E1 Entertainment Canada and Gaiam Extend Long-Standing Relationship
07 April 2009
- Partnership enhanced to include Video on
Demand and Digital rights -
- Commitment through to October 2011 -
TORONTO - April 7, 2009 -- E1 Entertainment Canada is pleased to announce the renewal of their exclusive distribution agreement with leading fitness and lifestyle company Gaiam, until October 2011. The arrangement encompasses the distribution of fitness and wellness DVD's and accessories, children and family entertainment DVD's as well as Video On Demand exploitation rights.
"Gaiam is thrilled to extend our long-term partnership with E1 Entertainment in Canada," said Bill Sondheim, President of Entertainment and Worldwide Distribution at Gaiam. "The synergies we have created in both media distribution and in the development of branded Gaiam concept ‘store within a store' presentations will be further enhanced by the exciting inroads into VOD distribution of our family and entertainment properties. We're looking forward to continued growth in the Canadian market with Canada's leading media powerhouse."
"The continuation of the partnership between E1 Entertainment and Gaiam allows us to remain a leader in the distribution of high-quality fitness DVD's and accessories in Canada. Continuing the growth of our non-film offerings remains a priority for EI Filmed Entertainment. Adding Gaiam's product line to our Video on Demand offerings is very much in line with our global strategy to distribute content in all platforms, including the growing digital platforms such as Rogers, Telus, Bell and Videotron and iTunes," said Dominique Zgarka, President of E1 Music and Special Products.
Gaiam's fitness titles in the E1 Entertainment catalogue cover a range of fitness topics from Yoga, Pilates and dance to education and wellness. Top selling titles include Yoga for Beginners, Prenatal Yoga, Dance for Weight Loss, All About Trucks, The Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Blessing. Additionally, E1 Entertainment will distribute the new DVD's and range of accessories Gaiam releases every year. DVD's and accessories can be purchased at Indigo/Chapters, Costco, Wal Mart and HMV.
About Gaiam
Gaiam, Inc. (NASDAQ: GAIA) is the leading independent distributor
of special interest programming, with a 72,000 door retail
distribution network and 9,000 store in stores. With more than 46
percent of the fitness and wellness market, Gaiam is dedicated to
providing solutions for the many facets of healthy, eco-conscious
living. Since its founding in 1988, Gaiam has grown into a $220
million integrated brand. The company's commitment to quality,
coupled with an innovative approach to merchandising and
distribution have allowed it to dominate the health and wellness
category with fitness sensations' Rodney Yee, Mari Winsor, and
Tanja Djelevic. For more information about Gaiam, please visit
www.gaiam.com.
About E1 Entertainment
E1 Entertainment (AIM: ETO) is a leading independent entertainment
content owner that acquires film, television and music rights and
exploits these rights in all media in more than 190 countries. The
company currently operates in Canada, the U.S., the UK, Holland and
Belgium through its four primary businesses units: E1 Television,
E1 Films, E1 Music and E1 Distribution. These businesses
collectively represent E1's extensive expertise in film
distribution, television and music production/distribution, Kids
content, Licensing and Distribution.
E1 Entertainment is the largest distributor of entertainment content in the Canadian market. Since the acquisition of Seville Entertainment in 2007, E1 has held a leading position in the market for theatrical releases in Canada via E1 Entertainment Canada and Seville Pictures in Quebec, and International Sales via E1 Films International.
E1's content library includes more than 3,700 feature films, 2,700 hours of original television programming and 15,000 music tracks.
For more information, please contact:
Julia Oosterman
Edelman for E1 Entertainment
Julia.oosterman@edelman.com
416-979-1120 ext 346