MUMBAI: Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has joined hands with STX Entertainment (STX), a fully integrated motion picture, television, and digital global media company that specialises in production, marketing, and distribution of talent-driven films, digital, and television programming. The agreement between the two companies was announced by UMPG chairman and CEO, Jody Gerson, STX Entertainment president- Sophie Watts, STX chief operating officer- Thomas McGrath, and STX Entertainment Motion Picture Group executive VP and head of music- Jason Markey.

Under the agreement UMPG will administer and represent the studio's future soundtracks, scores and catalogue of related music publishing rights across all media.STX is currently looking at producing, marketing and distributing 12 to 15 motion pictures a year. Their upcoming projects include ‘Secret in Their Eyes’, ‘The Boy’ and ‘The Free State of Jones’.

Talking about the association, UMPG chairman and CEO Jody Gerson said, “STX Entertainment is an exciting new studio and media company with a fantastic production slate and we have great respect for the entire management team. I am very pleased to be a part of this opportunity to work with STX from the ground floor and look forward to a long and creative partnership.”

"As we have been building our studio, we have aligned ourselves with the best and most respected market leaders in the industry. UMPG is a pivotal pillar as we add music to our portfolio of ancillary content and distribution partnerships," said STX Entertainmentpresident Sophie Watts. "To have our motion picture music rights represented all over the world by UMPG gives us the support of a true global giant, and we are thrilled that Jody Gerson and her team are our partners. This is a win-win for both of our companies."

STX chief operating officer Thomas McGrath further added, "I am pleased to once again be associated with Universal Music Publishing, with whom I have enjoyed much fruitful collaboration during my career."

"I have worked with every major administrator and publishing company in the industry and the team at UMPG is far and away the most forward thinking, innovative and aggressive I have ever worked with. We are in great hands with Jody, Brian and their hands-on global team of experts in creative, licensing and administration," said STX Entertainment Motion Picture Group executive VP and head of music Jason Markey.

"We are very proud of this new relationship with STX Entertainment. It's a great opportunity to collaborate musically and we are excited to work even more closely with Jason and their talented film executive team," said UMPG EVP/head of film and TV music Brian Lambert.