Sony Signs Multiplatform Deal in French Canada

MONTREAL: Quebecor Content has tied up with Sony Pictures Television Canada in a long-term multiplatform agreement that sees a range of series and films becoming available through Club illico and TVA Group in French Canada.

The deal sees Club illico offering a selection of Sony Picture Television's French content on its SVOD platform. In addition, TVA Group's channels will broadcast, on an exclusive basis, the French-language versions of some of Sony's top series and movies on free TV and basic cable. Among the series included is The Blacklist, alongside French versions of such films as White House Down, The Smurfs 2, Grown Ups 2, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2.

"We are very pleased to conclude an agreement with Québec's largest media group, and we look forward to working with the Quebecor team to help promote and support our series on air in French Canada," said Kevin Byles, the senior VP of Sony Pictures Television Canada.

"This agreement shows Sony's appreciation of our strength as a multiplatform broadcaster. It will enable us to offer rich and diverse content that our viewers will appreciate," commented Yann Paquet, the VP of acquisitions at Quebecor Content.

"After barely more than two years in existence, Club illico is on a par with the best in the industry," said Myrianne Collin, the senior VP of strategy and market development at Videotron. "With its current programming and the agreement we have signed, our subscription video on demand platform stands out in terms of the number of titles it carries, their relevance and, most of all, their quality."