Netflix signs overseas streaming deal with MGM

Netflix has penned a deal with production house MGM to stream the latter’s movies in UK and Ireland when it commences operations there in early 2012, the company announced Nov. 7. It will become the exclusive subscription streaming provider of MGM movies in the region.

Netflix will be providing most first-run feature films within a year of their theatrical release. These releases include the Peter Jackson directed prequels to the Lord of the Rings series – The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Hobbit: There and Back Again. Netflix will also provide features from MGM’s distribution partners.

The media content provider had announced its expansion to the British Isles in October 2011. It will be hoping to overcome its recent financial and service related problems through the impending expansion and this deal.

Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said of the deal, “We are delighted to be entering the UK and Ireland with a legendary studio like MGM at our side.”

MGM’s Roma Khanna, President  of Television Group and Digital, said, “Developing this relationship further will help us bring our films, both old and new, into the homes of our loyal audiences with the great ease Netflix offers customers.”