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Tag: STARZPLAY

  • Star Sports Hindi feed goes global in a historic first for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup

    Star Sports Hindi feed goes global in a historic first for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, is thrilled to announce the global expansion of its Hindi feed for the marquee tournament. Fans in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East can now savour uninterrupted coverage of all the thrilling action in Hindi. This marks the first-ever occasion where the ICC Men’s CWC is being broadcast in Hindi within these regions, accessible through both linear and digital platforms, catering to the vibrant Indian diaspora. This milestone underscores the profound significance of cultural pride -‘Hindi Mein Baat Hai, Kyunki Hindi Mein Jazbaat Hai.’ (The language brings out all the emotions)

    The coverage of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Hindi will be available on:

    •    ESPN+ (USA/Canada)
    •    Willow TV (USA/Canada)
    •    Fox Sports / Kayo (Australia)
    •    Starzplay (Middle East)
    •    CricLife Max (Middle East)

    The Hindi coverage on these platforms will also include Star Sports’ pre-match show ‘Cricket Live’, India’s most watched cricket show.

    John Lasker, senior vice president of ESPN+, said, “Anchored by ESPNcricinfo, the leading digital destination for cricket news and information around the world, ESPN has a long history covering top-level international cricket for fans in the U.S. Presenting the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in both English and Hindi on ESPN+ is part of our continued commitment to growing an established audience of cricket fans in the States and around the world.”

    Fox Sports managing director Steve Crawley said, “We know there is a large and passionate Australian Indian cricket community so to be able to provide the Hindi feed, powered by an expert team of commentators, during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 for all Indian matches plus the semi-finals and final on FOX SPORTS gives fans more choice and more ways to enjoy the action, and that’s good for cricket and good for fans.”

    Disney Star head- sports Sanjog Gupta said, ‘’The global response to Disney Star’s Hindi coverage for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has been tremendous as we take the excitement of the tournament to hearts and homes of millions worldwide and deepen their engagement. The coverage in Hindi, in addition to the World Feed, not only makes it more accessible to the Indian diaspora but more importantly, galvanises the sense of belonging and deep emotional connection with Indian Cricket. The Hindi feed, with India-focussed storylines, distinctly Indian perspectives on non-India narratives, unique visuals including customised graphics and powered by an incredible line-up of talent, will significantly bolster the unifying experience of watching Cricket for Indians worldwide and hopefully deepen the sense of pride in being an Indian Cricket fan.”

    This illustrious panel of commentators includes iconic Indian cricketing figures such as Sunil Gavaskar, a 1983 World Cup winner, former India Head Coach Ravi Shastri, and members of the 2011 World Cup-winning side – Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, and Piyush Chawla. Adding to the wealth of expertise are former India cricketers Mohammad Kaif, Irfan Pathan, and Sanjay Manjrekar, renowned for their tactical acumen in the sport. The roster also features former India women’s captain Mithali Raj, along with South Africa’s spin wizard Imran Tahir, former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta, domestic veteran Amol Muzumdar, and cricket presenter Jatin Sapru, all of whom will lend their voices and effervescent charm to the StarCast.

    Irfan Pathan, T20 World Cup winner who is part of Star Sports “StarCast” for World Cup said, “Cricket has a unique way of uniting people, and with the Hindi feed reaching Indian fans across the globe, we are not just witnessing a tournament; we are celebrating the spirit of cricket in a language that resonates with emotions. It’s a fantastic initiative that ensures every passionate Indian fan, regardless of their location, can experience the magic of the World Cup in a language that feels like home.”

    India’s Cricket World Cup Winner, Harbhajan Singh, said, “I am proud to be part of StarCast’s Hindi feed that is engaging with fans overseas during the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. This allows our extended family outside our country to revel the thrilling action in their preferred language.”

    India’s Cricket World Cup Winner, Gautam Gambhir, said, “I’m excited to see fans from all corners of the world coming together to celebrate this great sport in the language they love. With the Hindi feed now available globally, we are breaking barriers and ensuring that cricket enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds can enjoy all the action from the tournament together with the rest of India.”

  • International streaming service Starzplay rebrands as Lionsgate+ in 35 countries

    International streaming service Starzplay rebrands as Lionsgate+ in 35 countries

    Mumbai: Starz has announced that its premium international streaming service, Starzplay, will rebrand as Lionsgate+ in 35 countries. This coincides with a new brand look and graphics package, rolling out globally on 29 September 2022.

    The new brand look, with its graphics package, colour palette, and design elements, will be deployed in the U.S. and begin rolling out in the majority of Starz’s 63 country footprint. Starzplay will rebrand to Lionsgate+ in 35 Starz markets, excluding the US and Canada, where it will remain Starz. Brand names for Starzplay Arabia, along with South and Southeast Asia’s Lionsgate Play, will also remain in place.

    “We recognised the potential of the global OTT market early, and over the last few years we have built an incredible global streaming service, which has become a destination for audiences seeking premium, provocative programming. Operating under Lionsgate+ internationally brings a distinct and differentiated identity in an increasingly crowded international marketplace and builds on the brand equity in the Lionsgate name that our extensive research has proven is strong around the world. Even with the separation of STARZ and the Lionsgate studio business, the Lionsgate brand will continue to be valuable to the ongoing success of our international platform,” said Starz president & CEO Jeffrey Hirsch.

    “Our commitment to delivering bold, curated stories where we push boundaries and defy expectations remains the same. We have built strong relationships with our viewers and look forward to continuing providing them with premium storytelling as Lionsgate+,” said Starz president of international networks Superna Kalle.

    Lionsgate+ subscribers have access to a library of exclusive, premium content, including original series premiering globally on the same day as the United States, such as the political thriller Gaslit; period dramas in its royal collection, such as the upcoming series Dangerous Liaisons; and a series set in the universe of the blockbuster Power franchise. Lionsgate+ is also home to Spanish-language original series such as the drama Señorita 89, sci-fi thriller El Refugio and crime drama Express, and offers first-run series on television, including the genre-bending series The Great, and the action-thriller series Gangs of London, plus a collection of movies added to the platform every month.

    Starz established itself as one of the first US linear channels to enter the global market upon launching its global SVoD service, now Lionsgate+, in 2018, offering audiences access to what it calls bold, curated storytelling. Since its initial launch, coupled with its Starzplay Arabia joint venture, Starz’s global footprint has expanded into 63 countries throughout Asia, Canada, Europe, Latin America, MENA and Southeast Asia.

    With the rebrand in effect, below is the breakdown of service names across the 63 countries where SVoD has a presence.

  • SVOD subscribers base to reach 22 million in Arab countries: Report

    SVOD subscribers base to reach 22 million in Arab countries: Report

    Mumbai: In a forecast report from Digital TV Research on Monday, it is noted that there will be 21.52 million paying SVOD subscriptions [TV episodes and movies only], up from 9.49 million in 2021, across 13 Arabic countries by 2027 in the next five years.

    The largest player in the region will continue to be Netflix, which will see its Arabic base increase from 3.55 million to 5.45 million by 2027.  Despite its fast growth, Disney+ will remain behind Shahid VIP (second place), increasing from 2.16 million to 3.77 million, while Starzplay will be in third with 3.47 million. 

    With its launch in the region earlier this year, Disney+ is set to have an explosively growing launch period to become the fourth largest player with 3.39 million, with Amazon seeing similar massive growth from 715,000 in 2021 to 2.35 million in 2027.

    After Disney+ withdrew its content and launched as a standalone platform, OSN lost some traction. However, OSN will retain exclusive rights to HBO Max and Paramount+ content. By 2027, OSN will have 1.60 million paid SVOD subscribers.

    Digital TV Research principal analyst Simon Murray commented, “Netflix will continue to lead the market, although Disney+ has provided a strong challenge since June. We assume that Netflix and Disney+ will add hybrid ad-supported tiers in a pan-Arabic platform from 2024.”

  • Lionsgate reports $944 million revenue in Q4

    Lionsgate reports $944 million revenue in Q4

    MUMBAI: Global content leader Lionsgate has reported fourth quarter (ending 31 March, 2020) revenue of $944 million, operating loss of $12 million and net loss attributable to Lionsgate shareholders of $45 million or $0.20 diluted net loss per share on 219.9 million diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.  

    Adjusted net income attributable to Lionsgate shareholders in the quarter was $47 million or adjusted diluted EPS of $0.21, with adjusted OIBDA of $126 million. Fourth quarter cash flow provided by operating activities was $180 million and adjusted free cash flow was $175 million.

    "We reported a strong quarter to end a solid fiscal year despite the disruption posed by the Covid2019 global pandemic," said Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer.  "Our Lionsgate family has risen to the challenge of these unprecedented times with resilience, dedication and collaboration.  Thanks to their efforts, Starz is continuing to deliver great entertainment to our audiences in the current at-home environment; and we're working closely with all of our content partners to ensure that when production resumes and theatres re-open, we will be ready."

    Full year fiscal 2020 (fiscal year ended March 31, 2020) revenue was $3.89 billion, operating income was $2.8 million, and net loss attributable to Lionsgate shareholders was $188 million, or $0.86 diluted net loss per share on 217.9 million diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.  Adjusted net income attributable to Lionsgate shareholders was $124.3 million or adjusted diluted EPS of $0.56 and adjusted OIBDA was $462 million for fiscal 2020.  Full year adjusted free cash flow was $349 million.

    Driven by robust sales at home environment in the quarter, library revenues for the fiscal year reached a record $600 million.

    The company reported a charge of $50.5 million in the quarter due to the Covid2019 global pandemic and related economic disruption.  This charge included, among other things, certain motion picture and television impairments and development charges associated with changes in performance expectations and the feasibility of project completions, along with costs associated with pausing film and television production.

    Fourth quarter results

    Media networks segment revenue of $358 million was essentially unchanged from the prior year quarter while segment profit of $26 million was impacted by the continued investment in STARZPLAY's international expansion.  STARZPLAY has launched in 50 countries and exceeded subscriber targets for the fiscal year.  Domestically, STARZ grew its OTT subscribers to 6.8 million in the quarter.

    Motion picture segment revenue increased by 10 per cent to $393 million compared to the prior year quarter due to the strong home entertainment performance of Knives Out and other titles.  The only new theatrical release in the quarter, I Still Believe, was in theatres for only four days before they closed, but the studio pivoted quickly to launch the title in an exclusive premium video-on-demand window to mitigate lost theatrical revenue.  Segment profit was $101 million.

    Television production segment revenue was $258 million and segment profit was $22 million driven in part by strong library sales.

    Covid2019 Impact

    The impact of the ongoing Covid2019 global pandemic and measures to prevent its spread, and the resulting unprecedented economic uncertainty, are affecting the company’s business in a number of ways. To date, it has experienced early termination of the theatrical run of one of its  films domestically and one of its films in the UK, delayed theatrical distribution of several films domestically and internationally, and delayed production of film and television content resulting in changes in future release dates for some titles and series. Its partners have also closed several location-based entertainment attractions based on its film and television properties. It won’t be possible to accurately predict when theatres re-open, production resumes or if and when certain of our content will be released. The full extent of the impact of the Covid2019 global pandemic on its business, operations and financial results will depend on numerous evolving factors.

    Increase in TV consumption

    Conversely, television and streaming consumption around the globe has increased as well as home entertainment demand. STARZ has experienced an increase in viewership of its content across all platforms as well as an increase in subscribers to its OTT services, both domestically and internationally. This increase, however, may not be indicative of future results and growth may slow as governmental and other restrictions are relaxed, and as a result of the current and possible longer term negative economic impact of the pandemic.

    “In a number of instances, we have also been able to adapt to these new circumstances by releasing one of our theatrical films earlier on streaming platforms, completing post-production of one of our television series remotely and continuing the development of a number of our television series utilizing virtual writers' rooms. These changes in the way we operate may be helpful to partially offset some of the negative impacts from the pandemic.  However, the impact of these changes and the Covid2019 global pandemic are uncertain and cannot be predicted,” said the company release.

    As a direct result of the Covid2019 global pandemic and the related economic disruption, including the worldwide closure of most theatres, international travel restrictions and the pausing of motion picture and television productions, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 the company incurred $50.5 million in incremental costs which were expensed in the period. These costs include $46.0 million reflected in direct operating expense, which include certain motion picture and television impairments and development charges associated with changes in performance expectations or the feasibility of completing the project, costs associated with the pausing of productions, including certain cast and crew costs and incremental costs associated with bad debt reserves. In addition, these costs include $4.2 million reflected in distribution and marketing expense, which primarily consists of early marketing spends for film releases and events that have been cancelled or delayed and will provide no economic benefit, and $0.3 million in restructuring and other costs primarily due to transitioning the company to a remote-work environment and other incremental costs associated with the Covid2019 global pandemic during this period. 

  • Vodafone Idea and Starz launch Lionsgate Play in India

    Vodafone Idea and Starz launch Lionsgate Play in India

    Mumbai: Vodafone Idea Limited, India’s leading telecom operator and STARZPLAY, the international premium subscription platform from STARZ, a Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) company, have joined hands to launch Lionsgate’s premium service Lionsgate Play in India. This partnership will enable Vodafone Idea customers’ access to a broad portfolio of celebrated blockbusters and award-winning feature films from the studio.

    Video is the new growth driver in the digital content consumption today. Vodafone Idea’s partnership with STARZPLAY is a step towards boosting the growth of the digital ecosystem in India. The partnership will capitalize on this huge potential by offering viewers with an array of premium content across genres.

    Lionsgate Play will be available to Vodafone Play and Idea Movies & TV subscribers as a part of this strategic collaboration between the two companies. The offering includes multibillion-dollar global blockbuster franchises The Hunger Games and The Twilight Saga, multiple Academy Award ® winner La La Land and the international breakout hit Wonder, with much of it available in four local languages. The content library will be spread across genres like horror, comedy, drama, action, thriller, documentaries to name a few.

    Following the launch, the offering will boast an illustrious line up of digital premieres of Lionsgate films coming to the service in the first year including Robin Hood, Crank, Sahara, Redcliff, Jersey Shore Attack, Killers, Grudge, Letters to Juliet, American Pyscho 2, Nerve, Facing Ali, Down A Dark Hall  and American Assassin.

    Commenting on the partnership, Avneesh Khosla, Operations Director – Marketing, Vodafone Idea Limited said, “At VIL we strive to bring world class partnerships to our consumers with the singular focus to enrich their experience. With Lionsgate Play we are extremely excited at the prospect of offering premium world class English content to our consumers to enable them to enjoy the best that Hollywood has to offer.”

    “The partnership with Vodafone Idea creates an exciting opportunity to expand the Lionsgate Play offering as a premium service that delivers a vast library of compelling films and a great user experience to all of our shared customers. We are delighted to bring this premium service to India with a leading global platform like Vodafone which has such enormous reach and tremendous distribution expertise. Our partnership is the latest affirmation of the enormous role that telcos are playing in shaping the digital age of content,” said Rohit Jain, Managing Director of Lionsgate South Asia.