Columbia Tristar, Buena Vista In Deal

Columbia TriStar Film Distributors International, a unit of Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Buena Vista International, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Walt Disney, have inked a theatrical distribution agreement in India. The announcement was made today by Duncan Clark, president of Columbia Tristar.

As per the agreement effective immediately, Walt Disney and Touchstone products, and other Buena Vista International labels will be distributed locally by Columbia TriStar Films of India. The outfit is being headed by Uday Singh in the capacity of general manager.

"We are very pleased to extend our association with Buena Vista International to the Indian continent. We have a very successful partnership with Buena Vista in many parts of Asia and Latin America, and this step mirrors our close association. Uday Singh has completely reorganised and reinvigorated our whole Indian operation" said Clark, speaking on the occasion.

 

Buena Vista International looks after Walt Disney studio distribution business worldwide.

The first product to hit the market under the new agreement will be Disney's live action film Armageddon, to be released all over the country on November 27. The film is to be dubbed in Hindi.

The aim of the new alliance is to widen BVI's distribution reach and increase market penetration. It is also expected to lead to better marketing and distribution synergies.

Columbia India already does the marketing and distribution its parent company's theatrical products and those of another Hollywood studio Triumph pictures.

Worldwide, Sony Pictures Entertainment is involved in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home video acquisition and distribution, operation of studio facilities, development of new entertainment products, services and technologies and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries.

The Buena Vista distribution account has reportedly changed hands for the third time in the past six years.