF CAKES, and the fabulous series, RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE, we couldn’t be happier with the deal.” Sally Miles said: “We have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Bruce Mann and his great team at XYZnetworks and we are delighted to play an important role in the schedules of their LifeStyle Channels going forward.” Titles in the deal include 5 INGREDIENT FIX (32x30’); SECRETS OF A RESTAURANT CHEF (19x30’); the brand new PRIVATE CHEFS OF BEVERLY HILLS (7x60’) a reality food series; and further seasons of ACE OF CAKES (48x30’ / 4x60’) following the success of previous seasons on LifeStyle FOOD – all from Scripps Networks International in the Passion catalogue. Also included is an all new season of RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE (12x60’) following the airing of Season 1 in primetime on LifeStyle YOU which generated a huge following; and RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE: UNTUCKED (10x30’) from production company World of Wonder; TOO FAT FOR 15: FIGHTING BACK (8x60’) from Daisybeck Productions; and BABY BEAUTY QUEENS (6x30’) from Landmark Films. For further information, please contact: Madeleine Cunnane maddycunnane@passiondistribution.com Sharyn Whitten sharyn.whitten@xyznetworks.com.au XYZnetworks XYZnetworks owns and operates eight leading brands including The LifeStyle Channel, LifeStyle FOOD, LifeStyle YOU, Channel [V], [V] HITS, MAX, Country Music Channel and The Weather Channel. XYZnetworks also owns Arena TV, distributes global giant Discovery Channel and jointly owns kids powerhouse Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. Collectively the channels reach more than 4.3 million* television viewers. XYZnetworks is equally owned by FOXTEL and AUSTAR. *Source – OzTam Passion Distribution Passion Distribution was officially launched by its founder and CEO, Sally Miles, in 2008. This unique, boutique and intimate style international distribution business represents great content and formats on behalf of UK and North American producers and broadcasters. London based Passion Distribution specialises in popular quality programming and formats in genres including Factual Entertainment, Reality, Documentaries, Lifestyle, Game-shows and Comedy. Passion Distribution has exclusive distribution agreements with several broadcasters and production companies including Scripps Networks International, Lifetime and World of Wonder and works with many others both in the UK & US. Having built a catalogue with over 1,500 hours in its first 18months, Passion Distribution is active in pre-selling, finding co-pro partners and deficit funding.
