MGM nabs library for hi-def network

Via Variety:

MGM has quarried its 4,100-title movie library to create a 24/7 high-definition cable network called MGM HD, which has signed a carriage deal with DirecTV.

The network, which will debut on DirecTV before year’s end, starts with titles such as “The Black Stallion,” “West Side Story,” “Leaving Las Vegas,” “RoboCop” and “Hotel Rwanda.” MGM HD will be advertiser-supported.

“The growth of the MGM library and the further expansion of the MGM channels worldwide are the studio’s primary objectives,” said Harry Sloan, chairman and CEO of MGM.

Although MGM HD is the studio’s first foray into the cable-network business in the U.S., MGM movie channels reach viewers in more than 100 countries across the globe.

Initially, MGM HD will consist of nothing but movies. But in the works are “exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of red-carpet events, sneak peeks at new films in production, seasonal promotions and world premieres of newly re-mastered hits from the MGM library,” according to the studio.

The hands-on MGM executives who put together the U.S. launch of MGM HD are Jim Packer, co-president of worldwide TV, and Doug Lee, executive VP of worldwide digital media.

Derek Chang, executive veep of programming and strategy for DirecTV, cited MGM’s “brand recognition and entertainment assets” as the reasons he signed MGM HD as part of an ambitious plan by the satellite distributor “to launch up to 100 HD channels by the end of the year.”