‘Landmark’ pan-Euro Sony deal for Sky

Ghostbusters

Sky has struck its first-ever pan-European movie output agreement.

A deal with Sony Pictures Television gives the UK-based satcaster multi-year access to new Sony feature films such as Ghostbusters, Angry Birds and Money Monster, including for the first time ultra HD movies.

Previously, Sky and Sony had territory-by-territory agreements, but with Sky recently promoting director of acquisitions Sarah Wright to pan-European buying level this has changed.

The agreement covers Sky’s satellite pay TV businesses in the UK and Ireland, Germany and Austria, and Italy; and means all Sony movies will have their pay TV on those platforms more than a year ahead of other services.

The films will also be made available on mobile TV service Sky Go and through the Sky Online and Now TV streaming services, with classic and new releases offered to rent (and in some cases buys) through the transactional Sky Store, Sky Select and Sky Primafila platforms.

“Along with our investments in entertainment, sport and the arts, major agreements like this help meet our commitment to provide our customers with exclusive, world-class films and programmes and the very best TV experience,” said Sky’s managing director, content, Gary Davey.

“Sky is a fantastic collaborator and this landmark movie deal across multiple territories further cements our relationship over the coming years,” said Keith LeGoy, president of international distribution at SPT. “Together we are now able to bring what are sure to be some of the biggest and most talked-about movies and upcoming releases to Sky viewers across Europe for the first time.”

Sky merged its pay TV assets in Europe at the end of 2014, with Sky UK and Ireland CEO Jeremy Darroch becoming chief executive of the new pan-regional content powerhouse.

Wright subsequently took control of group acquisitions, working with local German and Italian counterparts Rainer Ingber and Luisa Borella.