GECs
Sony forms TV production JV in China
MUMBAI: Moving quickly to take advantage of a new Chinese law that allows such co-ventures, Sony Corp’s television unit announced today it has set up a joint venture with a division of China Film Group (CFG) to make Chinese language TV shows.
Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) and CFG’s Hua Long Film Digital Production Co, have formed the first US-Sino television and film co-production joint venture approved by the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC’s) national government, including regulatory bodies the State Administration of Radio, Film & Television (SARFT) and the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), a statement issued today by SPTI says. The JV, Huaso Film/Television Digital Production Company Limited, will be known as “Huaso,” an acronym combining “Hua Long” with “Sony.” CFG holds majority stake in the JV.
The announcement was jointly made by Michael Grindon, president, SPTI, and Yang Buting, chairman, CFG.
Huaso has opened offices in Beijing and will be run by a board of directors, with Dandan Zhang recently appointed as general manager to oversee day-to-day operations. Huaso currently has a number of Chinese-language projects in development, including light entertainment and sitcom properties, drama series and TV movies, for distribution within and outside the PRC.
The JV is part of SPTI’s larger commitment to increase production capabilities in Asia and adds to that already existing in India, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and Taiwan.
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.
