In an announcement that took the gay porn world by surprise, Io Group, Inc., parent company of gay adult producer Titan Media, disclosed today that it has signed an exclusive U.S. licensing and distribution deal with Multi Media Services, parent company of Bel Ami Video.
Under the terms of the agreement, Io Group will license, manufacture, and distribute the entire Bel Ami line of DVDs and videos in the United States. The projected launch date for this distribution partnership is May 1, 2004.
In a press release, Bruce Cam, CEO/President of Io Group, said of Bel Ami founder George Duroy, "George is one of the best directors our industry has ever known, and he is truly a filmmaker. Our partnership will take the burden of operations and distribution off his shoulders and allow him to focus his incredible ability on making the very best films."
"Bruce and his team at Io Group have proven to me, through their own success, that they are the right partners for me and my business," commented Duroy. "Now I can concentrate on doing what I love to do best—filming the most beautiful men in the world!"
In addition to the manufacture and distribution of the Bel Ami line of DVDs and videotapes in the United States, Io Group will also handle direct-to-consumer retail sales via mail order and the Internet. International sales and distribution of Bel Ami DVDs and VHS's will continue under the direction of Bel Ami's Pacific Media Services. BelAmiOnline.com, under the direction of Jonathan Tyler, will continue to manage and operate the Bel Ami online digital businesses. Wholesale distribution of both companies' products will continue through Paladin Video.
Stan Loeb, president of Paladin Video, stated, "I am very pleased to have two of my best selling studios working closely together. With their union, they will both benefit from each other's strengths. Bruce's team is operationally one of the best organized in our business, and is able to consistently produce and market bestseller after bestseller. Combining Io Group's infrastructure with George Duroy's highly sought after Bel Ami features will truly be a winning team."
As part of the partnership, Io Group will also assume and manage all marketing, promotion, and legal protection of Bel Ami products in the United States.
Io Group has made headlines in its war on illegal duplication of Titan Media product, and general counsel Gill Sperlein promises equally aggressive action against pirates of the Bel Ami brand. "If you are pirating or illegally distributing Bel Ami products, your time has come," he warned. "We will hunt down and prosecute anyone violating Bel Ami products. If you steal from Bel Ami, you will be caught and you will be held accountable."
For further information contact Keith Webb: [email protected]
