Media

Weinstein back in at Miramax

In an effort to ramp up revenue from Miramax’s 700-title movie and TV catalog, owner Tom Barrack is getting some help from an unusual quarter: Harvey Weinstein.

The unlikely teaming, announced Monday, comes three years after Barrack’s Colony Capital bid $660 million and beat out Weinstein in a heated auction for Miramax, the Hollywood studio started by Harvey and his younger brother, Bob, in 1979.

The brothers eventually grew it into a Hollywood powerhouse, producing classics like “Shakespeare in Love” and “Good Will Hunting.”

Now Barrack and the elder Weinstein are putting their heads together in a long-term production and distribution deal that essentially allows Weinstein Co. to take creative control of movie sequels or TV shows based on Miramax’s catalog.

The two are hoping to release two to three movies a year, TV series and a play. Weinstein Co. will take charge of releasing such projects in the US, while Miramax will be responsible for distribution overseas.

Barrack told The Post the deal could be the beginning of a wider relationship. (Earlier this year, Variety noted merger talks between the firms.)

“Let’s see where we go from here,” he added. “Anything is possible.”

Miramax is also backed by sovereign wealth fund Qatar Holding. Barrack added: “Qatar Holding has become more comfortable in the entertainment business. We now have a long-term view, starting with Harvey as the first piece. We could be acquisitive, buy existing studios.”

Miramax recorded 2013 revenue of $210 million, Barrack said. Creating new product associated with older product is the best way to get pricing power. The firm sells to several subscription video-on-demand services.