Fox, STAR in JV for Asian-Language Films

BEVERLY HILLS/HONG
KONG/MUMBAI, September 9: Twentieth Century Fox and STAR have aligned to form
Fox STAR Studios, which will produce world-class local-language films in Asia
for worldwide distribution.

The joint venture will
make its first foray in India, with further expansion planned for markets such
as Greater China and Southeast Asia. Fox STAR Studios India will be led by
Vijay Singh, the current president of strategy and corporate development for
STAR India, as its CEO. Fox STAR India plans to produce Bollywood and Indian
regional films, as well as build a national theatrical distribution footprint
and enhanced capabilities in the home-entertainment and digital media platforms
in India.

Jim Gianopoulos, the
co-chairman of Fox Filmed Entertainment, said, “The Fox-STAR joint venture is a
great opportunity for us to create a strong presence in the Asian film industry
and to extend the relationship across the region. The infrastructure provided
by Twentieth Century Fox, along with STAR’s unmatched broadcasting and
marketing network, gives Fox STAR Studios a distinctive edge in the business of
film production and distribution. We at Fox are looking ahead to very exciting
times with STAR for our business in that region.”

Paul Aiello, the CEO of STAR, added, “The formation of Fox STAR Studios marks a
new milestone for STAR’s expansion into the business of filmed entertainment
beyond television broadcasting and underscores our growing confidence in the
marketplace, as well as our long-term commitment to the film industry in Asia.
The combination of both of our companies’ resources and expertise will surely
help bring greater entertainment options for movie lovers across the
globe.”

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski