HBO and Harpo Films Enter into Multi-Year Relationship

December 16, 2008

HBO and Harpo Films have entered into a multi-year exclusive relationship to develop and produce scripted television programming for the network, it was announced today by Richard Plepler, co-president, HBO, Michael Lombardo, president, Programming Group and West Coast Operations, HBO, and Kate Forte, president, Harpo Films. Under terms of the agreement, projects will potentially include miniseries, movies, documentaries and series.

"HBO and Harpo Films are both committed to the highest standards in the entertainment industry, making this a great match," said Forte. "The format and creativity offered by HBO are unique in television, and the quality and range of their subjects are extraordinary. There is simply no other place like it. We look forward to doing great things together."

"This is the perfect partnership for Harpo Films," said Oprah Winfrey. "We look forward to working with Richard, Michael and the outstanding creative team at HBO."

"Oprah personifies excellence and quality in everything she does," said Plepler. "It's a great privilege for us to partner with her in the coming years."

"It's really a perfect fit for HBO to have Oprah in our family," added Lombardo. "All of her work reflects her integrity and her talent, and we are delighted now to be able to share in that."

Home Box Office, Inc. is the premium television programming subsidiary of Time Warner Inc., providing two 24-hour pay television services - HBO and Cinemax - to over 40 million U.S. subscribers. The services offer the most popular subscription video on demand products, HBO On Demand and Cinemax On Demand, as well as HBO on Broadband, HD feeds, and multiplex channels. Internationally, HBO's branded television networks, along with the subscription video on demand products HBO On Demand and HBO Mobile, bring HBO services to over 50 countries. HBO programming is sold into over 150 countries worldwide.

Harpo Films, Inc. is dedicated to high-quality scripted dramatic programming, including feature films and top-rated telefilms. Recent produced projects have garnered the highest industry honors for quality, including The Great Debaters, directed by and starring Denzel Washington, which received a Golden Globe(r) nomination for Best Motion Picture - Drama. Telefilms under the "Oprah Winfrey Presents" banner include the multiple Emmy Award(r)-winner Tuesdays With Morrie, as well as Their Eyes Were Watching God, starring Halle Berry.