Sony PIX to air movies from Universal Pictures

Multi Screen Media has entered into a multi-year content deal with NBCUniversal to bring Hollywood titles to Sony PIX.

Multi Screen Media (MSM), which owns and operates the Sony network of television channels in India, has announced a strategic partnership with NBCUniversal International Distribution. The agreement will enable MSM's Sony PIX to have access to Universal Pictures' new US theatrical releases, in addition to other titles from the studio's vast film catalogue.

An official release states: "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 box office, 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 'Minions', as well as the first instalment of franchise movies such as 'Jurassic Park',' The Mummy', Fast & Furious', 'The Hulk' and 'Despicable Me'. The list also includes other titles such as 'Gladiator', the first three films in the 'Rambo' franchise, 'King Kong', 'Schindler's List', 'Ted' and 'Notting Hill'.

NP Singh, chief executive officer, Multi Screen Media, says, "With access to Universal's 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."

Saurabh Yagnik, EVP & business head, Sony PIX, adds, "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 our existing 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, in a statement, said that the company saw tremendous growth potential in India, and that the deal reinforces how important the market is to NBCUniversal.