English Entertainment
Eric Schmidt’s TomorrowVentures invests in Relativity Media
MUMBAI: Eric Schmidt’s TomorrowVentures, LLC is planning to invest in Relativity Media.
Separately, TomorrowVentures managing partner Court Coursey has been appointed chief investment & strategy officer of Relativity Media, effective immediately, to develop and execute Relativity’s ongoing vision as a next-generation global media company. Coursey will continue his position at TomorrowVentures.
Coursey, a veteran business executive, entrepreneur and venture capitalist, will report directly to Relativity Media chairman and CEO Ryan Kavanaugh and will work to pursue and drive new business opportunities and partnerships across Relativity’s content businesses, including film, television, sports, digital and music.
Kavanaugh said, “Court is a proven business leader and entrepreneur with deep knowledge of the forces shaping media, technology and entertainment. I’m thrilled to welcome him to Relativity as we prepare for the next chapter in our evolution as a 360-degree content engine.”
Coursey added, “Relativity and Ryan have pioneered a powerful new model at a time when the content business is being revolutionized by technology and changing consumer behavior. I look forward to helping Relativity continue to pursue its vision for a new kind of media and content company.”
TomorrowVentures is a diversified venture capital firm and has a portfolio of over 100 direct investments and in excess of 1,500 indirect investments through its general partner and limited partner stakes.
TomorrowVentures’ other media investments have included, among others, Legendary Pictures, Maker Studios, and Raine.
Relativity Studios recently announced 2016 release dates for the following films: The Disappointments Room, Before I Wake, Kidnap, Masterminds and Strangers 2. In addition, the studio is scheduled to begin production on The Crow in March of this year.
In another development, Relativity Media has also appointed Kenneth Halsband as chief operating officer. Halsband is currently Relativity Studios president of physical and post production at Relativity Studios and the post will be in addition to his current responsibilities.
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.
