Amsterdam-based start-up WappZapp is launching a SVOD service to compete with Netflix.
Until now, WappZapp has offered a video discovery app for iOS and Android allowing users to select and share videos that are freely available on the web. In addition, WappZapp is now launching the WappZapp Plus service costing €7.99 a month an offering all-you-can-eat access to a library of 1,500 titles.
WappZapp said it has an agreement in place with independent film distributor A-Film Benelux, that documentaries from the IDFA documentary film festival will be added, and that talks are under way with BBC Worldwide.
“We note that the on-demand viewers have a different need than traditional TV viewers,” according to Wienke Giezeman, founder of WappZapp. “There is a great demand for quality films and documentaries, but also for concerts and reliable kids TV. To meet this demand, we now offer so this all-you-can-eat subscription, in addition to the free offer .
Wilco Wolfers, CEO A-Film Benelux, added: “Our Quality Film Collection is a strong brand and has proven itself over many years on the DVD market. Now the collection goes fully digital at a time when other providers present themselves with mainstream films.”
Main players pn the Dutch SVOD maker are now Videoland (majority owned by RTL), Netflix and Pathé Thuis. Last month SVOD service Ximon ceased operations because of lack of interest from viewers.