China’s Tencent Licenses Films from MGM, Paramount

SHENZHEN: Tencent has acquired the online rights for the entire James Bond franchise from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM) for China, in addition to securing a separate pact with Paramount Pictures for a wide range of movies.

Through its deal with MGM, Tencent users can enjoy TVOD and SVOD access to the entire 007 collection. Viewers will also be able to watch documentaries, behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the Bond stars. The agreement makes Tencent the only Chinese internet company with the Bond titles. Tencent users can watch the offerings via its various online channels, including v.qq.com, film.qq.com and the Tencent Video app. Spectre, the latest installment in the franchise, will also be made available through this partnership in the future.

Additionally, Tencent reached an agreement to be the exclusive TVOD and SVOD distributor in China for Paramount Pictures’ new theatrical releases, starting April 2016. Under the pact, Tencent will have exclusive SVOD and TVOD rights in mainland China for upcoming Paramount feature films for 12 months following their theatrical releases. Among the titles covered under the deal are Star Trek Beyond, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back.

“Adding marquee brands like Paramount to our world-class content offering gives China internet users access to the best possible entertainment lineup in the industry,” said SY Lau, the senior executive VP of Tencent and president of Tencent Online Media Group. “As a key digital content distributor for Paramount in China, Tencent is proud to be the partner of choice for content leaders around the world. Our multiplatform capabilities and our unique understanding of the complex China market give content players the ideal platform for success.”

“Paramount is excited to provide movie fans across China access to some of the most dynamic movies Hollywood has to offer,” added Rob Moore, the vice chairman of Paramount Pictures. “This deal will allow our content to reach a wide audience through Tencent’s massive user base while ensuring it is completely protected.”