Sony Pictures Television International's Global Animax Brand Goes Mobile
- Launches Flagship Mobile Brand On Bell Mobility In Canada And 3 Mobile in Australia
- Announcement Marks The First Time That Sony's Animax Channel Is Broadcast In 'Made For Mobile' Format
CULVER CITY, Calif., June 13 -- Sony Pictures Television
International (SPTI) announced today that it is launching Animax Mobile in
Canada and Australia, the first two markets in a global strategy to
roll-out a dedicated mobile version of its popular Japanese anime channel
currently available on TV via cable and satellite across Asia, Latin
America, Central Europe and Germany. The announcement was made today by
Marie Jacobson, SPTI's executive vice president, programming and
production, international networks.
Animax Mobile is specifically designed for mobile TV viewing using
mobile streaming technology. Targeting the 14-34 demographic the channel
launched in Australia on 3 mobile on June 12 and will launch in Canada on
Bell Mobility in July to users of 3G handsets with mobile video streaming
capability.
At launch, Animax Mobile will offer a two-hour loop of four full-length
anime series, Blood+, Last Exile, R.O.D -The TV-, and The Count of Monte
Cristo. In an effort to create a destination mobile channel for a devoted
fanbase, the series will be packaged with unique interstitial material,
made-for-mobile trivia elements and the award-winning Animax graphic
package. Short-form, cult animation series such as Petey and Jadey,
relevant regional product such as Technomax and ImagineNation from Animax
Asia showcasing the hottest new gadgets and real-life creative masterminds
behind anime, movie special effects and videogames, and bonus features such
as program guides, customized music and graphic ids will seamlessly package
a world-class mobile service.
Animax Mobile is a dedicated channel for mobile handsets and is not a
rebroadcast, simultaneous co-transmission or cut-down version of an
existing television channel. With Animax Mobile, users will be able to
enjoy their favorite anime series whenever they want, wherever they want.
Jacobson stated "Animax Mobile is the ideal launch pad for SPTI's
multi-platform network strategy. Tailor-made for today's young adult mobile
consumer, Animax Mobile builds on the brand loyalty of Animax and extends
the consumer experience to a vast and loyal fanbase seeking anytime animé
content and culture in current and emerging markets."
Added Bill Sanders, vice president, mobile network programming, "It's
not about the big screen vs. the little screen. Often, it's a choice of
small screen vs. no screen at all, and with Animax Mobile, we're able to
bring some of Animax's most valuable programs to fans new and old at times
and in places where they couldn't see them before."
About Animax
Animax is the first-ever channel dedicated to providing highly popular
Japanese animation 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week. Animax cable and
satellite channels in Japan, South and Southeast Asia, Latin America,
Korea, Central Europe and Germany broadcast 24 hours a day to 36 million
homes in 38 countries and in 11 languages. Animax is part of Sony Pictures
Television International's (SPTI) diverse portfolio of over 40 global
networks. SPTI is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.
About Sony Pictures Television International
Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) is the division of Sony
Pictures Entertainment (SPE) responsible for all television business
outside of the United States. SPTI operates three complementary lines of
business: 1) distribution of SPE's feature films and television programming
to television, mobile and digital content delivery outlets around the
world, 2) local television production in key international markets, and 3)
international television networks. In addition to being a leader in the
distribution of current and classic U.S. and international films and
television product worldwide, SPTI produces high profile, locally produced
television in local languages. With dedicated offices in France, Germany,
Hong Kong, Italy, Miami (Latin America), the People's Republic of China,
Russia, Spain and the United Kingdom, SPTI currently oversees production in
nine regions of the world and is the leader in international television
production among all major Hollywood studios. SPTI's worldwide television
networks portfolio is a key strategy in the SPE's long-range commitment to
the global marketplace, with over 40 networks in more than 130 countries
reaching over 298 million viewers worldwide. SPTI is a Sony Pictures
Entertainment company.
