SPT Networks UK To Launch Animax SVOD Service
London, 15 October 2013. Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks has announced it is to launch a UK version of its anime channel, Animax, as a subscription video on demand service. In line with the launch, SPT Networks UK has agreed a multi-year volume deal with anime content provider Viz Media to secure exclusive content for the new service.
Animax is SPT Networks' global anime channel brand reaching 60 million households in 17 countries and available in 14 languages. The UK SVOD service will be scheduled specifically for UK anime fans and launch online at www.animaxtv.co.uk this Autumn. It is expected to roll out on more platforms and devices soon after.
Initial titles selection from Viz Media include UK premieres such as Death Note, an action thriller about a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook, and the blood-curdling Vampire Nights thriller. Other selections include Bleach, which follows the adventures of Ichigo Kurosaki who obtains the powers of a Soul Reaper, and Black Lagoon about a team of pirates who smuggle goods in and around the seas of Southeast Asia.
Kate Marsh, senior vice president for SPT Networks, Western Europe said: “With its roots in Japan, Animax is the leading International Channel brand for anime, so launching a bespoke UK version is great news to fans here. Securing this exclusive deal with Viz Media ensures we will be first to market with key releases and offer some of the best series directly from the centre of the anime world.”
"We are really happy to partner with Animax channel,” said Hyoe Narita, Viz Media Europe's chief executive officer. “As a subsidiary of Japan's largest publishing houses, we want to be able to share our passion for Japanese content with everyone, everywhere and give the opportunity to help viewers discover and enjoy our titles. Animax is the perfect channel to help us achieve this mission through this exclusive deal.”
Other SPT channel brands in SPT's UK network portfolio include Sony Entertainment Television and Sony Movie Channel.
