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Multi-platform media company Shout! Studios has reached an agreement with Mercury Studios Media Limited to license exclusive U.S. and Canadian distribution rights including AVOD, SVOD, Broadcast, Theatrical and Non-Theatrical distribution rights for a catalog of Monty Python films, specials and performances. This includes perennial favourites such as the landmark sketch comedy TV series Monty Python’s Flying Circus, recently restored and available for the first time across all platforms in HD, and comic masterpieces Monty Python’s Life of Brian, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which marks its 50th anniversary in 2025. The announcement was made today by Shout’s CEO Garson Foos, and SVP of Acquisitions & Originals Jordan Fields.
“Since the earliest days of the company, Shout! has been dedicated to celebrating the best entertainment that pop culture has to offer and has sought to be a trusted home for beloved films and series. Iconic and iconoclastic, Monty Python has long been at the top of that list. We are fans first and foremost, and the timeless quality of the brand lends itself to a wide range of opportunities,” said Foos.
“It’s difficult to describe the place that Monty Python holds in the hearts of generations of comedy lovers without using a word the Pythons would mock: sacred,” said Fields. “Their body of work is still the standard by which silly, sophisticated, cinematic satire is measured. Shout scored its own holy grail, and it is Monty Python.”
The studio will utilize its unique strengths and excellent partner relationships as it considers possibilities for exploitation of the catalog. AVOD distribution rollout for Monty Python includes Shout! TV™, the digital entertainment streaming service operated by Shout! Studios that brings timeless and contemporary cult favorites to pop culture fans. A hallmark of Shout! TV™ channels is programming stunts consisting of original programming, marathons, viewing events, celebrations, and more, and Monty Python will be receiving the full Shout! TV™ treatment.
The comedy troupe of Monty Python was formed in 1969 by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. Their dry humor and comedic genius propelled them to international stardom and through decades of performances, which became quintessential symbols of the zeitgeist. Monty Python’s Flying Circus, the original surreal sketch comedy showcase for the Monty Python team was one of the most ingenious and imaginative comedy shows ever to grace British television. A hysterical, historical tour-de-force loosely based on the legend of King Arthur, Monty Python and the Holy Grail grossed the highest box-office of any British film in the US when released in 1975. Notorious religious satire, Monty Python’s Life of Brian tells the story of Brian (Graham Chapman), a reluctant would-be messiah who rises to prominence as a result of a series of absurd and truly hilarious circumstances.
The Monty Python deal was negotiated for Shout! Studios by SVP Acquisitions & Originals Jordan Fields and for Mercury by SVP of Content Sales Will White and Senior Legal and Business Affairs Manager Rebecca Bradshaw, and by Holly Gilliam on behalf of Python (Monty) Pictures Limited.
Titles Included In The Shout! Studios Monty Python Agreement:
- Monty Python Live (Mostly): One Down, Five to Go
- The Meaning of Monty Python
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail
- Monty Python Conquers America
- Monty Python’s Fliegender Zirkus
- Monty Python’s Flying Circus
- Monty Python’s Life of Brian
- Monty Python: Before The Flying Circus
- Monty Python Live at Aspen
- Monty Python Live at The Hollywood Bowl
- Parrot Sketch Not Included – 20 Years of Monty Python
- Monty Python: The Meaning of Live
- Monty Python: Almost The Truth – The Lawyer’s Cut
- Monty Python’s Best Bits (Mostly)
- Monty Python’s Personal Best
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