Following the successful launch of CANAL+ Sport in the previous months, Skylink, Slovak Telekom, DIGI Slovakia and T-Mobile Czech Republic will enrich their content offering with the brand new CANAL+ Action. Starting February 28th, the channel will be available on Skylink and from March 1st, it will be available on the rest of the operators with Czech dubbing.
The international media company CANAL+ is expanding its activities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Starting February 28th, CANAL+ Action which broadcasts action movies and series with Czech dubbing, will be available via satellite and Internet TV on the Skylink and freeSAT platforms. Subscribers to T-Mobile, Slovak Telekom and DIGI Slovakia will have access to the channel as of March 1st. CANAL+ Action will offer selected exclusive titles and Czech and Slovak premieres, such as the critically-acclaimed action comedy Everything Everywhere All at Once, which is nominated for an Oscar in 11 categories.
‘’Following our successful entry into sports broadcasting last year in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, we plan to expand into films and series this year, starting with the action genre. With the launch of CANAL+ Action, we aim to offer viewers high-quality action programming, with minimal advertising interruptions within a single program,’’ commented Ladislav Řeháček, VP CANAL+ Luxembourg for the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
‘’We're thrilled to collaborate with all of our partners and Ladislav Řeháček to introduce CANAL+ Action to new markets. Our mutual goal is to continuously improve the value we provide to our partners and customers while delivering top-notch entertainment across the board,’’ adds Berk Uziyel,CEO of SPI international, which is now part of the CANAL+ Group and in charge of B2B distribution of CANAL+ products within the territory.
In addition to premiere titles, CANAL+ Action will also present popular action evergreens with A-list stars such as The Expendables 2: Back for War and Escape Plan with Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and other action legends. During the first month of broadcasting, viewers will be able to watch the Oscar-winning TheRevenant starring Leonardo DiCaprio and the highly rated Canadian series Plan B which explores the implications of time travel and altering the course of events.
CANAL+ Luxembourg will distribute the channel not only through its own satellite and internet TV platform Skylink, but also through the Deutsche Telekom Group companies: T-Mobile Czech Republic, DIGI Slovakia and Slovak Telekom.
"After the summer launch of CANAL+ Sport, this is another premium content that we are presenting to our viewers. At the same time, I am very pleased that we have managed to negotiate a special offer with the international CANAL+ Group and we can therefore introduce the new channel to all T-Mobile TV customers, regardless of tariff, for a minimum of one month. After that, it will be included in the offer of M and higher tariffs," said Zdeněk Spurný, TV and Entertainment Manager at T-Mobile.
"We are pleased that, following the successful cooperation with CANAL+ Sport, the new CANAL+ Action channel will become part of our program catalog and our subscribers can enjoy the high-quality offer of action movies and series," commented Michal Mažár, Marketing and Sales Director of DIGI Slovakia.
"The cooperation with the television company CANAL+ has opened up wider opportunities for the dissemination of interesting television content. After last year's launch of CANAL+ Sport, we are adding a new TV channel from March 1st, which will be appreciated by viewers of action titles. The new CANAL+ Action channel will offer action-themed films, which will include proven classics with immortal actors such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Liam Neeson. For viewers who have missed a good dose of adrenaline so far, CANAL+ Action will be deployed from the beginning of March on all TV platforms such as Magio TV via the Internet (Magio GO), Magio IPTV and Magio Sat and will be available in the L and XL programme packages," adds Marcel Šatánek, TV and Entertainment Manager at Slovak Telekom.
About SPI INTERNATIONAL
SPI INTERNATIONAL (a CANAL+ company) is a global media company operating 62 TV channels, multiple digital products across six continents, and a major player in content distribution and broadcasting worldwide. SPI operates multiple free-to-air and pay-TV channels in CEE, Western Europe, Asia and Adria regions including key European markets such as Poland, Czechia, Romania, Serbia and the Netherlands. SPI Group owns a suite of legacy brands that have become household names such as FilmBox, Film1, Kino Polska, Stopklatka, Dizi along with different thematic channels and streaming services, including FilmBox+. Working with over 700 operators worldwide, SPI uses cutting-edge technology providing its subscribers with access to SPI’s linear and on-demand content. For over 25 years, SPI INTERNATIONAL has been a leading supplier of theatrical films and television programming in the international markets. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand. www.spiintl.com
SPI launches an innovative product called SMART CHANNELS that are digital streaming channels specially-curated for all tastes and exclusive to the FilmBox+ service. With this innovative product, operators integrated with FilmBox+ will offer their customers tens of well curated brand new streaming channels
SPI International’s streaming service FilmBox+ is proud to announce the launch of Smart Channels, now available across the world. Smart Channels are specially curated playlists of on-demand content that play back-to-back in a similar fashion to traditional linear channels. These channels are fully digital and are exclusive to the FilmBox+ platform. In addition to FilmBox+’s VOD catalog and linear channels, subscribers can now stream Smart Channels that are genre-specific or dedicated to particular content, actors or directors.
FilmBox+ has rolled-out 157 smart channels so far globally as well as across SPI’s core territories such as Europe, Adria region, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Türkiye with channel availability varying by territory. More Smart Channels will be made available in the months to come.
“People love watching linear channels worldwide. This is because audiences cherish the serendipity of stumbling onto a good movie that’s reminiscent of the traditional TV zapping experience. Smart Channels combine the best aspects of on-demand and linear viewing by enabling viewers to discover content that they might otherwise miss by scrolling through a vast library of programming,” commented Haymi Behar, CMO & CDO at SPI International.
Smart Channels that are currently available worldwide include genre-specific channels like FilmBox Kids, FilmBox Comedy, FilmBox Crime, FilmBox Horror, FilmBox Romance, FilmBox Documentary and more vertical movie channels that broadcast cinema classics by the masters of cinema or from the 1940s and 1950s. Viewers can also access thematic channels dedicated to various lifestyle programming including water sports and mixed martial arts.
“Smart Channels is an innovation that helps us create new and dedicated streaming channels through our CMS within minutes which is an added value for the operators that are integrated with FilmBox+. Whether the customer likes sailing competitions or Tarkovsky movies, they can now find a channel curated for their taste without a hassle within the platform,’’ added Behar.
More recently, FilmBox+ enhanced its lean-back user experience by introducing EPG functionality for linear channels that emulates the TV zapping experience. Now, the Smart Channel feature builds on this functionality with more dedicated channel selections. By clicking on the information button next to a movie on the Smart Channel EPG, viewers can start watching their selection from the beginning via FilmBox+’s on-demand menu which creates a smooth transition between linear and on demand viewing experiences.
FilmBox+ provides instant access to an extensive VOD catalog and live channels on any internet-connected device. FilmBox+’s well-curated selection of content from major global distributors features Hollywood blockbusters with world-famous stars, independent world cinema gems, TV series, documentaries, lifestyle programming and much more. Audiences can access the service at www.filmbox.com via web, download the mobile app that’s compatible with iOS and Android operating systems or stream their favorite content through the Smart TV app available for Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung and LG Smart TV devices. FilmBox+ is also available via multiple major European operators.
About SPI INTERNATIONAL
SPI INTERNATIONAL (a CANAL+ company) is a global media company operating 62 TV channels, multiple digital products across six continents, and a major player in content distribution and broadcasting worldwide. SPI operates multiple free-to-air and pay-TV channels in CEE, Western Europe, Asia and Adria regions including key European markets such as Poland, Czechia, Romania, Serbia and the Netherlands. SPI Group owns a suite of legacy brands that have become household names such as FilmBox, Film1, Kino Polska, Stopklatka, Dizi along with different thematic channels and streaming services, including FilmBox+. Working with over 700 operators worldwide, SPI uses cutting-edge technology providing its subscribers with access to SPI’s linear and on-demand content. For over 25 years, SPI INTERNATIONAL has been a leading supplier of theatrical films and television programming in the international markets. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand. www.spiintl.com
SPI/FilmBox (a CANAL+ company) and Bulgarian telecommunications provider Vivacom expand their partnership to include SPI’s premium drama hub Dizi in the latter’s channel offering. The channel which broadcasts a slate of award-winning popular Turkish series will be available to Vivacom subscribers starting February 1st at channel numbers 15, 42, and 55 on EON, DTH, and IPTV platforms, respectively. The companies have also extended the duration of their distribution deal which will allow subscribers to have continued access to a portfolio of SPI channels and FilmBox on-demand content.
“We are delighted to introduce new channels that feature top-quality, premium content to the audiences of one of our long-standing partners in Bulgaria, Vivacom. Dizi channel is one of our most popular channels across the world that appeals to both Turkish series enthusiasts and those who enjoy well-crafted stories with high-production value,” said Murat Muratoglu, Head of Distribution at SPI International.
“We at Vivacom are very happy that together with our long-term partner SPI, through the Dizi channel, will be able to present to our viewers a high-quality Turkish production. We believe this will be a very successful partnership that will delight lovers of well-told stories,” said Hristina Borisova, Senior Manager, Products & Services.
Vivacom already offers three movie channels from the SPI portfolio: FilmBox, FilmBox Extra, FilmBox Stars, thematic channels, and a wide selection of FilmBox on-demand content spanning all genres.
About United Group and Vivacom:
Dutch-based United Group (https://united.group) is the leading telecommunications and media operator in Southeast Europe. Active in eight countries, the company has more than 15 million users and nearly 15,000 employees. It generates approximately €2.6 billion in annual revenues. United Group has the widest network coverage in the region and offers users the most attractive selection of TV content from around the world. Significant investments in digital infrastructure, content and technology ensure the excellence of the products and services it provides to customers. United Group has been majority owned by BC Partners, one of the largest global investment companies, since March 2019.
Since July 2020, Vivacom has been part of United Group. In Bulgaria, the group also includes Nova Broadcasting Group and The Telegraph newspaper.
About SPI INTERNATIONAL
SPI INTERNATIONAL (a CANAL+ company) is a global media company operating 62 TV channels, multiple digital products across six continents, and a major player in content distribution and broadcasting worldwide. SPI operates multiple free-to-air and pay-TV channels in CEE, Western Europe, Asia and Adria regions including key European markets such as Poland, Czechia, Romania, Serbia and the Netherlands. SPI Group owns a suite of legacy brands that have become household names such as FilmBox, Film1, Kino Polska, Stopklatka, Dizi along with different thematic channels and streaming services, including FilmBox+. Working with over 700 operators worldwide, SPI uses cutting-edge technology providing its subscribers with access to SPI’s linear and on-demand content. For over 25 years, SPI INTERNATIONAL has been a leading supplier of theatrical films and television programming in the international markets. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand. www.spiintl.com
SPI’s premium pay TV and on-demand service Film1 has recently concluded a major licensing deal with one of the leading content distribution companies, The Searchers, acquiring the broadcasting rights of more than forty well-known titles. The deal promises to bring a wide selection of recent titles such as The Personal History of David Copperfield, X, Copshop, Queenpins, and Spencer to film buffs in the Netherlands, over the next two years.
Berk Uziyel, CEO of Film1’s parent company, SPI International, says: “With such a substantial licensing deal we, once again, demonstrate our commitment to a qualitative and diversified movie offering and that we want to serve our viewers and platform partners in the best way possible. The license package we’ve acquired contains many popular top titles which perfectly meet the needs of our Dutch audience.”
The highlights from the new deal include the film adaptation of Charles Dickens’s masterpiece The Personal History of David Copperfield, thrillers Copshop and X starring Gerard Butler and Jenna Ortega respectively, the comedy Queenpins with Kristen Bell, and the Academy Award-nominated Spencer about the life of Princess Diana.
Olivier Van den Broeck, The Searchers’s founder and managing partner, expressed his enthusiasm for the deal stating; “We are delighted to be in business with SPI and to be a part of Film1’s impressive film offering in the Netherlands. We look forward to the success of our Pay-1 and/or Pay-2 on their channels.”
Film1 is the only provider of a Video on Demand service in combination with four linear 24/7 film channels: Film1 Premiere, Film1 Action, Film1 Drama and Film1 Family. The movies can be viewed via TV, tablet, or smartphone and consist of the latest international titles and major Dutch productions. Highlights from last year included The War with Grandpa, Riders of Justice, The Card Counter, Sometimes Always Never, Eiffel and The Duke.
About The Searchers
The Searchers is a leading Benelux independent distribution company, with offices in Belgium and the Netherlands. Since its launch in 2015, the company has built up an extensive catalog of close to 300 prestige titles and independent blockbusters. The company enjoyed commercial successes with both mainstream releases, such as Hustlers,Cold Pursuit,GreenlandandOperation Fortune, as well as bringing specialty and cross-over titles to a large Benelux audience, including Everything Everywhere All At Once, Spencer, Wind River, Hell or High Water and most recently Living. The Searchers holds exclusive partnerships with companies such as FilmNation Entertainment (Promising Young Woman), STX Entertainment (Bad Moms franchise), and Basil Iwanyk’s Asbury Park. Recently, the Searchers launched its own production pole. Co-productions are currently in the works on Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah’s long-awaited sequel Gangstas (in association with A Team Productions) and Jim Taihuttu’s Hardcore Never Dies (in association with New Amsterdam). The Searchers has been actively acquiring book rights and podcasts in its steps towards more productions. www.thesearchers.be
About SPI INTERNATIONAL
SPI INTERNATIONAL (a CANAL+ company) is a global media company operating 62 TV channels, multiple digital products across six continents, and is a major player in content distribution and broadcasting worldwide. SPI operates multiple free-to-air and pay-TV channels in CEE, Western Europe, Asia, and Adria regions including key European markets such as Poland, Czechia, Romania, Serbia and the Netherlands. SPI Group owns a suite of legacy brands that have become household names such as FilmBox, Film1, Kino Polska, Stopklatka, Dizi along with different thematic channels and streaming services, including FilmBox+. Working with over 700 operators worldwide, SPI uses cutting-edge technology providing its subscribers with access to SPI’s linear and on-demand content. For over 25 years, SPI INTERNATIONAL has been a leading supplier of theatrical films and television programming in the international markets. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand. www.spiintl.com
