GECs
ITV’s Granade International signs exclusive TV movie output deal with Star
MUMBAI: ITV’s production arm Granada has signed a substantial TV movie output deal with News Corp’s Star Movies. The announcement was made by Nadine Nohr, managing director Granada International.
The deal will bring 45 Granada America TV movies to the Star Movies channel on a pay TV basis reaching an estimated 33 million homes across the region.
The multi-year deal was brokered by VP Asia sales, George Sakkalli Granada International. Movies yet to be made are included in the deal as well as those which have recently been launched internationally such as Widow On The Hill starring James Brolin (Traffic), Lethal Seduction starring Melanie Griffith (Working Girl) and Brave New Girl starring Virginia Madsen (Sideways).
Sakkalli commented, “The high production values of Granada America’s television movies make them extremely popular in Asia. The movies are usually contemporary, often based on true events, and star well-known talent in key roles. Granada America already has a strong slate for 2005 with further productions in development for 2006.”
“We are extremely pleased to have secured the exclusive rights to brand-new and upcoming TV movies from Granada America–one of the most respected and prolific producers in the industry. The quality and broadly entertaining movies are a perfect fit for Star Movies,” said Star Programming senior vice president Ross Crowley.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
