US pay TV network Showtime Networks has bought the domestic premium TV broadcast rights to a package of more than 20 pictures from Carlton International's ITC library. Under the terms of the multi-year arrangement, Showtime will have premium TV rights to films such as On Golden Pond, Sophie's Choice, Farewell My Lovely (the 1975 version with Robert Mitchum), Escape To Athena and The Cassandra Crossing.

The deal was negotiated by Carlton America's vice president of domestic sales Jeri Sacks with Kevin Young, director of law administration for Showtime. The announcement was made by Louise Sexton, director of sales at Carlton International, and Larry Greenberg, manager of acquisitions at Showtime.

The deal is the first pay TV agreement signed by Carlton International since it acquired the ITC library from Universal Studios in 1999. Carlton International also represents the Rank, Rohauer, Korda and Romulus film libraries which between them include classics such as Brief Encounter, The African Queen, Birth Of A Nation and Richard III.