Chellomedia has announced that it will add Sundance Channel to its portfolio in the Netherlands as of March 1.
The channel will be part of the Film1 portfolio of premium channels. Film1/Sundance Channel will feature a diverse selection of independent films, documentaries and original programmes.The new programming will be integrated with the current Film1 Festival programming.
The subtitled channel will be available in SD on cable and satellite platforms throughout the Netherlands. Selected Sundance content will also be available on the Film1 VOD service.
As a result of the new agreement, the Film1 portfolio of independent movies will increase to around 300 on a yearly basis, while the number of on-demand content will grow from an average of 140 titles to around 250, available at any time.
Speaking to Broadband TV News, Bruce Tuchman, president, AMC/Sundance Channel Global, said: “As a leading global provider and packager of independent content, we look forward to partnering with Chellomedia which will allow us to reach nearly universal penetration of the Dutch market and bring significant new value to Film 1 subscribers.”
The content that Sundance will contribute to Film1’s VOD offering fits the channel’s wish to “make viewing more convenient.” But Tuchman believes that linear channels will continue to be important, “linear channels are central and vital to the brand.”
Sundance owners, AMC Networks Inc, also produce major TV series such as Mad Men and series such as this might in the future also be part of the new Film1/Sundance offer. It is, however, too early for the broadcaster to make any announcements about this.
For the moment AMC/Sundance Channel Global, the company’s international division, will focus on expanding distribution of Sundance. The broadcaster also owns We TV, a female skewed channel that is very popular in Asia.
The new venture with Chellomedia will leave the current distribution contract with CAIW unaffected; the Dutch cabler will continue to distribute the channel as a stand-alone Sundance Channel.
Sundance Channel was established by Robert Redford and offers audiences a diverse selection of independent films, documentaries and original programmes.
The announcement of the cooperation between Chellomedia and Sundance follows recent new carriage agreements across Europe for the independent film channel.
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