FilmBox Debuting in the Netherlands on Canal Digitaal

SPI International is set to launch its flagship FilmBox brand in the Netherlands with the M7 Group via its Dutch pay-TV brand Canal Digitaal.

Starting on May 4, FilmBox will be available in the basic package of Canal Digitaal’s DTH platform for all subscribers at Channel 14. FilmBox will launch on Canal Digitaal’s IPTV platform with the same EPG number soon after.

FilmBox content highlights for the month of May include 10 Things We Should Do Before We Break Up, starring Christina Ricci and Hamish Linklater; Steven Soderbergh’s Unsane, starring Claire Foy; and crime drama Crypto, starring Beau Knapp, Luke Hemsworth and Alexis Bledel. Further, the hit show Narcos will make its linear TV debut in the Netherlands on FilmBox, where viewers can watch the first three seasons and the fourth installment, entitled Narcos: Mexico, on Mondays and catch the reruns on Sundays.

Berk Uziyel, CEO at SPI International, said: “FilmBox’s launch in the Netherlands is an exciting milestone for SPI International in terms of FilmBox’s expansion into the Western European market. FilmBox is included in operators’ basic packages and aims to target a different window and audience than our premium film service portfolio. FilmBox will have a different positioning in Western Europe compared to Central Eastern Europe and it will serve as a complementary gateway service to our premium Film1 portfolio. We are delighted to spearhead FilmBox’s expansion in the Netherlands with our long-standing partners at the M7 Group who share our passionate commitment to making top-quality content more affordable and easier to access.”

Christiaan Puper, country manager at Canal Digitaal, said: “We are extremely happy that we can offer FilmBox to our customers. There is an insatiable hunger for interesting content at the moment. Recently we have expanded our on-demand offer with content from our parent company Canal+ and other valuable parties. The addition of FilmBox as a fixed channel is a great next step. With our distinctive services, we think we are a rich addition to the established market.”