Netflix Signs Multi-Year Exclusive with Lionsgate in U.K.

It took some bad decisions and a giant loss of market capitalization, but Netflix is finally back to creating the kind of headlines that matter: exclusive streaming deals for premium content. The company announced today that it has signed a multi-year exclusive with Lionsgate U.K. that gives Netflix sole streaming rights for the studio's first-run feature films.

Netflix is launching streaming service in the U.K. and Ireland early in 2012, a move the company announced last month. Upcoming titles that will be available to Netflix subscribers within one year of their theatrical releases include The Hunger Games (based on a bestselling teen novel), The Expendables 2, and the Dirty Dancing remake. Other Lionsgate titles that will be included at launch include The Mechanic, Saw 3D, The Expendables, Reservoir Dogs, and more.

"Lionsgate is an important and successful supplier of television series and movies to us in all of our territories," says Ted Sarandos, Netflix's chief content officer.

"Netflix is the leading worldwide brand in steaming movies and they have an incredible service in North America. We are very excited to be working with them as they launch their service and bring our movies to audiences in the U.K. and Ireland," says Zygi Kamasa, Lionsgate's U.K. CEO.