Showtime Networks Inc., and AtomShockwave Corp., announced Tuesday, April 3, the signing of a new licensing deal to bring up to 100 short films to the recently launched multiplex channel SHOWTIME NEXT. The short films, part of the catalogue of AtomShockwave's film and animation brand, AtomFilms, will debut on SHOWTIME NEXT, later appearing on other Showtime Networks Inc. channels and services. "Our agreement with AtomFilms is an ideal match for SHOWTIME NEXT," said Vice President of Acquisitions Gary Garfinkel. "AtomFilms has established itself as one of the strongest influences with viewers in this age group. This package of short films will enrich our SHOWTIME NEXT inventory with cutting edge, youth-oriented programming that should attract new subscribers in this important demographic group." According to AtomShockwave's VP of syndication Brian Burke, "SHOWTIME's choice of AtomFilms content for their newest channel confirms the quality and popularity of our short films. It is satisfying to see such strong demand from mainstream entertainment providers, ensuring a large audience for these films." Showtime has also secured 50 short films from the AtomFilms catalogue that will debut on the SHOWTIME NEXT web destination, http://www.SHOnext.com, which went live simultaneously with the channel's launch. Showtime Networks Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Viacom Inc., owns the premium television networks SHOWTIME, THE MOVIE CHANNEL and FLIX, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME EXTREME, SHOWTIME BEYOND, SHOWTIME NEXT, SHOWTIME WOMEN and SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE.
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
