Mumbai : Multi Screen Media Pvt. Ltd. (MSM), which owns and operates the Sony network of television channels India and has extensive experience and expertise not only in programming, but also in operating and distributing televised entertainment, today announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with NBCUniversal International Distribution.
As a result of this agreement, Sony PIX (a part of the MSM Network will now have access to Universal Pictures’new U.S. theatrical releases, in addition tonumerous other beloved titles from the studio’s vast film catalogue.
NBCUniversal has had a landmark year with Universal Pictures breaking records for the industry’s highest-grossing year ever for a studio at the domestic, international and worldwide box offices; enjoying the biggest year of all time for any studio in 43 international markets; and is the first studio ever to have three films (Minions, Jurassic World,Fast & Furious 7) each cross over the $ 1 billion mark in the worldwide box office in a single year.
The studio also recently passed the $ 5.53 billion mark at the worldwide boxoffice, breaking the record for highest-grossing year – ever – for a studio in industry history. The current worldwide total to date is an unprecedented $6.38 billion.
This strategic multi-year deal will give Sony PIX access to Universal’s latest movie releases such as Fast & Furious 7, Jurassic World, Ted 2, Pitch Perfect 2 and Illumination Entertainment’s Minions, as well as the first installment in the studio’s various blockbuster franchises such as Jurassic Park, The Mummy, The Fast & Furious, The Hulk and Despicable Me.
Sony PIX will also be able to provide their viewers with access to other hit films from the studio such as Gladiator, the first three films in the Rambo franchise King Kong, Schindler’s List, Ted, Notting Hill, amongst others.
NP Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Multi Screen Media (MSM) said, “We are extremely pleased to announce this deal with NBCUniversal. We always strive to get top quality content for our viewers. With access to Universal’ movie titles, we have put ourselves in a position to get the best movies that Hollywood has to offer. I am confident that with this deal, viewer needs will be well-met and their enhanced movie experience will steadily increase viewer loyalty to Sony PIX – our English movie channel.”
Saurabh Yagnik, EVP & Business Head, Sony PIX said, “Sony PIX is on a strong growth path and our objective is to consistently operate in the top two slots of the category. We strive to keep our audience amazed with investment in the right content and continuously innovate to break clutter. We have been aggressively strengthening our library through the right investments and ourexisting long-term deals with Sony Pictures Entertainment, MGM and Lionsgate have been successful. Now, our association with NBCUniversal is another step in consolidating our leadership position.”
Belinda Menendez, President, NBCUniversal International Distribution & Networks said, “With one of the world’s fastest growing major economies, we see tremendous growth potential in India and this deal reinforces how important this market is to NBCUniversal. Further, we have always had a wonderful relationship with MSM/Sony PIX and are thrilled to partner with them to expand our reach in India and bring Universal’s new blockbuster hits and beloved library titles to their viewers in India.”
