MUMBAI: Film production firm The Weinstein Company (TWC) has announced a deal with Genius Products to form a new venture to exploit US home video distribution rights to all feature film and direct-to-video releases owned or controlled by TWC, and will include the existing home video distribution operations of Genius Products.

Bob and Harvey Weinstein said: "This agreement fulfills our vision to both control and deliver our content directly to retail. Trevor Drinkwater has developed a premier management team that rivals any major studio and we are thrilled to be in business with him and his team. Genius Products' strong retail relationships, coupled with its understanding of content and marketing, provide us with a partner that helps to complete the circle of our developing company."

Genius Products anticipates that the new venture will release to DVD a slate of approximately 20 theatrical films and a significant number of direct-to-video and library titles per year from TWC.

Potential new releases may include sequels to successful franchises including Sin City and Scary Movie. TWC's first theatrical release was the thriller Derailed with Jennifer Aniston and Clive Owen.

As a result of the transaction, TWC will have a controlling interest in the new venture. TWC is also said to be counting on its upcoming releases Mrs. Henderson Presents, starring Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins and Transamerica to get attention during the film awards season which kicks off in a few days time.

TWC was launched in October 2005 by The Weinstein brothers after they left Disney.