Wicked Awarded $2M Over Dispute With Trans Digital Media

NEW YORK — An arbitrator recently awarded Wicked Pictures $2 million after the adult entertainment studio claimed that cable and satellite TV distributor Trans Digital Media breached its contract after it stopped making royalty payments.

The case has its roots from a September 2006 deal, when New York-based Trans Digital Media inked a pact with Wicked to exclusively distribute its content to U.S. cable and satellite multiple-system operators.  

The agreement operated satisfactorily for the first few years — Wicked delivered the requisite number of films and TDM placed the films with the MSOs, paying Wicked proper royalties.

But three years into the deal, Trans Digital Media fell behind in minimum payment obligations.

Wicked and Trans Digital Media later agreed to renegotiate its contract in 2010, striking a new deal with lower minimum guarantees.

"We worked with TDM to make a few changes here and there," Wicked owner Steve Orenstein told XBIZ. "And then we came to an agreement with them for a new five-year deal.

"But within six months of that five-year deal, there started to be issues with getting payments. We were patient with them, but then we said, 'enough is enough,' and we filed our claim."

Orenstein said that Wicked had been without a cable and satellite distribution agreement for about one year because of the legal squabble, but "now, we have a successful future in cable with our new partners Pure Play Broadcasting."

Wicked last May entered into an exclusive broadcast distribution relationship with Pure Play Broadcasting, which provides video-on-demand content to more than 33 million homes in North America through its Heat On Demand VOD service.

Pure Play Broadcasting also provides content for operators in Latin America through Sky Brazil and Sky Mexico and  licenses and distributes mature-themed content to premium and broadcast channels in the U.S. and E.U.

Trans Digital Media owner Carl Ruderman did not immediately respond to XBIZ for comment.  

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Agatha Vega: From Venezuela to Venerated Vixen

Agatha Vega was brought up in a small neighborhood in Caracas, Venezuela, a city known for its urban dangers. Yet despite her surroundings, she says, she had very positive experiences growing up. With various relatives living in close proximity, she was always able to enjoy the company of her family.

Kylie LeBeau Makes Her Hookup Hotshot Debut

Kylie LeBeau has made her Hookup Hotshot (HUHS) debut alongside studio honcho Bryan Gozzling.

Vixen Media Group Extends Exclusive Contract With Dan Damage

Vixen Media Group has renewed its exclusive contract with Dan Damage.

Evil Angel to Drop JD's 'Transgressive 24'

Evil Angel debuts the 24th volume of director JD’s “Transgressive.”

Connie Perignon Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Connie Perignon stars with Jordi El Nino Polla in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "The Sneaky Masseur."

Sinatra Monroe Has 'A Classy Affair' in Ricky's Room

Sinatra Monroe stars in the latest release from Ricky's Room, titled "A Classy Affair."

TeamSkeet Debuts New Series 'PervMassage'

Fanta Sie stars with Erick Everhard in the first episode of the new TeamSkeet series, “PervMassage."

Adult Industry Reacts to Trump Victory

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump was reelected, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris to reclaim the office he lost four years ago.

Angel Windell, Katie Davis Headline Latest 'Lesbian Seductions'

Angel Windell and Katie Davis topline the 80th edition of “Lesbian Seductions,” from Girlfriends.

ERIKALUST Releases 'Texas Ride 'Em'

ERIKALUST has released its latest scene, “Texas Ride ‘Em.”

Show More