Competitors are stacking up against the launch of Netflix in the Nordic region. The latest backed by TV4 Group, C More and Bonnier brings back the Filmnet name for an online film and TV portal.
The new Filmnet will launch next week in beta for PC and Mac users. iPad and Android versions are promised for early October. The name was used up to 1997, when new joint owners Canal Plus dropped the brand, with the channels this month adopting C More as their identity.
In addition to Netflix, slated for late 2012, HBO Nordic launches early next month with a focus on connected devices. Pay-TV platforms Viasat and C More itself already have connected products in the market.
“The television market is changing and us with it. We continue to nurture our core business, linear TV, while we develop and build new digital services and offers to drive development forward. Filmnet is an example of a new and exciting service that shows that we are serious about our commitment to be at the forefront on the future of television, says Casten Almqvist, CEO for the TV4 Group.
Filmnet can be likened in part to BSkyB’s Now TV project that looks to tap into viewers that have not been tempted by the paycaster’s premium offer.
“We have been working on this for quite a while and it feels amazing that we will actually be up there next week with our beta version of Filmnet. In the autumn we will continue to develop together with our users and rapidly add more content and functionality. Filmnetbbb will be an excellent addition to regular television programming,” says Johan Kleberg, president of C More.”
Filmnet has adopted a fixed price model month at an introductory rate of SEK49 (€5.70), later rising to SEK129.
It will draw on content from TV4, SF, C More Film; including amongst others, HBO, Fox, MGM, Paramount, Disney, Universal, Sony, Warner, Nordisk Film, Non Stop Entertainment, Showtime, Turner, Starz and the BBC.
