Tesco signs film-making joint venture

The first film under the partnership will be a Jackie Collins adaptation

Tesco has formed a joint venture to make films of books by best-selling authors, starting with Jackie Collins.

The supermarket group has joined forces with US media firm Amber Entertainment to produce straight-to-DVD movies that it will initially sell exclusively.

The first film under the partnership, an adaptation of Ms Collins' Paris Connections, is currently being shot.

Tesco said it would focus solely on marketing and sales, with no involvement in the creative process.

It's an innovative idea to partner with Tesco, and gives the consumer something exclusive

Jackie Collins

"This ground-breaking relationship with Amber Entertainment is a significant development for Tesco and the first of its kind for the industry," said Tesco entertainment director Rob Salter.

"Through this partnership we will be able to offer our customers an exclusive window to own a first-run film from a range of well-known authors."

Other best-selling authors currently in talks over Tesco releases include Philip Pullman, Judy Blume, Dick and Felix Francis, Karin Slaughter, Jacqueline Wilson and Anne Perry.

Ms Collins said she loved "the concept of creating quality DVDs that I know my readers will enjoy".

"It's an innovative idea to partner with Tesco, and gives the consumer something exclusive," she added.

The development is Tesco's latest move into the home entertainment market.

In November, it gained the exclusive rights to release a Christmas DVD special of the Madagascar series of animated films.