SPI International/Film1 Appoints Jeroen Bergman as Managing Director of Film1 Operations in the Netherlands
Amsterdam, July 15, 2019 – Last week, SPI announced the successful acquisition of the brand assets of Film1, the premium television and video on demand service in the Netherlands. Today, SPI announced the appointment of experienced industry professional Jeroen Bergman, as Managing Director of Film1 operations in the Netherlands.
The recent deal between Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks and SPI International confirms that, as of August 1, 2019 SPI will fully own the Film1 brand and will operate four pay movie services brands under the Film1 umbrella: Film1 Premiere, Film1 Drama, Film1 Action and Film1 Family.
Bergman makes the transition to Film1 after twenty years of employment as Managing Director of Programming at Liberty Global. While at Liberty Global, Bergman worked on the acquisition of the Dutch Canal+ assets by Liberty Global and managed them for 6 years during which the service relaunched as Film1 and Sport1.
“We are delighted to have Jeroen Bergman on board as Managing Director of Film1 movie services. Jeroen’s extensive media and entertainment industry expertise will play a key role in strengthening Film1’s growth as the best premium movie service in the Netherlands. We are confident that Film1 will create a great success story in the Netherlands,” said Berk Uziyel, CEO of SPI International.
Under the leadership of Bergman as Managing Director of Film1, SPI will continue to offer both linear channels as well as its digital services in the Netherlands. “I am very excited to work with SPI International, a company I have come to know well for their strong presence in Europe. Their track record, superior programming and established content relationships will be of formidable help in driving the growth of Film1 in the Netherlands,” said Jeroen Bergman, Managing Director at Film1.
Film1 offers Dutch and international productions on its movie services, which are available on various cable, DTH, and IPTV platforms.
About Film1
Film1, part of SPI International, is the premium film service with new films from the largest film studios and Dutch independent distributors. View unlimited and exclusive for a fixed amount per month, at home or on the road, on demand or linear, without advertising, on a device of your choice.
About SPI International
SPI International/Filmbox is a global media company operating 40 television channels on six continents. SPI is one of the biggest aggregators of native Ultra HD content in the world. SPI uses the latest technology providing subscribers access to SPI’s linear and on demand content including live streaming of UHD programming and FilmBox channels on any Internet-connected device via major global streaming media players as well as local OTT providers.
For over 25 years, SPI International has been a leading supplier of theatrical films and television programming in the international market. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand.
SPI International has successfully acquired the brand assets of Film1 in the Netherlands through a recent deal with Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks
Amsterdam, July 8, 2019; SPI International has acquired the brand assets of Film1, the Dutch premium television and video on demand service, from Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks. According to the deal, SPI will own Film1 brands and will continue to operate all of its digital services with platforms.
According to the deal, as of August 1, 2019 SPI will fully own the Film1 brand and will operate four pay movie services brands under the Film1 umbrella: Film1 Premiere, Film1 Drama, Film1 Action and Film1 Family. SPI will continue to offer both linear channels as well as its digital services in the Netherlands. Film1 currently offers Dutch and international productions on its movie channels, which are available on various cable, DTH, and IPTV platforms.
“We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Film1 brands in the Netherlands. SPI has been providing premium movie services for hundreds of operators in 45 countries for over 20 years. As the Home of Good Movies, SPI continuously strives to bring the best and most compelling content to its viewers all around the world. Through the addition of the Film1 brands to our diverse suite of linear channels and state of the art digital services, we are proud to share our extensive selection of premium content with all movie lovers in the Netherlands” said Berk Uziyel, CEO of SPI International.
SPI International offers linear and digital movie services through multiple screens for an all-around entertainment experience. Under SPI ownership, Film1 will feature a wide variety of premium movies from global distributors that their subscribers will be able to access on all screens.
The acquisition of the Film1 brands is a major indicator of SPI’s sustained commitment to expanding their highly successful and diverse portfolio of networks across Europe. As part of SPI’s multi-territory deals with world class content production and distribution partners, Film1 will feature an extensive selection of premium content that caters to a multitude of tastes and needs and will be offered completely ad free in the Netherlands.
About SPI International
SPI International/FilmBox is a global media company operating 40 television channels and movie services on six continents. FilmBox being it’s flagship channel, SPI uses the latest technology providing subscribers access to SPI’s linear and on demand content including live streaming of UHD programming and FilmBox channels on any Internet-connected device via major global streaming media players as well as local OTT providers. For over 25 years, SPI International has been a leading supplier of theatrical films and television programming in the international market. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand.
For more information contact:
SPI International/FilmBox
Marc Weismann (GloCreative) marc@glocreative.com
SPI affiliate Kino Polska S.A, recently inked a new content license agreement with Metro Goldwyn Mayer that aims to deliver an impressive selection of new movie titles to SPI/FilmBox subscribers in the Middle East
The Middle East is one of the fastest growing markets for SPI. One of the main reasons for such success is SPI’s ability to align themselves with key global partners. A newly signed content license agreement with Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) offers access to new movie titles ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to award-winning films to SPI/Filmbox subscribers in the Middle East. The impressive number of new MGM movie titles will provide an enhanced entertainment experience for SPI/Filmbox subscribers of all ages.
“I’m proud to announce our partnership with one of Hollywood’s biggest movie and media companies, Metro Goldwyn Mayer. Much of my excitement comes from our ability to offer our Middle East subscribers some of the best movies that MGM has ever produced,” said Murat Muratoğlu, Head of Distribution at SPI International.
SPI/Filmbox Middle East subscribers will now have access to MGM movies such as Get Shorty; starring John Travolta, Academy Award-winner Gene Hackman, Rene Russo and Danny DeVito; Rocky starring Sylvester Stallone; Ronin directed by multiple Emmy Award winner John Frankenheimer and starring Academy Award-winner Robert DeNiro; Pink Panther I & II starring Steve Martin, Academy Award-winner Kevin Kline, and Jean Reno; and The Man in the Iron Mask starring Academy Award-winner Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Gerard Depardieu and Gabriel Byrne. This agreement also includes Legally Blonde, Carrie (2013), Robocop, The Thomas Crown Affair and Species I & II amongst some of MGM’s many other global hits.
About SPI International SPI International is a global media company operating 36 television channels on six continents. SPI is one of the biggest aggregators of native Ultra HD content in the world, FilmBox being its flagship channel. Working with over 1,400 operators worldwide, SPI uses state of the art technology providing its 55 million subscribers with access to SPI’s linear and on demand content including live streaming of UHD programming and FilmBox channels on any Internet-connected device via major global streaming media players as well as local OTT providers.
For over 25 years, SPI International has been a leading distributor of theatrical films and television programming in the international market. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand. www.spiintl.com
About Metro Goldwyn Mayer
Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television content across all platforms. The company owns one of the world's deepest libraries of premium film and television content as well as the premium pay television network EPIX, which is available throughout the U.S. via cable, satellite, telco and digital distributors. In addition, MGM has investments in numerous other television channels, digital platforms and interactive ventures and is producing premium short-form content for distribution. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.
For more information contact:
SPI International/FILMBOX
Michael Glovaski (Glo Creative) michael@glocreative.com
Gametoon HD Channel acquired Esports Balkan League (League of Legends), the biggest regional esports league, which will be aired live and exclusively this summer
SPI/FilmBox announced today that it has acquired the exclusive linear and digital rights to the Esports Balkan League (EBL), the first professional esports competition in which the best eight teams from ten European countries compete in a League of Legends tournament for the championship title.
This summer, viewers can watch EBL (League of Legends) live and exclusively, on SPI/FilmBox’s Gametoon HD channel. Gametoon HD is a worldwide entertainment TV channel for millennials revolving around gaming and esports. Gametoon HD offers a unique experience to its audience along with wholly owned exclusive contents and timeslots such as Stream Nation and eSports tournaments. Gametoon HD is a well-known source of entertainment within the world of gaming. The channel is available worldwide in English and will soon be available in Polish.
“It is with great pleasure that I announce the SPI/FilmBox’s Gametoon HD channel is the sole carrier of EBL (League of Legends), the biggest regional esports competition featuring the most popular online video game ever,” said Revi Benshoshan, Director of Acquisitions at SPI International. “It is only fitting that SPI, one of the most strategic and competitive media companies in the world, signed an exclusive license agreement with Fortuna Esports, a prominent player in the field of esports event management. This summer, Gametoon HD is the only channel in the world where you can watch Esports Balkan League (League of Legends).” continued Benshoshan.
Gametoon HD viewers can watch the livestream of EBL (League of Legends) anywhere in the world, starting from June 24 until the finals on August 24, between 19:00 – 23:00 CEST. Season Five of EBL covers ten countries: Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Slovenia, Montenegro and Albania. Among the eight competing teams is last year’s winner, Random 5 from Bulgaria, along with other formidable competitors such as Crvena Zvezda, ASUS, LevelUp, X25, Upper Echelon, The Plan and WiLD. The league features the teams competing in a double round robin "best-of-1" format throughout the season, with the top four teams advancing to playoffs.
“We are thrilled about our partnership with SPI/FilmBox and because Esports Balkan League will be available to an even wider audience through Gametoon HD in its upcoming fifth season,” said Mihajlo Jovanović-Džaril, Founder and CEO of Fortuna Esports. “Our region is home to many great gaming talents and it has been our mission to bring them under the spotlight. This deal is doing exactly that.” continued Jovanović-Džaril.
League of Legends is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game and is recognized as the most played video game in the world with over hundred million plays every month. EBL is one of Europe's thirteen ERLs leagues and it is officially endorsed by Riot Games, the developer and publisher of League of Legends. This year, the top eight Balkan teams will compete for an aggregate prize pool of 40.000 Euros.
About SPI International
SPI International is a global media company operating 36 television channels on six continents. SPI is one of the biggest aggregators of native Ultra HD content in the world, FilmBox being its flagship channel. Working with over 1,400 operators worldwide, SPI uses state of the art technology providing its 55 million subscribers with access to SPI’s linear and on demand content including live streaming of UHD programming and FilmBox channels on any Internet-connected device via major global streaming media players as well as local OTT providers.
For over 25 years, SPI International has been a leading distributor of theatrical films and television programming in the international market. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand. www.spiintl.com
About Fortuna Esports
Fortuna Esports is the regional leader in Southeast Europe when it comes to esports. It handles event organization, studio and video production as well as TV and online streaming for international tournaments. Fortuna is the first regional broadcaster to acquire rights for premium esports content with the Riot Games' LoL Esports tournament circuit, Dota 2 The International and CS:GO Majors.
Along with premium esports programming, Fortuna's portfolio includes unique entertainment shows created for local audience as well as the biggest regional esports league – Esports Balkan League.
For more information contact:
SPI International/FILMBOX
Marc Weissman (Glo Creative) marc@glocreative.com
