U buys fare for German nets

Pay rights acquired for 200 pics, 600 series episodes

By ED MEZA

ABC's ''Alias'' is among the shows picked up by Universal Studios Networks Deutschland.

BERLIN -- Universal Studios Networks Deutschland has inked a slew of programming deals with global and local providers such as Buena Vista Intl., Alliance Atlantis, Amblin Entertainment, Tele Munchen, ZDF Enterprises and Universal Studios.

U's German broadcaster, which operates two digital cable channels -- Sci Fi and 13th Street -- picked up exclusive pay TV rights to more than 200 features and 600 series episodes, including such Disney fare as ABC's "Alias," Spike Lee's "25th Hour," and sci-fi adventure "The Black Hole." It's the first major deal between Disney and USND, which previously shopped at MGM and Sony.

USND said the shopping spree, which included stops at Granada Media Intl. and German distrib Senator, fulfills its programming needs through 2006.

A package from Steven Spielberg's Amblin includes "Twister," and the "Jurassic Park" and "Back to the Future" trilogies.

Universal delivered eight skeins and 85 features, including "Law & Order" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," and pics from the U.S. Sci Fi Channel like "Control Factor," "Terminal Invasion" and "Encrypt."

In its seventh programming deal with local licensing giant Tele Munchen, the U broadcaster nabbed 100 features, including "Fargo," Martin Scorsese's "Casino," "2 Days in the Valley" and the "The 13th Warrior" as well as series "Dead Zone" and "Andromeda."

From Alliance Atlantis it booked the fourth season of "CSI" and an additional season of "CSI: Miami."

The U channels are available in Germany and Austria on pay TV platform Premiere as well as on regional cablers Kabel Deutschland, Primacom and Ish.