Hart Sharp delivers TV Guide line of DVDs

Programming will include series, TV movies, special events

By Marcy Magiera -- Video Business, 3/7/2007

MARCH 7 | Hart Sharp Video has licensed the TV Guide brand for a new line of TV programming on DVD that will begin with Banacek—The First Season, due out May 15.

Titled TV Guide Presents, the new line will include series, TV movies and special event programming, said Hart Sharp president Joe Amodei. The label’s deal with the venerable magazine includes promotion of the DVD titles across TV Guide’s magazine and Web site and the TV Guide Channel.

Hart Sharp plans to distribute four to six TV Guide Presents titles this year as it acquires programming. The label picked up distribution rights to Banacek and single-season series The Crow from NBC Universal. The Crow is due on disc in July.

Hart Sharp also will release TV Guide Channel’s Trapped in TV Guide, an original production featuring hidden camera pranks inspired by classic TV moments, in June.

“There’s so much product out there that may never get the opportunity to be released” by major studios, said Amodei, pointing out that his company can be successful with a smaller sales volume than a major studio might require.

As Hart Sharp expands the line with more titles, the TV Guide Presents brand will eventually help place and merchandise the line at retail, Amodei said.