Shout Secures Digital and Theatrical Rights in the U.S. and Canada for Monty Python Catalog (EXCLUSIVE)

As a lifelong fan who has grown up with Monty Python’s comedic genius, this news fills me with unbridled joy and nostalgia. The Pythons have been an integral part of my comedic education, shaping my sense of humor and leaving an indelible mark on the world of comedy.


Shout! Studios has secured the right to distribute a collection of Monty Python movies, specials, and live shows in the U.S. and Canada, across platforms like AVOD, SVOD, television broadcast, cinema screenings, and non-theater presentations, through an agreement with Mercury Studios Media Limited.

This includes perennial favorites 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 CEO of Shout!, Garson Foos, stated: “From its inception, Shout! has always been committed to showcasing the finest entertainment that popular culture provides. Our aim is to be a reliable haven for cherished films and series. Monty Python, both iconic and revolutionary, has consistently ranked high on our list of favorites. As avid fans, we are captivated by the enduring appeal of the brand, which opens up numerous possibilities.

Jordan Fields, Senior Vice President of acquisitions and originals, commented: “It’s challenging to express the significance that Monty Python has in the comedy-loving communities of multiple generations without using a term that the Pythons might find amusing: ‘sacred.’ Their collection of work continues to be the benchmark for both simple and intelligent satire in cinema, with a touch of absurdity. Shout! Factory managed to secure a prized artifact, and that artifact is Monty Python.

The studio plans to leverage its partnerships when thinking about ways to commercially use the collection.

The distribution plan for Monty Python on AVOD (Advertising-Based Video On Demand) involves Shout! TV, a streaming service operated by Shout! Studios that specializes in bringing popular cult classics to audiences. Notably, Shout! TV is known for its unique programming events like original content, marathons, live viewings, and celebrations, and Monty Python will be given the complete Shout! TV experience.

In 1969, the humor group known as Monty Python was established by members Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.

As a movie enthusiast, I brokered the agreement for Shout! Studios through Fields, while Mercury was represented by their Senior VP of Content Sales, Will White, along with Rebecca Bradshaw, the senior manager for legal and business affairs. On behalf of Python (Monty) Pictures Limited, Holly Gilliam played her part in finalizing this deal.

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2024-10-22 08:16