Middle East
A PwC report highlights how online platforms are starting to fill the huge demand for youth-oriented Arabic content that is not being met by traditional film and TV industries across the Middle East.
Australia & New Zealand
Australia’s Foxtel and Seven West have joined forces to launch streaming service Presto Entertainment ahead of Netflix’s assault on the Australian market next March.
Chinese-Speaking Markets
Tencent has struck a deal with HBO under which it will become the exclusive online video partner for HBO content in China.
Chinese-Speaking Markets
Shanghai Media Group (SMG) is merging two subsidiaries – BesTV and Shanghai Oriental Pearl – to form what it claims will be China’s largest online media conglomerate.
Chinese-Speaking Markets
Chinese film studio Huayi Brothers is raising finance through Alibaba and Tencent, and also signing strategic partnerships with the rival internet giants.
Chinese-Speaking Markets
China’s Tencent has struck a deal with Warner Music to handle digital distribution of its repertoire and new releases in China, excluding Chinese mobile operators.
Europe
Cutting edge, Paris-based production, sales and distribution group Wild Bunch, has announced it is planning to launch a pan-European digital distribution operation, organising cross-territory, day-and-date releases in the region.
Korea & Japan
Fresh from its deal to invest in Legendary Entertainment, Japan’s Softbank is buying video service DramaFever, which streams TV shows and movies from around the globe.
Chinese-Speaking Markets
UK director Simon West says he is using equity crowdfunding for $10m action comedy Salty, but speakers at last week’s Asian Film Market explained this form of film financing still faces regulatory hurdles around the world.
Middle East
Netflix’s announcement that it is planning a global day-and-date release for martial arts action epic Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend is meeting with strong resistance from cinema chains worldwide.
Middle East
Netflix and The Weinstein Company have announced that they will release the sequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon simultaneously on the streaming platform and in IMAX theatres on August 28, 2015.
Chinese-Speaking Markets
Move over Alibaba – Tencent also has its sights set on China's booming movie industry, announcing plans to produce four to five feature films a year.