SPI/FilmBox announced that an extensive collection of premium titles from their catalogue will be available to viewers in the US through the first-of-its-kind streaming service Struum, designed to simplify discovery and sampling from across the global streaming landscape through a credit-based system
SPI/FilmBox, which owns and operates multiple linear channels and digital services across the globe, has teamed up with Struum, the new breed of streaming service created by senior-level Disney and Discovery executives, and backed by a multi-million-dollar investment from former Disney CEO Michael Eisner through his Tornante Company. The deal will initially render 280 premium titles spanning blockbusters, evergreen content and award-winning world cinema movies from SPI’s extensive catalogue available to the subscribers of Struum under the FilmBox branded corner.
“Viewing habits have shifted towards digital with audiences finding it increasingly more difficult to discover new content among countless options. At SPI, we are committed to covering the world with premium entertainment through partnerships with innovative platforms such as Struum to make the discovery of quality content easier for viewers,” commented Loni Farhi, President at SPI International.
Highlights from the deal include: Padre (2016), a touching drama starring Willem Dafoe and Giada Colagrande, where Giulia who is mourning the death of her father, is contacted by him from the other dimension; the critically-acclaimed drama Arima (2019), written and directed by Spanish filmmaker Jaione Camborda and the award-winning Canadian drama Gregoire (2017), which tells the story of four young adults as they struggle to deal with the consequences of their actions and how it affects their friends and families.
“I am looking forward to the cooperation with Struum in the US now and other territories in the future, as I believe that two very dynamic companies like Struum, SVOD start up with its innovative approach to B2C content distribution, and SPI with its innovative way of B2B content aggregation from around the world is the recipe for success. We are delighted to partner with the great team behind Struum and to be a part of the dynamic growth of the platform where SPI provides great family movies, documentaries, unique selection of arthouse masterpieces and more under the FilmBox branded corner,” added Hubert Ornass-Kubacki, Head of Content Sales at SPI International.
Struum’s mission is to streamline streaming by providing viewers one central destination and a single subscription to access a huge array of programming that serves their interests from across the increasingly cluttered global streaming landscape. The platform’s first-of-its kind credit-based subscription model offers the most cost-effective and efficient way for people to sample and discover programming as they spend their monthly credits to unlock only the films and TV episodes they want to watch from dozens of participating services and content partners—without the hassle of navigating and paying for multiple subscription video services. As viewers continue to use the platform, Struum is also able to provide new programming suggestions from across all of its content partners based on viewing habits so they can easily find new content they might enjoy watching.
The platform is available via iOS, web, Airplay and Chromecast and will be followed by a full rollout of the app later this summer across more platforms including AppleTV, Android TV, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku.
Lauren Devillier, Co-Founder and CEO of Struum, said, “Our goal with Struum is to help viewers uncover many different genres of content seamlessly and in a cost-effective manner. SPI/FilmBox has an excellent collection that we’re very much looking forward to introducing to U.S. based viewers for the first time. We are thrilled to have them on the Struum platform.”
About SPI International
SPI International/FilmBox is a global media company operating a diverse portfolio of 42 linear channels and digital services on six continents. FilmBox being its flagship movie service, SPI is one of the biggest aggregators of native Ultra HD content in the world. Working with over 700 operators worldwide, SPI uses state of the art technology providing its 90 million subscribers with access to SPI’s linear and on-demand content including live streaming of UHD programming and FilmBox service on any internet-connected device via major global streaming players as well as local OTT providers. SPI recently added to its portfolio Film1 premium movie services in The Netherlands, including four linear offers and an on-demand service.
For over 25 years, SPI International has been a leading supplier of theatrical films and television programming in the international market. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand.
About Struum:
Struum is a groundbreaking platform that lets viewers access 1000s of shows and movies from over 50+ services with 1 monthly subscription. Struum simplifies streaming by providing viewers access to many of their favorite brands where they can search, seamlessly discover and redeem new content across services using credits. Struum offers a wide variety of programming including renowned documentaries, indie films, lifestyle series, classic films, true crime, LGBTQ+ and multicultural programming, as well as other beloved TV shows and movies.
SPI International’s ad-based digital movie service Filmstream is now available in 42 European countriesthrough a new partnership with Rakuten TV. Viewers will be able to access the service for free through Smart TV devices.
Global media company SPI International announces the launch of their ad-based digital movie service Filmstream on Rakuten TV, one of the leading video-on-demand platforms in Europe. Filmstream will initially be available via Rakuten TV in 42 European countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Sweden. Viewers will be able to watch Filmstream on Rakuten Smart TV app through Samsung and LG Smart TV devices for free.
“We are very excited to partner with Rakuten TV, a key partner that shares our vision of making the discovery of quality content easier for the global audience through combining different business models,” commented Berkin Ecevit, Senior Director of Business Development and Sales at SPI International. “Developed with the consumer at the center like all of our products and content solutions, Filmstream’s ad-supported proposition will definitely enhance Rakuten TV’s offering and allow viewers to discover some of the best world cinema movies in one place with no additional commitment required,” added Ecevit.
Filmstream is SPI’s ad-supported digital film service and provides a curated selection of the best critically-acclaimed independent and foreign language movies from all around the world. Filmstream will be available on Rakuten TV in 42 European countries including the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden and negotiations to roll-out the product in other parts of the world are underway.
“We are eager to contribute once again to the disruption of the entertainment industry with this major step on the growth and innovation on Rakuten TV, which aims to enrich our business model and content offer” stated Jacinto Roca, Founder and CEO at Rakuten TV. “At a time when the entertainment sector is living an unprecedented transformation, and consumption habits are constantly evolving, we are striving to adapt our business model to meet users and advertisers needs at once."
About SPI International
SPI International/FilmBox is a global media company operating a diverse portfolio of 42 television channels and digital services on six continents. FilmBox being its flagship movie service, SPI is one of the biggest aggregators of native Ultra HD content in the world. Working with over 700 operators worldwide, SPI uses state of the art technology providing its 90 million subscribers with access to SPI’s linear and on-demand content including live streaming of UHD programming and FilmBox service on any internet-connected device via major global streaming players as well as local OTT providers. SPI recently added to its portfolio Film1 premium movie services in The Netherlands, including four linear offers and an on-demand service.
For over 25 years, SPI International has been a leading supplier of theatrical films and television programming in the international market. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand.
SPI/FilmBox and Digital Virgo have inked a brand-new distribution deal that brings eight exciting products from the SPI portfolio to Africa. These will be available to all Digital Virgo subscribers in multiple territories and through Molotov’s OTT platform across the continent
SPI International announces that FilmBox Africa and more from its diverse portfolio will be available in multiple territories in Africa via Digital Virgo. SPI/FilmBox content that appeals to a wide range of interests including adrenaline sports, gaming, fashion, music, documentaries, movies and series will be available to all Digital Virgo subscribers in multiple territories including Senegal, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Cameroon, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Congo, and through Molotov’s OTT service deployed by Digital Virgo across the African continent.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Digital Virgo to bring SPI’s home of great entertainment to multiple territories in Africa and introduce viewers to the breadth of our content, covering so many different genres that people of all ages and interests will definitely find something that they can enjoy,” commented Georgina Twiss, MD Western Europe & Africa at SPI International.
The deal grants access to the following via Digital Virgo: FilmBox Africa which broadcasts Hollywood blockbusters, popular hits and favorite evergreens; FilmBox Arthouse brings world cinema classics from iconic directors such as Hitchcock, Kurosawa, Fellini and many others to cinema lovers. Gametoon which is dedicated to gaming content created by true gaming and esports enthusiasts; FightBox broadcasts some of the most electrifying combat sports live events and multi-discipline mixed martial arts coverage from all over the world; Fast&FunBox offers action-packed programming dedicated to adrenaline sports; DocuBox delivers a collection of award-winning documentaries about different cultures and the wonders of our world; FashionBox provides highly entertaining content on fashion trends and all things style; and 360 TuneBox presents new music every week with today’s emerging artists.
It was recently unveiled that Molotov, one of the leading streaming services in France with over 13 million users in the region, will partner with Digital Virgo to expand their services into the African market. This partnership allows SPI’s aforementioned products to be accessible on all devices through Molotov’s OTT service, which is deployed by Digital Virgo in the African continent.
“Our solutions to monetize TV & VOD content are constantly enriched with new partners and an approach combining global entertainment but also more specific and local content. The partnership with SPI International fully meets this strategy and we are excited to bring these high-quality TV channels to our customers in more than 10 markets in Africa,” commented Vincent Taradel, CMO Digital Virgo.
About SPI International
SPI International/FilmBox is a global media company operating a diverse portfolio of 42 television channels and digital services on six continents. FilmBox being its flagship movie service, SPI is one of the biggest aggregators of native Ultra HD content in the world. Working with over 700 operators worldwide, SPI uses state of the art technology providing its 90 million subscribers with access to SPI’s linear and on-demand content including live streaming of UHD programming and FilmBox service on any internet-connected device via major global streaming players as well as local OTT providers. SPI recently added to its portfolio Film1 premium movie services in The Netherlands, including four linear offers and an on-demand service.
For over 25 years, SPI International has been a leading supplier of theatrical films and television programming in the international market. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand.
About Digital Virgo
Digital Virgo brings the most of Mobile Payment with Carrier Billing strategies by connecting Merchants of goods and services to Telecom Operators’ Billing system. A fast, secure and simple method of payment which allows the payment of products and services directly from the monthly mobile subscription bill or via the credits on the prepaid card.
Our DNA is to address mobile payment in its entirety by deploying global strategies to optimize the billing considering strategic aspects such as Local Adaptation, Monetization, Digital Marketing or Regulatory & Compliance framework.
+25 offices Worldwide| +6 Billion Transactions managed every year | €352 Million turnover (2020) | 900 people
SPI International is proud to announce the launch of their flagship FilmBox brand in the Netherlands. Starting on May 4th 2021, FilmBox will be available to all Canal Digitaal subscribers in the basic package.
SPI International is proud to announce the launch of their international brand FilmBox in the Netherlands which marks the beginning of FilmBox’s expansion into Western Europe. FilmBox will initially launch in the Netherlands with the M7 Group, one of Europe’s largest operators of satellite and IP-based TV platforms via their Dutch pay-TV brand Canal Digitaal. Starting May 4th 2021, FilmBox will be available in the basic package of Canal Digitaal’s DTH platform for all subscribers at Channel 14. FilmBox will launch on Canal Digitaal’s IPTV platform with the same EPG number soon after.
“FilmBox’s launch in the Netherlands is an exciting milestone for SPI International in terms of its expansion into the Western European market. FilmBox is included in operators’ basic packages and aims to target a different window and audience than our premium film service portfolio. FilmBox will have a different positioning in Western Europe compared to Central Eastern Europe and it will serve as a complementary gateway service to our premium Film1 portfolio,” said Berk Uziyel, CEO at SPI International. “We are delighted to spearhead FilmBox’s expansion in the Netherlands with our long-standing partners at the M7 Group who share our passionate commitment to making top-quality content more affordable and easier to access,” added Uziyel.
FilmBox delivers a compelling slate of Hollywood movies, favorite evergreens and popular series to over 30 million households globally. Content highlights for the month of May include: 10 Things We Should Do Before We Break Up(2019) starring Christina Ricci and Hamish Linklater; Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh’s Unsane (2018) starring Claire Foy and crime drama Crypto (2019) starring Beau Knapp, Luke Hemsworth and Alexis Bledel. In addition, the hit show NARCOS will make its linear TV debut in the Netherlands on FilmBox where viewers can watch the first three seasons and the fourth installment entitled NARCOS: Mexico on Mondays and catch the reruns on Sundays.
“We are extremely happy that we can offer FilmBox to our customers. There is an insatiable hunger for interesting content at the moment. Recently we have expanded our on demand offer with content from our parent company Canal+ and other valuable parties. The addition of FilmBox as a fixed channel is a great next step. With our distinctive services we think we are a rich addition to the established market,” said Christiaan Puper, Country Manager at Canal Digitaal.
SPI International has been active in the Dutch pay-TV market with their thematic brands, and more recently with the premium movie services brand Film1, which operates four linear channels and on-demand services in the region. Canal Digitaal currently carries all four Film1 channels and Film1 VOD content, as well as other thematic brands from SPI’s portfolio including: DocuBox, which delivers award-winning documentaries and FightBox, geared towards mixed-martial arts and combat sports enthusiasts.
About SPI International
SPI International/FilmBox is a global media company operating a diverse portfolio of 42 linear channels and digital services on six continents. FilmBox being its flagship movie service, SPI is one of the biggest aggregators of native Ultra HD content in the world. Working with over 700 operators worldwide, SPI uses state of the art technology providing its 90 million subscribers with access to SPI’s linear and on-demand content including live streaming of UHD programming and FilmBox service on any internet-connected device via major global streaming players as well as local OTT providers. SPI recently added to its portfolio Film1 premium movie services in The Netherlands, including four linear offers and an on-demand service.
For over 25 years, SPI International has been a leading supplier of theatrical films and television programming in the international market. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand.
About Canal Digitaal
Canal Digital is a Dutch television provider. Users can watch television via satellite, via the TV app on SmartTV or mobile or via IPTV (fiber / VDSL via resellers). At Canal Digital consumers can watch all major regular channels. Canal Digital also offers channels for sports fans such as ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN3, nature and documentary channels such as National Geographic and LoveNature and channels such as RTL Crime and BBC First. With 78 channels, there is plenty to choose from. Subscriptions are available from € 14.95 per month with free viewing for the first week. Canal Digital is part of Canal + Luxembourg, a Canal + Group company.
About M7 Group
M7 Group S.A., a CANAL+ Group company, is one of Europe’s largest operators of satellite and IP-based TV platforms and is based in Luxembourg. M7 Group uses different brands in different countries: Skylink and Freesat in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Canal Digitaal in the Netherlands, TV Vlaanderen and TeleSat in Belgium, HD Austria in Austria, UPC Direct in Hungary and Focus Sat in Romania. All brands offer tailor made packages for clients adapted to the local culture and language in these countries. Today, M7 Group provides more than 3 million subscribers with hundreds of satellite and IP-based radio and television services in digital and HD quality. Since 2011, M7 Group also provides broadband and telephony services to its customers in the Netherlands and Belgium. M7 Platform Services provides broadcasters with end-to-end distribution solutions for DTH, cable and IPTV reception. www.m7group.eu.
