Key Takeaways:
- Radial Entertainment and BondIt Media Capital have acquired exclusive worldwide digital distribution rights to the unscripted series Cheaters.
- The deal gives Radial Entertainment digital rights to the franchise across all platforms and territories, with Goldstein Pictures retaining linear television rights and underlying intellectual property.
- Cheaters is a long-running reality show that launched in 2000 and ran for 21 seasons with over 700 episodes.
- Radial Entertainment plans to expand the franchise’s digital distribution footprint internationally, building on its existing catalog of library programming.
Introduction to the Deal
Radial Entertainment and BondIt Media Capital have recently announced that they have acquired the exclusive worldwide digital distribution rights to the popular unscripted series Cheaters. This deal was made possible through an agreement with Goldstein Pictures Corporation, the owner of the franchise. As a result of this agreement, Radial Entertainment will have the digital rights to the show across all platforms and territories, while Goldstein Pictures will retain the linear television rights and the underlying intellectual property. This is a significant acquisition for Radial Entertainment, as it adds to its already sizable catalog of library programming.
About the Show Cheaters
Cheaters is a reality show that first aired in 2000 and ran for an impressive 21 seasons, with over 700 episodes produced. The show’s format was centered around a "Cheaters Detective Agency" that would investigate cases of suspected romantic infidelity on behalf of people who believed their partners were cheating on them. The show was a weekly syndicated series that gained a significant following during its run. With its unique format and engaging storylines, Cheaters became a popular destination for viewers looking for a mix of drama, mystery, and reality TV.
The Role of BondIt Media Capital
BondIt Media Capital played a crucial role in advising and supporting the rights holder, Goldstein Pictures Corporation, on the transaction. The company has been working with Cheaters creator and rights holder Bobby Goldstein since 2019, providing financing, distribution strategy, and library monetization services for the Cheaters franchise. This ongoing relationship between BondIt Media Capital and Goldstein Pictures Corporation was instrumental in facilitating the deal with Radial Entertainment. BondIt Media Capital’s expertise in the media industry and its understanding of the Cheaters franchise made it an ideal partner in negotiating the terms of the agreement.
Radial Entertainment’s Expansion Plans
Radial Entertainment, which was formed last year through the merger of Shout! Studios and FilmRise, has been actively acquiring digital rights to library programming to expand its catalog. The company’s goal is to build a comprehensive library of content that can be distributed across various platforms and territories. With the acquisition of Cheaters, Radial Entertainment plans to expand the franchise’s digital distribution footprint internationally, leveraging its existing relationships with streaming services and other digital platforms. This move is expected to increase the show’s global reach and introduce it to new audiences who may not have been familiar with the series during its initial run.
Previous Distribution Deal
It’s worth noting that FilmRise, which is now part of Radial Entertainment, has been distributing the 21 seasons of Cheaters across domestic AVOD and FAST platforms since 2022. This previous distribution deal laid the groundwork for the current agreement, which takes the show’s digital distribution to the next level. With Radial Entertainment’s expanded reach and resources, the company is well-positioned to take the Cheaters franchise to new heights and introduce it to a wider global audience.
The Negotiation Process
The Cheaters deal was negotiated by David Buoymaster on behalf of Radial Entertainment, with Matthew Helderman advising Goldstein Pictures Corporation. The negotiation process involved careful consideration of the terms and conditions of the agreement, including the scope of the digital rights, the territories covered, and the underlying intellectual property. The successful negotiation of the deal is a testament to the strong relationships between the parties involved and their commitment to finding a mutually beneficial agreement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the acquisition of the exclusive worldwide digital distribution rights to Cheaters by Radial Entertainment and BondIt Media Capital is a significant development in the media industry. The deal marks a new chapter in the history of the Cheaters franchise, which has been a staple of reality TV for over two decades. With Radial Entertainment’s plans to expand the show’s digital distribution footprint internationally, fans of the series can look forward to accessing the show on a wider range of platforms and devices. As the media landscape continues to evolve, deals like this one highlight the importance of strategic partnerships and the value of library programming in the digital age.