C More claims Starz series

Ash vs Evil Dead

Bonnier-owned Nordic broadcaster C More Entertainment has agreed a wide-ranging deal with Starz for exclusive SVoD and pay TV rights to its original programming.

The multi-year deal provides C More with first-run access to Starz shows in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland, with series including Ash vs Evil Dead, Flesh and Bone and The Girlfriend Experience set to premiere exclusively on the service shortly after their US release.

The arrangement also includes premiere rights to Starz’ first original movie, The Dresser, while C More customers will also be able to stream past seasons of shows such as Power and Black Sails.

Mara Winokur, senior VP for digital at Starz, said C More had become “a well-established regional partner that not only shares our vision for showcasing the premium quality of Starz original programming… but also shares our commitment to satisfying this audience’s growing preference for multiplatform viewing.”

C More, taken over by Bonnier in 2014, is being turned from a linear broadcasting company into a digital-first outfit with its linear channels acting as an extension of the SVoD service.

The project, first revealed by C21, has been in the works since late last year and is being led by Cecilia Beck-Friis, exec VP for TV4 and chief development officer for Bonnier’s broadcast business. It forms part of a wider digital transformation initiative underway at TV4 and Bonnier to compete with Netflix, HBO Nordic and Viaplay.