News

FilmBox Enriches Its Offer Proposition in Central and Eastern Europe

SPI International is delighted to announce the extension of its collaboration with Paramount Global Content Distribution and Prorom

SPI International, a CANAL+ company, and the operator of the global movie services brand FilmBox, is thrilled to unveil an impressive lineup of titles set to grace the screens in selected Central and Eastern European countries such as Poland, Romania, Czechia and Slovakia, Hungary and Adria region. This agreement not only strengthens the company’s enduring collaboration with esteemed studios and distributors, but it also reaffirms its dedication to its audiences by consistently enriching the FilmBox and FilmBox+ offerings with top-notch content.

New titles will swiftly be integrated into FilmBox channels across selected territories starting from autumn. Viewers will also be able to watch the movies on-demand with FilmBox+ during their license periods.

"We are proud to deliver top-tier entertainment to our audience by unveiling this great collection of films including Academy Award-winning productions. These titles will surely amplify the viewing experience and we are eager to share them with our valued audience," commented Małgorzata Lucińska – Sikora, Content Acquisitions Director at SPI International.

Among the titles acquired from Paramount Global Content Distribution are the Academy Award®-winning ROCKETMAN (2019), the story of Elton John's life, from his years as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music through his influential and enduring musical partnership with Bernie Taupin, and the sci-fi action thriller GEMINI MAN (2019) about an aging NSA agent who's targeted for death when he tries to retire discovers his assassin is a younger cloned version of himself.

“We are thrilled to be working with SPI International, for FilmBox offers, to bring these top-quality films to the platform,” says Iwona Pilgrim, Executive Director, Regional TV Licensing, Paramount Global Content Distribution. “We hope the Central and Eastern European audiences enjoy these highly acclaimed films.”

From Prorom, the selection includes the seven-time Academy Award-winning EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE (2022), the light-hearted comedy ABOUT MY FATHER, starring Robert DeNiro, and the action comedy FREELANCE (2023) about a former special forces operative who is hired to safeguard a journalist during her interview with a dictator when unexpected events start to unravel.

“We are extremely happy to further expand our long-term partnership with SPI International and to see many of our newest flagship movies make their Pay-TV and SVOD debut on FilmBox,’’ says Axel Böhm, Chief Operating Officer at Prorom.

FilmBox, the Home of Good Movies, is a SPI’s flagship movie brand that includes a bouquet of movie channels including FilmBox, FilmBox Premium, FilmBox Extra, FilmBox Stars, and FilmBox Arthouse. The brand also offers the complementary SVOD service, FilmBox+, which combines the “lean-back” and on-demand viewing experiences by providing instant access to an extensive VOD catalog and live channels on any internet-connected device.

 

About SPI International:

SPI INTERNATIONAL (a CANAL+ company) is a global media company operating TV channels, multiple digital products across six continents, and is a major player in content distribution and broadcasting worldwide. SPI operates multiple free-to-air and pay-tv channels in CEE, Western Europe, Asia, and Adria regions including key European markets such as Poland, Czechia, Romania, Serbia, and the Netherlands. SPI International owns a suite of legacy brands that have become household names such as FilmBox, Film1, Kino Polska, Stopklatka, Dizi along with different thematic channels and streaming services, including FilmBox+.  Working with over 700 operators worldwide, SPI uses cutting-edge technology providing its subscribers with access to SPI’s linear and on-demand content. For over 25 years, SPI INTERNATIONAL has been a leading supplier of theatrical films and television programming in the international markets. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand. www.spiintl.com

About Paramount Global Content Distribution:

Paramount Global Content Distribution is the leading distributor of premium content across multiple media platforms throughout the global marketplace. The division's portfolio is comprised of some of the world's most recognized brands, including feature films and television programs from Paramount Pictures, Republic Pictures, Paramount Television Studios, CBS Studios, CBS Media Ventures, CBS News, SHOWTIME Networks, Nickelodeon, MTV Entertainment Studios, Miramax and third-party partners. The division also has the largest distributed library of series and film titles, including global franchises such as "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "NCIS," "Star Trek," "SpongeBob SquarePants," "Transformers," "Mission: Impossible," and more. In addition, the division licenses a diverse lineup of scripted and unscripted formats for local production and international co-productions. Paramount Global Content Distribution is a division of Paramount.

About Prorom:

Prorom was established in 1992 and is one of the largest distributors of independent feature films in Central & Eastern Europe. With a portfolio of well over 1,000 movies, Prorom has been entertaining the audience with a broad variety of genres, ranging from Oscar-winning features to the latest action blockbuster. Through long-term cooperations will all major players in the independent film production universe, Prorom is constantly adding new movies with great production value and acclaimed cast and directors to its slate.

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SPI International’s Streaming Service FilmBox+ Launches Halloween Smart Channel

SPI International (a CANAL+ company) is proud to announce an expansion of its Smart Channels digital channel portfolio with the new Halloween Smart Channel. As Halloween, a beloved holiday for millions worldwide, draws near, the Halloween Smart Channel offers viewers a perfect opportunity to indulge in a special collection of exhilarating horror and adventure movies. The channel is available exclusively on the FilmBox+ platform, which reaches millions of households across the world in collaboration with partner operators, offering subscribers an exclusive window into curated VOD content and channels.

Smart Channels are specially curated playlists of on-demand content that play back-to-back in a similar fashion to traditional linear channels. Available worldwide via the FilmBox+ platform, Smart Channels are fully digital and offer genre-specific programming or content dedicated to particular actors, directors or themes. The Halloween Smart Channel brings together a rich collection of timeless classics and recent productions, meticulously curated to cater not only to die-hard horror enthusiasts but also to a broader audience. Among the standout titles featured on this channel are acclaimed films such as "Welcome to the Jungle," "Vivarium," "House of 9," "Scream 4," "Escapee," "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark," and a host of other gripping selections. The selection of movies varies based on the licensed territories.

FilmBox+ has rolled-out over 300 Smart Channels so far globally that cater to a range of different interests - animation, documentary, lifestyle, sports and more. FilmBox+ provides instant access to an extensive catalogue of video-on-demand (VOD) and live channels from any internet-connected device. Audiences can access the service at www.filmbox.com via web, download the mobile app that’s compatible with iOS and Android operating systems or stream their favorite content through the Smart TV app available for Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung, and LG Smart TV devices. FilmBox+ is also available via multiple major European operators.

About SPI INTERNATIONAL

SPI INTERNATIONAL (a CANAL+ company) is a global media company operating 62 TV channels, multiple digital products across six continents, and is a major player in content distribution and broadcasting worldwide. SPI operates multiple free-to-air and pay-tv channels in CEE, Western Europe, Asia, and Adria regions including key European markets such as Poland, Czechia, Romania, Serbia, and the Netherlands. SPI Group owns a suite of legacy brands that have become household names such as FilmBox, Film1, Kino Polska, Stopklatka, Dizi along with different thematic channels and streaming services, including FilmBox+.  Working with over 700 operators worldwide, SPI uses cutting-edge technology providing its subscribers with access to SPI’s linear and on-demand content. For over 25 years, SPI INTERNATIONAL has been a leading supplier of theatrical films and television programming in the international markets. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand. www.spiintl.com

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SPI International Launches a Portfolio of FilmBox Channels and FilmBox On Demand Selection with United Group

SPI International, a CANAL+ company operating across six continents, announces a strategic partnership with United Group, a premier telecommunication, and media provider in Southeast Europe. This landmark collaboration brings SPI International's highly acclaimed channels, FilmBox Premium and FilmBox Extra to a wider audience across Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. The partnership allows United Group subscribers to enjoy captivating content through FilmBox Premium in the basic offer, and FilmBox Extra in the extended package. Additionally, a catalog of FilmBox on Demand titles is added to EON Video club portfolio delivering exceptional entertainment and unmatched value.
 
Murat Muratoglu, Head of Distribution at SPI International, said: "We are truly excited about joining forces with United Group to bring our world-class content to even more viewers across the Balkans. Our FilmBox channels and FilmBox On Demand catalog have a lot to offer to United Group subscribers, from blockbuster movies to captivating series, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to delivering top-quality entertainment that resonates with audiences globally."
 
Subscribers can find a captivating lineup that spans genres and eras, ensuring that every movie enthusiast, whether seeking the latest blockbusters, movies with A-list stars, or timeless classics, will find something to indulge in.
 
Suzana Radošević, Content Management Director at United Group said: This collaboration refreshes our channel portfolio as well as the content in the EON Video Club with new, exciting movies and series. With our EON, the most popular TV platform in Southeast Europe that turns every TV into a Smart TV, providing the best entertainment, diverse and personalized TV content for every member of the family, this collaboration represents a winning combination and best experience for our users.”
 
About United Group

Dutch-based United Group is the leading telecommunications and media operator in South-East Europe. Active in eight countries, the company has more than 15,5 million users and nearly 15,000 employees. It generates almost €2.7 billion in annual revenues. United Group has the widest network coverage in the region and offers users the most attractive selection of TV content from around the world. Significant investments in digital infrastructure, content and technology ensure the excellence of the products and services it provides to customers. United Group has been majority owned by BC Partners, one of the largest global investment companies, since March 2019. For more information visit https://united.group/ 

About SPI INTERNATIONAL

SPI INTERNATIONAL (a CANAL+ company) is a global media company operating TV channels, multiple digital products across six continents, and is a major player in content distribution and broadcasting worldwide. SPI operates multiple free-to-air and pay-tv channels in CEE, Western Europe, Asia, and Adria regions including key European markets such as Poland, Czechia, Romania, Serbia, and the Netherlands. SPI Group owns a suite of legacy brands that have become household names such as FilmBox, Film1, Kino Polska, Stopklatka, Dizi along with different thematic channels and streaming services, including FilmBox+.  Working with over 700 operators worldwide, SPI uses cutting-edge technology providing its subscribers with access to SPI’s linear and on-demand content. For over 25 years, SPI INTERNATIONAL has been a leading supplier of theatrical films and television programming in the international markets. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand. www.spiintl.com

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SPI International and Telekom Slovenije Join Forces to Elevate Entertainment Offering

SPI International, a CANAL+ company, announces a strategic partnership with Telekom Slovenije, a leading telecommunications provider in Slovenia. Commencing on September 11th, 2023, Telekom Slovenije subscribers can anticipate a diverse and immersive content lineup, enhanced by SPI International's acclaimed channels.

Telekom Slovenia customers will have the opportunity to access a selection of premium channels through the FilmBox package, which includes movie channels such as FilmBox Premium, FilmBox Extra, FilmBox Stars, FilmBox Arthouse, and a suite of thematic channels featuring DocuBox, FightBox, 360TuneBox, Erox, and Eroxxx. In addition, the introduction of Dizi to EBT (Extended Basic Tier) will provide viewers with an array of compelling Turkish drama series. The package will also feature FashionBox, Fast&FunBox HD, FunBox UHD, and Gametoon as standalone offerings.

"This partnership with Telekom Slovenije marks a significant milestone for both companies as we collectively strive to redefine the entertainment experience. By incorporating our premium channel selection, featuring a diverse array of captivating programming tailored to various preferences, into Telekom Slovenije's lineup, we are committed to delivering unparalleled content and value to their subscribers," commented Murat Muratoglu, Head of Distribution at SPI International.
 
“We are excited to be the first in Slovenia to exclusively offer to our users TV channel Dizi. Turkish series are extremely popular in Slovenia and we believe that Dizi will achieve high viewership among our users, as well as the entire FilmBox package with tremendous potential as well, as it offers a variety of different content,Head of TV Content at Telekom Slovenije, Svetlana Manojlović.

About Telekom Slovenije
Telekom Slovenije is the leading provider of comprehensive communication services in Slovenia. It connects users and simplifies their lives, and ensures security through a range of the most advanced ICT services and solutions. The NEO smart living and TV-platform combines the best solutions for home and entertainment – a simple way to watch and discover content, online shopping on the TV screen, and gaming without a video games console. NEO uses voice commandswith a renewed and upgraded user interface that ensures a superior user experience, and an extremely rich selection of TV content. www.telekom.si

About SPI INTERNATIONAL
SPI INTERNATIONAL (a CANAL+ company) is a global media company operating 62 TV channels, multiple digital products across six continents, and is a major player in content distribution and broadcasting worldwide. SPI operates multiple free-to-air and pay-TV channels in CEE, Western Europe, Asia, and Adria regions including key European markets such as Poland, Czechia, Romania, Serbia and the Netherlands. SPI Group owns a suite of legacy brands that have become household names such as FilmBox, Film1, Kino Polska, Stopklatka, Dizi along with different thematic channels and streaming services, including FilmBox+.  Working with over 700 operators worldwide, SPI uses cutting-edge technology providing its subscribers with access to SPI’s linear and on-demand content. For over 25 years, SPI INTERNATIONAL has been a leading supplier of theatrical films and television programming in the international markets. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand. www.spiintl.com

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