Shout! signs DVD distribution deal with Vivendi

New agreement includes documentaries, features, TV DVD box sets

By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 3/22/2007

MARCH 22 | Following the exit of Sony Wonder general manager Jim Wilson, Shout! Factory has found a new DVD distributor, signing a multi-year agreement with Vivendi Visual Entertainment.

Under the deal’s terms, VVE will distribute all of Shout!’s non-music video titles, including documentaries, features and TV DVD box sets. All Shout! music titles will continue to be distributed by Sony BMG.

Shout! previously was distributing titles through Sony BMG unit Sony Wonder. But that division has been working to close its DVD operations for the last several months.

Sony Wonder day-to-day chief Wilson left the company earlier this year. Sesame Workshop, Classic Media and World Wrestling Entertainment -- all previously long-time Sony Wonder content output partners -- recently agreed to distribute their titles through Genius Products.

“Shout! has established itself as one of the industry’s top purveyors of pop culture films and TV product,” said Tom O’Malley, VVE general manager. “Whether they are uncovering old favorites or producing new ones, their product is distinguished by its creativity and appeal that spans generations.”

Shout! president Garson Foos added, “Tom and his crew have a lot of expertise in the rental market, an area of growth for us. They have an experienced and motivated staff that can put a lot of focus on our products and work with us collaboratively to maximize our business in traditional and non-traditional sales channels.”