English Entertainment
AOL film downloads services launches in UK
MUMBAI: AOL has launched an online film rental service for Internet users in the UK, with a range of films including leading Warner Bros. Pictures movies.
The service launches with a varied catalogue of full-length feature films and short films to choose from, including well known popular titles from Warner Bros.
Pictures such as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Alexander, Batman and Poltergeist, through to more specialist and niche titles. New titles will continue to be added to the service regularly.
‘AOL Film Downloads’ is available to both AOL members and general internet users. Members can access the library of films via the dedicated film channel on the AOL service itself, while non-members can find ‘AOL Film Downloads’ at www.aol.lovefilm.com. Once registered, consumers can start to download films to their PC, with prices starting at £2.99 for a full-length feature film.
AOL UK chief executive and chairman Karen Thomson said, “AOL Film Downloads gives broadband users an on-demand option for their home entertainment, delivering the latest films directly into their home for a reasonable price. AOL Film Downloads is an integral part of the recently launched Play Legal campaign, which aims to inform UK consumers about online music, game and film downloading and encourage everyone to do it legally.”
Warner Bros. Entertainment UK Limited EVP & MD Josh Berger, said: “Warner Bros. is happy to be in business with our sister company AOL for this new service with LOVEFiLM. The service will allow us to meet the on demand needs of our consumers and enable us to deliver downloadable movies in a convenient way to view, when and how they want it at a competitive price.”
English Entertainment
ZEE5 UK partners Narrative Entertainment to add UK channels
Six FAST channels added as platform sharpens hybrid play in Britain
LONDON: ZEE5 UK struck a first-of-its-kind deal with Narrative Entertainment, bringing mainstream UK television channels onto an Indian streaming platform as it pushes to deepen its footprint in a crowded, mature market.
The partnership adds six of Narrative’s FAST channels to the service, including Great! Movies, Great! Romance, Great! Mystery and kids brands POP, Tiny Pop and POP UP, widening ZEE5 UK’s appeal across genres and age groups.
The move reflects a clear shift in strategy. ZEE5 UK is betting on a hybrid model that blends on-demand content with curated, always-on channels to drive discovery and increase time spent on the platform.
“This partnership represents a meaningful evolution in how we serve audiences in mature markets like the UK, where viewers are defined by habits, convenience and choice rather than geography or language alone,” said Parul Goel, territory head, Europe, Zee Entertainment. “By bringing trusted mainstream UK channels together with our premium originals, movies and kids’ content, we are building a more consumer-centric platform that simplifies viewing while increasing depth and relevance.”
Fateha Begum, commercial director, Narrative Entertainment, said the tie-up would fuel growth for both sides. “Our portfolio of quality programming, with such wide and enduring appeal, is a perfect complement to ZEE5 UK. This is a strong partnership that will support growth for both parties, and we share Zee Entertainment’s vision of an increasingly partnership-led future for the industry.”
ZEE5’s global library spans over 4,000 films and more than 500 originals, with over 130 new titles added annually. The addition of Narrative’s channels strengthens its kids offering and introduces genre-led linear experiences alongside its on-demand catalogue.
The deal also gives Narrative access to ZEE5 UK’s fast-growing user base, extending reach without diluting brand identity, while reinforcing ZEE5 UK’s network of more than 40 live channels.
As streaming wars intensify, ZEE5 UK is widening its playbook, blending content, convenience and partnerships in a bid to win screen time in one of the world’s toughest markets.
