Genius Products
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Genius Products (also known as Genius Entertainment) is a home video company based in Santa Monica, California.
On December 5, 2005, Genius Products, Inc., announced a distribution joint venture with The Weinstein Company called Genius Products, LLC, with The Weinstein Company holding a 70% stake.[1] The transaction was approved by stockholders and was closed on July 24, 2006.[2] The high-profile movies from the Weinstein Company helped Genius Products to open the doors to major retailers like Wal-Mart and Target.[3]
In March 2006, the Weinstein Company announced a distribution pact with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. MGM will distribute films domestically in theaters, while the Weinstein Company will retain long-term ownership of the film. Upon a Weinstein Company or Dimension Films release on DVD, full distribution rights will revert to Weinstein under Genius.[4]
In November 2006, Genius (through the Weinstein Company) announced a four-year deal with Blockbuster Inc. to give the video renting company exclusive rights for rentals starting on January 1, 2007.[5] However, under the first-sale doctrine, other rental companies are able to buy and then rent the company's movies.
In January 2007, Entertainment Rights and Classic Media announced a distribution deal with Genius Products, which replaced Classic Media's deal with Sony Wonder.
Genius Products is also releasing DVDs for other companies, including Tartan Films, ESPN, Discovery Communications, ImaginAsian, Sesame Workshop, World Wrestling Entertainment and IFC Films.
[edit] References
- ^ Genius Products (2005-12-04). "The Weinstein Company and Genius Products Sign Definitive Agreements". Press release. Retrieved on 2008-03-23.
- ^ Genius Products (2006-07-24). "Genius Products Announces Stockholder Approval and Closing of the Weinstein Company Transaction". Press release. Retrieved on 2008-03-23.
- ^ Cieply, Michael. "Films From the Weinsteins Falter, but the Brothers Stay Focused", The New York Times, 2007-04-12. Retrieved on 2008-03-23.
- ^ Grover, Ron. "MGM, Weinstein Set to Roar Again", Business Week, 2006-03-06. Retrieved on 2008-03-23.
- ^ "Blockbuster signs deal to be exclusive renter for Weinsteins", USA Today, Reuters, 2006-11-15. Retrieved on 2008-03-23.
