Bruce Tuchman’s Rialto Expands to Prime Video Channels in Japan

Rialto International has launched a branded on-demand streaming service focused on independent film on Prime Video Channels in Japan.

Bruce Tuchman—the former president of Sundance Channel Global, AMC Global, MGM Worldwide Networks and general manager of Nickelodeon Global Network Ventures—launched Rialto International as a 50-50 joint venture with Rialto Channel in New Zealand. He serves as co-chairman of Rialto International, along with Roger Wyllie, who is the CEO of the Rialto Channel in New Zealand.

The launch of Rialto in Australia on Samsung TV Plus last year was the first step in growing Rialto’s footprint beyond New Zealand.

As a new channel offering for members of Amazon Prime Japan, the Rialto branded channel will feature current and iconic independent films. Its roster includes The Rider, The Last Picture Show, Snatch, Finding Forrester, Miles Ahead, Diva, Land of Plenty, Gattaca, 8MM, Throne of Blood and Tokyo Story, as well as contemporary local films such as the acclaimed documentary Harada, Sculpting for Peace, among many others.

“Independent film has never been so popular, yet the number of branded services bringing independent film offerings across the world on a multiplatform basis is few and far between,” said Tuchman. “In today’s entertainment world, both linear TV channels and streaming services are searching for marquee offerings to attract and maintain viewership. We are thrilled to launch on Prime Video in Japan with a focus on independent film. Our design since rolling out our new venture is to set a high bar and secure partnerships with blue-chip brands in both streaming and traditional media. Prime Video underscores this perfectly and nicely compliments the relationships we already have with Samsung and Sky, with more deals to come.”

Wyllie added, “Over the past two decades, Rialto has delivered and continues to bring a plethora of independent films, which emphasize the ultimate in creative freedom. The Rialto brand is built on this premise, and we are excited to be launching in new territories such as Japan. We look forward to working closely with Prime Video Japan and to reaching new audiences while offering consumers choice and must-see content.”