NENT goes on int’l series buying spree

Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT Group) has added 10 series from around the world to its streaming service, Viaplay, in response to demand for international content.

Filippa Wallestam

Series including Spanish action series La Unidad, Russian dramedy An Ordinary Woman, Canadian dramedy Happily Married, Argentinian crime series Los Internacionales and Spanish romcom Little Coincidences launched on November 30.

Also available on Viaplay in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland are German period drama Babylon Berlin, Italian crime series Gomorrah, Spanish thrillers Night & Day, Lifeline and I’m Alive.

The titles were acquired as part of distribution deals between NENT and Mediapro Studio, Beta Film, Cineflix Rights and Onza.

The additions reflect “rapidly growing demand for high-quality global content amongst streaming viewers,” NENT Group said.

Filippa Wallestam, NENT Group chief content officer, added: “Many borders are closed at the moment but the horizons of viewers have never been more open.

“Streaming takes down barriers and audiences today see just how many great stories the world has to offer. The appetite for high-quality international series is unprecedented, and as a Nordic pioneer in compelling storytelling, Viaplay is a natural home for some of the best new and recent shows from around the world.”

The move comes as NENT Group prepares to premiere at least 40 of its original productions in 2021.

The company is also stepping up its investment in international original content with forthcoming series such as The Head, The Defeated, The Box, Close to Me, The Swarm and Margeaux.

The Sweden-based company is also seeking buyers for its NENT Studios UK production and distribution arm, which was formed as part of a restructure just over a year ago.

In addition, it will launch its Viaplay streaming service in the US next year, along with a further 10 international markets, as part of a five-year growth plan.