New York, NY — 10 June 2013 — AMC/Sundance Channel Global, the international division of AMC Networks (NASDAQ: AMCX), announced an agreement with DIRECTV Latin America to launch Sundance Channel in September. Sundance Channel will be available for the first time in seven Latin American countries, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. DIRECTV will also launch a separate Portuguese language channel for DIRECTV subscribers in Brazil at a later date. Following its launch on DIRECTV Latin America’s platform, Sundance Channel will be made available for distribution to pay-TV operators across the region.
Robert Redford, founder of Sundance Channel, stated, “It has long been my hope to see Sundance Channel expand globally to share the compelling stories of independent filmmakers and artists as widely as possible. Bringing Sundance Channel to Latin America builds on this vision.”
Bruce Churchill, President of DIRECTV Latin America, stated, "We’re excited to be partnering with AMC Networks to be the first to introduce Sundance Channel in Latin America. We are committed to providing DIRECTV subscribers an unmatched offering of quality content, and Sundance Channel’s mix of independent films and acclaimed series fits perfectly with that goal.”
Sundance Channel will be a Spanish language 24/7 linear network featuring a diverse and engaging selection of first run original drama and other iconic programming, award-winning and locally appealing independent films and documentaries. It will be available to DIRECTV subscribers on the Oro package, one of the operator’s most widely distributed tiers.
Bruce Tuchman, President of AMC/Sundance Channel Global, commented, “This landmark partnership in Latin America is an important part of our global expansion strategy. We are thrilled to partner with DIRECTV, Latin America’s leading pay-TV platform, and we look forward to offering audiences fresh, iconic content ranging from the best of independent cinema to high-quality original narrative series.”
On July15th, leading up to the September channel launch, the critically acclaimed original series “Rectify” will have an exclusive premiere on DIRECTV Latin America’s own entertainment network, OnDIRECTV. The series "Mr. Selfridge" will soon follow in an exclusive window.
“This partnership aligns with our strategy to deliver the best movie offering along with our goal to promote local original productions.?I’m sure our subscribers will enjoy being the first to watch this channel,” added Rick Nerod, Senior Vice President of Programming for DIRECTV Latin America.
Today’s news follows rapid distribution growth for Sundance Channel across Europe and Asia over the past few months. This includes new network launches in Belgium, France, Poland and the Philippines.?Ed Palluth, EVP Distribution, AMC/Sundance Channel Global, will oversee the channel’s further distribution throughout Latin America.
Sundance Channel will be made available to pay-TV operators as a standard and high definition linear television channel, video-on-demand (VOD) service and via mobile and online authenticated streaming.
In addition to Sundance Channel, AMC/Sundance Channel Global offers WE tv in Asia, a women’s lifestyle focused network featuring top industry figures in food, weddings and fashion with acclaimed series by Bobby Flay, Rachael Ray and Joe Zee, inspiring viewers with their expertise and innovation.
Rectify: A Sundance Channel original production, “Rectify” has been hailed by critics as one of the best new series of 2013, and will appeal to fans of character-driven series seen on AMC Networks’ services around the world. When Daniel Holden (played by Aden Young) is released after nearly 20 years of complete isolation on death row, he returns as an outsider to his family, to his community, and to the times. Somehow, he survived the mental and emotional strain of his imprisonment, but now the walls have suddenly come crumbling down and Daniel is set free in a world he no longer understands.
Mr. Selfridge: Created by award-winning writer Andrew Davies, the series stars Jeremy Piven as the flamboyant and visionary American entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge. The series premiered on ITV in the UK in January, where it achieved an impressive average of 8 million consolidated viewers.
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About AMC/Sundance Channel Global
AMC/Sundance Channel Global delivers compelling and globally renowned entertainment to audiences worldwide in multiple languages through locally tailored programming services, cutting edge media and subscription television platforms. The international arm of AMC Networks Inc., the division’s flagship channels include Sundance Channel and WE tv and are broadcast in both high and standard definition. Sundance Channel was founded by Robert Redford and showcases acclaimed independent films, from the newest festival award winners to the genre’s most beloved movies. Central to Sundance Channel’s appeal is its broadcast of original series from leading talent both in the US and abroad, including celebrated series Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, and Hell on Wheels. Recently launched in Asia, WE tv is a leading entertainment brand in the US and caters to audiences who can’t get enough of celebrity driven reality and other widely appealing lifestyle programming.
About AMC Networks Inc.
Dedicated to producing quality programming and movie content for more than 30 years, AMC Networks Inc. (NASDAQ: AMCX) owns and operates several of the most popular and award-winning brands in cable television. AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv, and IFC Films produce and deliver distinctive, compelling and culturally relevant content that engages audiences across multiple platforms. The company also operates AMC/Sundance Channel Global, an international programming business, and AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology, a full-service network programming origination and distribution company.
About DIRECTV
DIRECTV (DTV) is the world’s leading provider of digital television entertainment services. DIRECTV provides digital television service to 20.1 million customers in the United States and to 16.3 million customers in Latin America and the Caribbean. As the leading provider of programming, technology and customer service in the industry, DIRECTV Latin America delivers the best television entertainment experience to viewers in the region. For more information visit www.DIRECTVla.com
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