Starz Distribution
Starz Distribution (formerly IDT Entertainment and Starz Media) is the motion picture, animation, television, and home video operating unit of Starz Inc., a subsidiary of Lionsgate. Starz Distribution develops, produces, and acquires original programming content (Starz and AMC), feature films (Anchor Bay Films), anime (Manga Entertainment) and other filmed entertainment. Distribution methods include DVD, digital formats and traditional television. History. In May 2004, IDT Entertainment purchased a minority share in POW! Entertainment with exclusive distribution rights to POW's animated DVD properties and joint development of 6 cartoon films. In 2005, IDT signed a deal with 20th Century  Fox. On May 16, 2006, IDT agreed to sell its IDT Entertainment division to Liberty Media "for all of Liberty Media's interests in IDT, $186 million in cash and the assumption of existing indebtedness." On August 31, 2006, the sale of all of IDT Entertainment's US operations and several international operations was completed. "The remainder of the deal, to include the Canadian and Australian operations, is expected to be closed in the next few weeks after regulatory approval has been given." This sale was completed on September 29, 2006. On January 4, 2011, The Weinstein Company purchased  a 25% stake in the operating unit. While not including TV rights, the deal spans Blu-ray, DVD and VOD, pay-per-view and digital distribution and covers up to 20 TWC and Dimension titles per year. They include "The King's Speech", "Blue Valentine" and "Company Men". Starz acquired the 25% stake owned by Weinstein in October 2015. On January 11, 2013, Liberty Media Corporation completed the "spin-off" of its Starz Entertainment segment as a separate entity. Under this new structure, the entity that was known as "Starz Media" became Starz Distribution. In November 2015, Waterman Entertainment purchased  the animation studio Film Roman from Starz Distribution. On December 8, 2016, Lionsgate purchased Starz Inc. for $4.4 billion. Subsidiaries. Starz Distribution's units include: Minority stakes. Starz Distribution holds minority stakes in: Animated films. Starz Distribution/IDT Entertainment have been in charge of the animation production or distribution of the following films: Theatrical TV specials Direct-to-Video