New York-based Koch Entertainment Distribution announced today (Dec. 13) that it has signed niche home-video company Entertainment Programs Incorporated (EPI) to a distribution deal. Koch also expanded an existing distribution agreement with North Hollywood, Calif.-based Passport International.
Based in Woodland Hills, Calif., EPI launched in 1982 to market martial arts videos. Since then, the company’s catalog has expanded to include WWII-related fare and cult video series “Sirens of the Silver Screen,” which includes films from Brigitte Bardot, Jayne Mansfield and Ann-Margret. EPI was previously self-distributed. The deal with Koch takes effect in April, and the first release has yet to be determined.
Koch first entered an agreement with Passport in 2003, and has been handling the company’s video catalog. Beginning early next year, Koch will begin distributing the company’s music titles. Through Koch, Passport has released music videos from the likes of Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin. The first CD release, the 10-song “Just Jazz” compilation, is due March 8.
