Relativity Forms JV with B4U in India

BEVERLY HILLS/MUMBAI: Relativity Media and the Bollywood network B4U have formed a new joint venture that will focus on creating and distributing entertainment and sports content in India across film, TV and digital.

The newly formed JV will distribute future Relativity films and other entertainment content in India and the surrounding territories. It will also co-finance, co-produce and distribute Indian-language films and TV shows, as well as acquire projects in the U.S. and Indian markets. The JV will also distribute third-party content in India and select Bollywood films in the U.S.

The partnership between Relativity and B4U will also see the creation and launch of a new pay-TV channel in India focused on Hollywood content in both English and Hindi. Also on the planner is the launch of RelaTV, a digital streaming platform to delivery long- and short-form video content to Indian consumers.

Relativity and B4U are also co-producing a slate of Hollywood films, including The Best of Me, based on the best-selling novel by Nicholas Sparks. This will be the first film to be distributed by the JV in India, with a release slated for October 17.

The joint venture will have an investment of approximately $100 million available for projects. The JV will be managed by Ishan Saksena, B4U's CEO, and will be overseen by a board of directors, to which both companies will appoint two directors.

"This strategic partnership represents an exciting opportunity for Relativity to significantly expand our presence in this vibrant and growing marketplace while creating a bridge for developing and sharing content between Hollywood and Bollywood," said Ryan Kavanaugh, the CEO of Relativity. "By 2020, India is set to become the world's youngest country, and its citizens are adopting new technology platforms—from smartphones to smart TVs—at a dramatic rate. We are especially excited to work with B4U and its impressive management team led by Ishan Saksena, and this joint venture positions us well to deliver enthralling content across rapidly emerging distribution channels."

Saksena said: "B4U has always been at the helm for delivering Bollywood content in India and internationally. This joint venture with Relativity is the natural step in our progression to build a creative film studio and unique technology platform. Our joint venture provides a platform to bring the best of Relativity's intellectual property, production skills and unique monetizing strategies to India, while also providing Indian talent access to global audiences. Ryan's vision and leadership, combined with the Relativity management team's deep industry experience, makes them our ideal partners."