(29 April 2008 4:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) has inked a day-and-date video-on-demand licensing deal with KT Corporation (KT), South Korea’s integrated wired and wireless telecom service provider, to offer current and upcoming theatrical movies from Sony Pictures Entertainment on KT’s Mega TV.

The day-and date aspect of the deal will make the movie titles available to Mega TV’s customers on demand on the same day as the local home video/DVD release.

The move comes amidst the rapid growth of IPTV in South Korea, following last year’s passing of the IPTV bill by the country’s National Assembly, and the continued popularity of Hollywood movies there. The agreement will allow Mega TV customers to catch the latest titles from Sony Pictures such as the recently released movies Vantage Point, The Water Horse and Across the Universe as they become available on home video/DVD.

The deal also includes features such as Stephen Chow’s CJ7; Will Smith’s upcoming superhero action movie Hancock; and Kevin Spacey’s drama 21 which will be offered to consumers post their theatrical run. In addition to movies, the deal also covers SPTI’s TV series such as Damages and Cashmere Mafia starring Lucy Liu post their television broadcast.

SPTI executive director, licensing, South Korea Soojin Chung says, “We are thrilled to expand our relationship with KT and enable them to continue to build upon MegaTV’s success with our hit TV shows in addition to our feature films."