ABC Family Acquires Network Television Premiere Rights To "THE BLIND SIDE," Starring Oscar Winner Sandra Bullock, In Deal With Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution

ABC Family has acquired the network television premiere rights to the Academy Award-nominated hit film "The Blind Side," starring Oscar winner Sandra Bullock, in a deal with Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution (WBDTD), it was announced by Tom Zappala, Executive Vice President, Program Acquisitions & Scheduling, ABC Cable Networks Group, and Ken Werner, President, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution. The deal gives ABC Family the rights to the movie's network television premiere, with "The Blind Side" slated to debut on the network in 2012. In addition to the film scoring an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, star Sandra Bullock won the Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role.
 
"'The Blind Side' has a wonderful mix of optimism and heart," said Zappala. "It is a perfect fit for ABC Family."
 
"Feature films are an integral part of the formula for a successful cable service, and ABC Family has created a terrific destination where Warner Bros. movies have thrived," said Werner. "The acquisition of 'The Blind Side' is yet another example of how ABC Family and Warner Bros. collaborate to enhance the great ABC Family franchise."
 
Written and directed by John Lee Hancock ("The Rookie"), "The Blind Side" stars Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw ("Friday Night Lights") and Oscar winner Kathy Bates ("Misery") in the remarkable true story of football star Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), a virtually homeless teen who's taken in by a compassionate woman (Bullock) and her family who are determined to see him realize his potential, both on and off the field. From Alcon Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures, the film has generated over $250 million in domestic box office to date. In addition to winning the Academy Award, Bullock has previously won the Golden Globe, Critics Choice and Screen Actors Guild Awards for her lead performance in the film. Gil Netter, Andrew A. Kosove and Broderick Johnson produced the film, with Molly Smith, Erwin Stoff and Timothy M. Bourne serving as executive producers.