2013/3/7 - Starz Worldwide Distribution Caters To Esquire Network and Comedy Fans With Licensing of 'Party Down'

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Starz Worldwide Distribution is a division of Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) and sells STARZ Original series and other owned and licensed movie/TV programming domestically and worldwide.  Esquire Network will air broadcast-friendly TV edited versions of the series.

Starz retains select on-demand and online rights to the show during the 2013 license period. "Party Down" aired on STARZ for two seasons from 2009-2010. 

"As the new Esquire Network looks to roll out its new brand and programming in April, the critically acclaimed and laugh out loud funny 'Party Down' series is a terrific addition to our new lineup," said senior vice president, program planning & acquisitions, Matt Monos. "The show was a treasure to those fans who enjoyed it on STARZ from 2009-2010 and we believe that a wider reach on Esquire Network will introduce many fans of all ages to a revered modern age comedy classic."

"We are very pleased to successfully complete this agreement with G4 – the first such deal for 'Party Down' on U.S. broadcast television," said Gene George, executive vice president of worldwide distribution for Starz. "We have continued to find new distribution partners for our wide range of STARZ Original series and other owned and licensed content here in the U.S. and abroad."

Alecia Dixon-Kurschner, Starz Worldwide Distribution's VP, Domestic Television Sales added, "'Party Down' had many passionate supporters during its two-year run from fans and critics alike and we are very pleased to build on our working relationship with everyone at Esquire Network and help 'Party Down' find a broadcast TV home."

About "Party Down"
"Party Down" follows a sextet of Hollywood wannabes making ends meet working for a Los Angeles catering company as they chase their dreams of stardom.  Each episode is a catered event – a sexy, senior singles mixer, a video porn awards after-party, a super-sweet 16 party gone horribly wrong, etc.

"Party Down" stars Ken Marino ("Veronica Mars," Role Models), Adam Scott ("Parks and Recreation," Step Brothers, Our Idiot Brother), Jane Lynch ("Glee," Role Models, The 40 Year Old Virgin), Martin Starr (Knocked Up, "Freaks and Geeks"), Ryan Hansen ("Friends with Benefits," "Veronica Mars," Friday the 13^th 2009) and Lizzy Caplan ("True Blood," Cloverfield). Emmy®-winning actress Megan Mullally ("Will & Grace," Fame), joined the ensemble in season two, replacing Lynch who guest-starred later that season.

Other guest stars during the two seasons included: Kristen Bell (seasons one and two), Ed Begley, Jr., Marilu Henner, Joey Lauren Adams, Breckin Meyer, Rob Corddry, Steven Weber, J.K. Simmons, Steve Guttenberg, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Thomas Lennon, Jimmi Simpson, Loretta Devine, and Alex Rocco.

"Party Down" was created and executive produced by Rob Thomas ("Veronica Mars," "Cupid") along with John Enbom, Paul Rudd and Dan Etheridge.  Enbom also served as show runner.  Childhood actor, Fred Savage ("The Wonder Years") directed many of the episodes in season two and served as supervising producer. Co-executive producers in season one were Jennifer Gwartz and Danielle Stokdyk.  Jennifer Dugan produced the series in season one.  William J. Hamm, executive vice president also oversaw production. "Party Down" actors, Adam Scott and Ken Marino also served as producer and director of the series finale. Bryan Gordon ("Curb Your Enthusiasm," "24") was another director and supervising producer in season two.

About Esquire Network 

The modern man will be televised. Championing intelligence, wit and style, Esquire Network brings the iconic men's brand to television as the definitive network for the modern, multi-faceted man. A strategic partnership between NBCUniversal and Hearst Magazines, the network's programming explores and celebrates the interests, passions and aspirations of today's man: gaming, gear, entertainment, food, fashion, women, humor, travel, competition, danger and more. Formerly known as G4, Esquire Network will launch in April 2013 in 62 million households nationwide, as well as online, mobile, On Demand and other platforms. Esquire Network is a unit of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. 

About Starz Worldwide Distribution

Starz Worldwide Distribution (www.starzglobal.com) is a leading global distributor of movies, televisions series, documentaries, children's programming, and other video content.  Starz Worldwide Distribution licenses and syndicates Starz original series and other owned and licensed third party programming on a worldwide basis. Starz Worldwide Distribution's partnerships with independent producers provide high-quality and diverse programming to its clients, while its experience in the field distinguishes it as a premier supplier in the global content marketplace. Starz Worldwide Distribution is a Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) business, www.starz.com.

SOURCE Starz Worldwide Distribution