E1 Entertainment is branching out into Australia and New Zealand following a deal with Brisbane-based Beyond Home Entertainment. E1 will distribute films and TV shows on DVD in both territories in partnership with the Aussie distributor. The deal was brokered by E1’s international home entertainment manager Billy Watson, who will also oversee things from his London office. There are no plans to move into theatrical releasing, though E1 has an eye on digital.

‘The initial focus will be distribution of non-theatrical film and TV programs, but E1 also plans to distribute its properties in other formats, including digital and all television formats,’ says president of filmed entertainment Patrice Théroux.

Théroux says the expansion is key as the company looks to leverage its position Down Under and in other territories to drive further expansion in Europe and other regions. E1 also buys and distributes movie, TV and music content in North America, the U.K. and Benelux.

E1 titles bound for Australia and New Zealand include the U.K. drama Incendiary, starring Michelle Williams and Ewan McGregor, the Germany/Canada copro Helen, featuring Ashley Judd, and the dramedy $5 a Day with Christopher Walken and Sharon Stone.

Among the TV titles soon to be released on DVD are CTV’s new Canuck series The Bridge, Global/ABC’s Copper, and Syfy series Haven and Sanctuary.

Beyond Home is a wholesale DVD and Blu-ray distributor that services the Australian and New Zealand retail and rental home entertainment markets.