SPI International, a CANAL+ company, and the content and platform aggregator ScreenHits TV have inked a new distribution deal for SPI’s free, ad-supported television (FAST) channel Filmstream, which broadcasts world cinema gems and independent feature films from around the world. The channel is now live via the ScreenHits TV app in the UK, USA, Germany, Colombia, Mexico and Argentina, with more territories to be added in the near future.
“Filmstream is a true game changer for world cinema enthusiasts with its catalog of timeless movies and we are pleased to expand its reach with ScreenHits TV worldwide across the USA, parts of Europe and Latin America,” commented Georgina Twiss, MD Western Europe and Africa at SPI International.
Filmstream currently broadcasts a curated slate of independent world cinema gems and classic movies from iconic directors such as Hitchcock, Kurosawa, Fellini and many others. The channel plans to expand its line-up with Hollywood blockbusters and popular hits in the future and is a part of SPI’s expanding portfolio of FAST channels spanning all genres for all tastes.
ScreenHits TV, a new distribution portal for content that the consumer controls, allows subscribers to integrate and manage TV/online streaming services while permitting them to see what is trending. It also gives them the ability to share recommendations and viewing habits with friends.
“At SPI, we work toward delivering well-curated free streaming TV, such as Filmstream, to maximize our audiences’ entertainment experience while reducing their decision fatigue. FASTs have become an integral part of our digital growth strategy in the past year and it brings us great pleasure to collaborate with like-minded partners like ScreenHits TV which prioritizes the ease of discoverability for quality content,” commented Haymi Behar, CMO & CDO at SPI International.
ScreenHits TVCEO-Founder Rose Hulse said, “FAST TV channels are rapidly becoming a cornerstone of streaming as this business evolves, and we have evolved along with it. As a portal dedicated to making life easier for consumers, our goal is to seamlessly integrate the SVOD and FAST Channels into a fluid and integrated UI, ensuring the consumer gets to the content they want to watch quicker, with as few clicks as possible. We are extremely selective about which news and entertainment FAST channels we add to our service to ensure they complement the SVOD platforms. Filmstream’s outstanding library of cinema gems and independent feature films from around the world fits perfectly with our vision.”
About ScreenHits TV
ScreenHits TV (SHTV), based in London, is a curated streaming aggregator providing the leading global and local streamers to a rapidly growing number of territories around the world, including the U.S. UK, Germany, Latin and North America, the Indian sub-continent and Africa. Currently available via a newly enhanced desktop platform and iOS app on the Apple Store and Amazon Fire TV Stick, SHTV is now on Android mobile phones. It will also soon be offered on Metz, Google Chromecast and other leading connected TV manufacturers, as well as new platforms. Officially launched in Spring 2021 by ScreenHits TV Founder-CEO Rose Hulse, the SHTV portal is designed to give control back to the consumer, helping the user to find the right content from the streamers they subscribe to and to better manage their growing number of subscriptions. ScreenHits TV is seen as a new, device-agnostic, distribution portal that is controlled by the consumer. Consumers can create their own TV Guide channel lineup, which in turn helps the user get the most out of their Subscriptions. Fast channels have recently been added to ScreenHits TV to bring in a select number of FAST Channels that complement SVOD. The platform provides users with ability to share recommendations and viewing habits with friends from their own network of social media channels, competitive offers on streaming subscriptions; and a child protection PIN that parents can put on their accounts to guard against any content that is not kid friendly.
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
SPI International, a CANAL+ company that operates TV, FAST channels, and multiple digital services across the world, has appointed Kresimir Duic to serve as the Director of Operations for Adria and Albania. Duic previously worked for HBO as the Sales Director responsible for the Adria region.
He will be responsible for managing business operations in Adria and Albania which includes reinforcing SPI’s brand reputation, strengthening and building on client relationships, launching new Pay TV channels and digital products from SPI’s portfolio in the region while working closely with SPI’s finance, marketing, programming, and sales teams. Duic will work with the Head of Distribution Murat Muratoglu who oversees the distribution efforts for SPI across multiple territories including Adria and Albania.
With a proven track record of exceeding quotas, increasing profits, and ensuring both B2B and D2C customer base growth, as well as managing key customer accounts, Duic has over 20 years of experience in sales within the media industry. Duic spent 12 years at HBO Adria where he was recently working as the Sales Director in charge of leading all key account negotiations, B2B relationship management, market analysis, and strategic goal setting overseeing a team of sales managers.
“SPI's rapid growth in the region in the past few years is very visible in the market. I am honored that SPI decided to bring me on board to help with the further expansion of its operations in the Adria and Albania regions. I am confident that we will elevate the business to new heights together,” commented Kresimir Duic.
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
SPI/FilmBox and Moçambique Telecom SA (Tmcel) ink brand new distribution deal that allows Tmcel subscribers in Mozambique to access Dizi via Yabadoo, one of Africa’s leading live TV streaming platforms. Dizi channel which broadcasts some of the most popular and critically-acclaimed Turkish series is included in Pacote de Ouro with Portuguese subtitles.
“Our partnership with Tmcel for Dizi will surely excite the growing number of on-the-go fans of Turkish series in Mozambique who enjoy watching their favorite TV shows on their mobile devices,” said Georgina Twiss, MD Western Europe and Africa at SPI International. “With Yabadoo, Tmcel subscribers can immerse themselves in the beautiful scenery and gripping storylines of the Dizi series without sacrificing their internet data and at their convenience,” commented Twiss.
Dizi reaches millions of households worldwide across the CEE, Western Europe, Adria region and Africa through multiple operators with its slate of globally acclaimed Turkish drama series.
“With this partnership, Tmcel clients, specially Dizi lovers, will have access, full time, to a variety of TV content, live and on demand. Not charging mobile data is a differentiator on this service that, through Tmcel, will bring emotion to every customer,” commented Adil Ginabay, Marketing Manager of Tmcel.
“For a generation that’s on-the-go more often than not, streaming content through mobile and portable devices has become extremely valuable. Live TV and lean-back channels are still prominent models of consumption among many audiences across the world and we are delighted to cater to current audience demands by delivering one of our most popular channels through mobile via Yabadoo in Mozambique,” added Haymi Behar, CMO & CDO at SPI International.
Yabadoo is a mobile application that lets viewers watch live TV channels without using their internet data on their smartphones, laptops or tablets anytime, anywhere.
About Tmcel
Tmcel- Moçambique Telecom, S.A., is a flagship operator and was the first to establish in Mozambique. It owns licenses to operate the mobile and fixed network and is present in the whole territory. With more than 30 years of experience in the sector, it offers a variety of communication solutions to its customers.
The company focuses on innovation and was the first operator to continuously offer new products and services to its customers. These services and products are competitive and designed to satisfy market needs and provide a better customer experience.
One of Tmcel's focuses is to be the leader in digital transformation in Mozambique, providing technically advanced communication solutions in the country and Southern Africa. www.tmcel.mz
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 and CANAL+ Group adds Gametoon to their offering in Ethiopia, following the launch of all three FilmBox movie channels – FilmBox Africa, FilmBox Action and FilmBox Family
SPI/FilmBox and CANAL+ Group bring SPI’s gaming and esports channel Gametoon to Ethiopia, available on channel 71 in the DESTA package. SPI had already launched the well-known FilmBox Africa and the new additions to the FilmBox group, FilmBox Action and FilmBox Family with the operator, earlier in the year.
“We are delighted to build on our existing carriage of FightBox with Gametoon and the full portfolio of FilmBox brands including the launch in the market of FilmBox Action and FilmBox Family. Following their popularity in other countries and following local demand, we wanted to offer the same rich bouquet in Africa,” commented Georgina Twiss, MD Western Europe & Africa at SPI International. “The SPI/FilmBox portfolio of channels, now enriched also by Gametoon and available via CANAL+ offers in Ethiopia, will entertain and engage audiences of all ages and tastes,” added Twiss.
Gametoon is created by true gaming and esports enthusiasts and features highlights of popular games, entertainment content from gaming youtubers, video game tournaments with million-dollar prize pools and much more.
Alexandre Gruner, SVP Channels Acquisitions and Partnerships for CANAL+ INTERNATIONAL, declares: “We are very pleased to pursue the partnership with our new family member SPI with the launch of the FilmBox movies portfolio as well as Gametoon. Those channels will appeal to our Ethiopian viewers and strengthen our offer.”
FilmBox Africa and FilmBox Family are available in the Desta package on channel 54 and 55, respectively, while FilmBox Action is accessible in the Feshta package on channel 62 via “CANAL+ ETHIOPIA”, a dedicated offer distributed in Ethiopia. SPI’s MMA sports channel FightBox is also available in the Desta package.
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
About CANAL+ GROUP
The CANAL+ Group is a leader in the publishing of premium channels - the CANAL+ channels - and thematic channels as well as in the distribution of pay television offers. Internationally, the CANAL+ Group is experiencing strong growth with a presence in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Pacific. In total, the CANAL+ Group has almost 23.7 million subscribers worldwide, including 9 million in mainland France. With STUDIOCANAL, the CANAL+ Group is also a European leader in the production, acquisition, and distribution of cinema films and TV series. The CANAL+ Group is 100% owned by Vivendi, an international group in the production and creation of content. The CANAL+ Group entered into a distribution agreement with an independent company, BRUH ENTERTAINMENT, for the distribution of CANAL+ETHIOPIA offers in Ethiopia.
