BCI taking Fremantle shows to DVD

'Price,' 'Feud' included in portfolio

By ELIZABETH GUIDER

LAS VEGAS -- BCI, a wholly owned subsid of Navarre Corp., has licensed the long-term North American DVD publishing and distribution rights to programming from FremantleMedia's portfolio of TV shows and films. These include gameshows "The Price Is Right" and "Family Feud," the British sitcom "The IT Crowd" and the Impossible Pictures docu series "Prehistoric Park."

Deal follows BCI's recent success as North American distributor of FremantleMedia DVD release "The Best of Match Game."

Announcement was made Monday by BCI prexy Ed Goetz.

"We needed a partner with both distribution strength and a creative marketing approach. We've found that in BCI and look forward to developing a FremantleMedia Home Entertainment brand in North America," said David Ellender, CEO of FremantleMedia Enterprises, the commercial arm of FremantleMedia.

Agreement offers BCI DVD publishing rights to shows in various genres, including current Brit series such as "The Bill" and Aussie shows including sudser "Neighbours" as well as games and docs.

BCI will be implementing a marketing and promotional campaign throughout 2007 and beyond.

Founded in 1983, Navarre is a U.S.-based publisher and distributor of physical and digital homevid and multimedia products, including PC software, CD audio, DVD video and videogames.