Film1 which combines the linear and on-demand viewing experiences with great content curation, switches its app to a new infrastructure that provides enhanced user experience, great content, easy operator integration and availability on additional connected devices.
SPI owned and operated Dutch premium movie services Film1 announces that they have revamped their streaming app which includes the switch to a new, dynamic OTT infrastructure that allows customization and updates. Some of the other developments include user interface improvements for a well-rounded user experience on web, iOS, Android apps and single-sign-on capability that provides seamless operator integration. The Ziggo set-top-box app has also been updated to the latest Metrological Lightning technology and is available at channel 105 to the subscribers with the Film1 package. In addition, the Film1 app is now also available for Samsung and LG Smart TVs, and other connected devices such as Android TV and Apple TV.
“Film1 combines the linear and on-demand viewing experiences with its four linear channels and streaming services, making it a highly-sought after partner for operators to enrich their content offerings. We have recently migrated our Film1 app platform from the legacy provider to the new TV2Z platform that also hosts FilmBox+ and Dizi apps. With this migration, we aim to provide both the end-user and our operator partners with an appealing curation of content that is easier to access with a clean design that is more comfortable to navigate,” said Haymi Behar, CMO & CDO at SPI International.
The revamped app has already integrated with a majority of the operators in the Netherlands, including Ziggo, Canal Digitaal, Online.nl, Delta, Fiber, Tele2, Caiway, Breedband Helmond, Solcon, CAI Harderwijk, Plinq, SKV, Kabelnoord, Kabeltex, SKP and Trined which allows subscribers to access the curated movies and linear channels of Film1 easily with the credentials provided by the operators through film1.nl. In addition, the updated Metrological Lightning app has also recently launched on the Ziggo Mediabox XL and Mediabox Next set-top-boxes, available to subscribers at channel 105.
“The Ziggo lightning app is integrated into the EPG at channel 105 and comes right after the four Film1 linear channels. The aggregation of quality content in one place makes finding a good movie to watch much more easier, eliminating choice stress for the audience. We will also be adding iDEAL as a payment method very soon which enables subscribers to pay for the service online through their own bank without having to provide any credit card information,” added Behar.
Film1’s line-up of SVOD movies and four specialized linear movie channels – all available through the app – aim to minimize the time spent scrolling by providing a targeted, lean-back entertainment experience that many streaming platforms currently lack. SPI aims to integrate film1.nl with more operators and to launch the app on more operator set-top-boxes in the next year.
Consumers can access the service at film1.nl directly or through the Film1 app on connected devices such as smartphones, tablets, smart TVs and partner operators’ platforms.
About SPI INTERNATIONAL
SPI INTERNATIONAL (a CANAL+ company) is a global media company operating 42 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, CIS 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 and Globacom, one of the fastest growing telecommunications companies in sub-Saharan Africa, bring nine channels from the SPI portfolio to Nigeria with Glo-TV, an innovative TV streaming service on Android, iOS apps and web for watching live linear TV, VOD and catch-up content. As of 1 May 2022, Glo-TV subscribers can access FilmBox Africa and FilmBox Action for movies, SPI’s drama hub Dizi for the best Turkish drama series in addition to DocuBox, FashionBox, Fast&FunBox, FightBox, Gametoon and 360 TuneBox for a wide range of thematic programming.
“It is great to join Glo-TV’s offering which has been well received in Nigeria, a key market for us and one where I’m sure our channels will flourish. It’s always satisfying to make quality content more accessible in Africa in collaboration with innovative, new players in the region such as Glo-TV,” commented Georgina Twiss, MD Western Europe and Africa at SPI International.
The deal includes SPI’s FilmBox Africa and FilmBox Action which broadcasts the best Hollywood features and action-packed movies, SPI’s popular drama hub Dizi along with the following thematic propositions: DocuBox which broadcasts a collection of award-winning documentaries about different cultures and the wonders of our world; FashionBox provides highly entertaining content on fashion trends and all things style, Fast&FunBox offers action-packed programming dedicated to adrenaline sports; FightBox broadcasts some of the most electrifying combat sports live events and multi-discipline mixed martial arts coverage from all over the world; Gametoon which is dedicated to gaming content created by true gaming and esports enthusiasts and 360TuneBox presents new music every week with today’s emerging artists.
Customers can sign up with Glo-TV and get access to some of the best content in Africa and around the world. Subscriptions range from N150 to N3200 for 3-Day to 30-Day packs, respectively.
About SPI INTERNATIONAL
SPI INTERNATIONAL (a CANAL+ company) is a global media company operating 42 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, CIS 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
Munich, 14 July 2022. Studio 100 Media, one of the leading independent studios for kids & family entertainment, has closed a multibrand deal with global media company SPI International for digital exploitation of several 2D animation classic series from its extensive catalogue. The contract will give SPI non-exclusive worldwide AVOD and SVOD rights (with the exception of a few territories per program) on SPI platforms such as FilmBox+, FilmBox on Demand, Film1, ToonzBox and ToonzStream. The shows “Maya the Bee”, “Heidi”, “Pinocchio” and “Alice in Wonderland” will be available on-demand in various language versions , including English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.
About SPI INTERNATIONAL
SPI INTERNATIONAL (a CANAL+ company) is a global media company operating 42 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, CIS 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
About Studio 100 Media
Studio 100 Media is an internationally active production and distribution company for high-quality children’s and family entertainment. Among the well-known brands under Studio 100 Media’s umbrella are "Maya the Bee", "Mia and me", "Heidi", "Vic the Viking" and “100% Wolf”. The company is a subsidiary of the Belgian Studio 100 Group and has an extensive program portfolio, develops and produces new animated series and feature films and distributes them worldwide. Other business areas include international licensing of brand rights, the home entertainment label Studio 100, the company’s pay TV channel Junior and its animation studio Studio Isar Animation founded in 2018. Within the Studio 100 Group, Studio 100 Media brands also have a home in eight theme parks - in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands and Poland. Studio 100 is one of the largest independent European companies for kids and family entertainment. www.studio100group.com
FilmBox’s Home of Good Movies will be available to 3.1 million Ziggo viewers at channel 100
SPI/FilmBox announces the launch of FilmBox with Ziggo, the largest cable operator in the Netherlands, starting June 30th, 2022. The distribution deal will allow all TV customers of Ziggo to have unlimited access to FilmBox at channel 100 for a curated selection of Hollywood films, favorite classics and the popular Narcos series. In total, 3.1 million Ziggo viewers will be able to enjoy FilmBox’s stress-free, lean-back entertainment experience that has no disruptive commercial breaks during the movies.
FilmBox was launched in the Netherlands last May and is currently offered in the basic packages of Canal Digitaal, DELTA, Caiway, Online.nl, Kabelnoord, Plinq, SKP, Trined and Breedband Helmond. With the addition of FilmBox to Ziggo, the channel will be available in over three million Dutch households.
“Overwhelming feedback from Dutch TV viewers shows how frustrating it is to interrupt a film several times for a commercial break. It was high time to do something about it. FilmBox is already a huge success on all the platforms that have been broadcasting it since last year and has proven its appeal abroad for many years. The channel is a wonderful addition to our premium proposition Film1, and we are proud of the trust that Ziggo places in us”, says Jeroen Bergman, Managing Director Film1 and FilmBox Netherlands.
The weekly programming grid for FilmBox features a Movie of the Week on Monday evenings which spans prize-winning arthouse movies, international blockbusters and local productions starring Dutch actors. On Wednesday afternoons and weekend mornings, the channel airs movies for children and young adults. In addition, on Friday evenings, FilmBox broadcasts three horror movies in succession.
Raymond van der Vliet, Director Programming & Content at VodafoneZiggo adds: “We are very pleased to add FilmBox to our extensive tv offering. FilmBox fits perfectly in our aim to provide customers access to their favorite content with the best quality and viewing experience. The viewing of ad break-free programs and the high-quality films and series of FilmBox helps our customers get a great tv-experience.”
SPI is active in the Netherlands with multiple brands including Film1, FilmBox, FilmBox Arthouse and Turkish series channel Dizi (via Amazon Prime), Docustream and Filmstream (via Samsung TV Plus) and a range of films at Pathé Thuis. Film1 has tripled the number of subscribers in recent years and FilmBox is available via the majority of Dutch operators.
About Ziggo
Ziggo is one of the leading communication and entertainment service providers for consumers and companies in the Netherlands. As of March 31, 2022, Ziggo has almost 4 million television, over 3 million internet and over 2 million fixed telephony customers. The small and large business market uses products such as data communication, (mobile) telephony, television services and electronic payment options, Ziggo is part of VodafoneZiggo, a 50/50 joint venture of Vodafone Group and Liberty Global. For more information, go to www.vodafoneziggo.nl
About SPI INTERNATIONAL
SPI INTERNATIONAL (a CANAL+ company) is a global media company operating 42 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, CIS 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
