LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Netflix, in early stages of an international expansion strategy, has lined up a content partner for the United Kingdom. The subscription service has inked a multi-year, pay TV streaming deal with Lionsgate UK, TheWrap has confirmed. Lionsgate UK handles the mini-major's British operations and operates largely autonomously. The new pact follows on the heels of Netflix's stateside deal to stream episodes of Lionsgate's Emmy-winning series "Mad Men." That syndication agreement will cover all seven series of the acclaimed drama. Lionsgate has also partnered with Netflix in the past as a member of Epix. A spokesperson for Lionsgate declined to comment and a spokesperson for Netflix labeled reports of a deal, "speculation."
Having dominated the streaming market domestically, Netflix has turned its eye toward foreign expansion. It has already launched a streaming-only service in Canada. In July, it announced that it would take its offerings to 43 countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, but has remained largely mum about its plans for the United Kingdom. Netflix has demonstrated a willingness to pay top dollar for digital rights to shows and movies. For example, the pact with Epix, which also involved Paramount and MGM, was rumored to cost Netflix on the level of $1 billion over five years.
No comments:
Post a Comment