Viasat World to Bring MGM Programming to ViP Premiere

Viasat World has closed a deal with Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) to bring a range of movies and series to the ViP Premiere channel in Russia.

The agreement includes 12 current films and 20 library titles, as well as current TV series. The deal encompasses the recently released Tomb Raider and Death Wish, as well as the upcoming reimagining of the 1980s comedy Overboard. In addition to films, ViP Premiere continues to be the home of Get Shorty and The Handmaid’s Tale, both of which will debut second seasons soon. Both series will be available the day after the U.S. premiere, exclusive to ViP Premiere in Russia.

The content will also be available for SVOD via the set-top box and Viasat World’s ViP Play online platform.

Karin Heijink, VP of pay-TV channels and products at Viasat World, said: “Bringing these titles to ViP Premiere through our relationship with MGM demonstrates that we live up to our brand promise and firmly cements our standing as the number one provider of movies in Russia. ViP Premiere is the home of premieres—from features from Hollywood studios shortly after their theatrical release to series from the biggest U.S. studios with day and date broadcast. The acquisition of rights to critically acclaimed series such as The Handmaid’s Tale—making us the first to show the continuation of the story in Russia—further strengthens our slate, which is already a hit with audiences.”

“We are delighted to reach this agreement with Viasat World, securing an exceptional home for our content in Russia,” added Paul Bischoff, MGM’s executive VP of international television distribution for EMEA.

Commented Heijink: “MGM has a burgeoning pipeline of current features and series, in addition to an exceptional library. With clear alignment in our principles and values when it comes to quality content, we look forward to building on our already established relationship, further growing our business together to bring the best content to Russian audiences.”