HBO, Eros ally for Indian channels

HBO Asia and Eros International have got together to launch two new pay-TV channels in India, promising to combine the best of Hollywood and Bollywood.

HBO Defined and HBO Hits are the brand names but beyond that details are scant at present – line-ups and launch dates to be announced later.

The two parties are billing their collaboration as a landmark deal – an exclusive arrangement that will see HBO shows developed as formats for India. Original content for the Indian and international markets will also follow.

HBO Asia is a joint venture between Time Warner and Paramount, while Eros International is a leader in Bollywood movies, listed on the London and Mumbai stock exchanges and also seeking a presence in New York.

The latter’s executive chairman Kishore Lulla said: “I am very excited about building the Eros brand in Premium Pay Television, particularly with an industry leader such as HBO Asia.

“There are few global companies that have mastered the premium film and TV space like HBO and their global success says it all. We look forward to cultivating new spaces together in India and especially the development of HBO content for TV and online.”

Jonathan Spink, CEO of HBO Asia, added: “Together we will aim to deliver a first class cinema experience in the comfort of your home, 100% advertising free. We are equally excited to work with Eros in developing compelling original content for the Indian audience.”

The HBO Asia Indian expansion comes despite fellow Time Warner business Turner Broadcasting having closed its Imagine channel in the territory earlier this year.

US and other western companies have had mixed fortunes with networks in India over the course of the past 12 months, with BBC Worldwide also pulling out while RTL Group and Reliance are due to go ahead with the launch of their own joint venture nets.