Starz Sues Disney Over iTunes, Wal-Mart 
By Sherri - (0) comments March 25, 2007



The folks over at Disney might not be zippedy do dah’ing this week.

Starz Entertainment has slapped a lawsuit against Disney’s Buena Vista Television for its alleged violation of a 2005 licensing agreement that gave Starz the exclusive rights to market big-name Disney movies for download.

Starz is saying Disney’s agreements with iTunes and Wal-Mart for download sales of movies such as “Pirates of the Carbbean: Dead Man’s Chest” violates the deal, which Starz has paid more than $1 billion for.

“Our issue is that the contract has a clear prohibition from them doing this and we gave them notice, had a number of exchanges and had meetings and they denied our request for relief," Starz Entertainment Chairman and Chief Executive Robert Clasen has been quoted as saying. "We are absolutely adamant in protecting our contractual rights and licenses.”

The suit might seek all revenue enjoyed by Disney as a result of any sales via iTunes and Wal-Mart.

The suit in and of itself isn’t what’s interesting here. What is, however, is the fact that download rights are becoming big enough business to warrant territorial battles and lawsuits. Digital viewing has come a long way.

Related:
Starz, Azureus Pair Up
Disney Downloads Top 4 Million On iTunes

Labels: disney, itunes, online movies, online tv, starz, vongo, wal-mart

Hilary Duff Promotion On MTV 
By Sherri - (0) comments March 15, 2007



MTV is pulling out all the stops for the April 3 release of Hilary Duff’s new album “Dignity.”

Taking full advantage of all its available platforms, the network intends to load up the airwaves, Internet and more with Duff, the Disney star turned rocker.

To celebrate the release of “Dignity,” MTV will premiere “Hilary Duff: This Is Now,” which features two half-hour documentaries, April 2 and April 9 at 9:30 p.m. EST. The network is also offering Duff fans a chance to listen to the entire album before its release on MTV.com. This promotion will arrive on March 27.

Meanwhile, MTV Mobile will feature full versions and clips of both specials for 30 days after the shows’ premiere.

This could turn out to be a brilliant cross-platform promotion, or it might just overload fans with too much Duff. Knowing a few big Hilary fans, however, it’s my guess this multi-media presentation will be a bit hit.

This isn't the first time MTV has gone all out to promote a new release or a documentary. Shikra was the last recipient of the royal MTV treatment.

Related:
MTV’s ‘True Life’ Focuses On Autism
Shakira Webisode On MTV.Com

Labels: disney, hilary duff, mtv, mtv.com