UIP, Solar ink distribution pact

United International Pictures BV (UIP) and Solar Entertainment Corp. (Solar) have announced their film distribution license agreement.

Under the agreement, Solar will distribute UIP films for theatrical release in the Philippines, starting with the enormously popular Shrek 2 on May 21, 2004.

"We are delighted to have chosen Solar Entertainment as our distributor in the Philippines," said Kurt Rieder, UIP vice president for sales and marketing-Asia. "Their considerable experience in theatrical distribution, coupled with their impressive media assets, makes them the perfect partner for UIP."

UIP is represented in the Philippines by Selina Gecolea de Venecia, general manager (Philippines branch).

"We are gratified to have the opportunity to afford our Filipino movie-goers with the impressive lineup of offerings available from United International Pictures," said Solar president Wilson Y. Tieng. Tieng also announced the appointment of Lucas Pasiliao as EVP and COO for Solar’s Theatrical and Home Video Division.

Tieng said Solar’s accord with UIP marked the common resolve of both companies to more effectively serve the Philippine market. "It is Solar’s objective to widen the array of quality entertainment opportunities for all Filipinos, and our partnership with UIP is a crucial step in this effort."

UIP is one of the world’s leading film distribution companies, bringing Paramount, Universal and Dreamworks films to cinemas around the globe outside North America.

Jointly owned by Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures, UIP has brought more than 1,000 films to an international audience since 1981. UIP’s worldwide gross box office for 2003 was $1.7 billion.

In 2003, UIP successes in the Philippines included Catch Me If You Can, The Hulk, Tomb Raider 2, and 2 Fast 2 Furious.

Future hits include Shrek 2, The Bourne Supremacy, Collateral starring Tom Cruise, The Terminal starring Tom Hanks and directed by Steven Spielberg, and Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason.

Solar Entertainment Corp. is a leading Filipino media concern with diversified holdings in film, broadcast and cable television. The company has more than 27 years of experience in film acquisition, production, and distribution. As Solar Films, the company debuted in 1976 with the acquisition and local distribution of Jackie Chan movies. It also acquired and released the Hollywood blockbusters Terminator, Die Hard, and Rambo. Recently, Solar has succeeded in developing the niche market for Asian horror movies like the Ring series.

Solar is also a leader in the creation, promotion and distribution of entertainment content and sports programming services. Its pre-eminent cable brands include Solar Sports, offering NBA TV, HBO Boxing and other prime sports properties, and Ultimate Suspense/Action (USA) with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Sports Plus (PGA and Formula 1), and Entertainment Central (the Today Show with Jay Leno) as some of its prime offerings.

For information, contact Selina Gecolea de Venecia at selina [email protected].