France’s Orange renews key HBO deal

Orange Cinéma Series (OCS) has renewed a key content deal with US premium programme provider service HBO.

OCS is the bouquet of movie channels operated by France Telecom/Orange in France and it as carried HBO content since launch in 2008.

The new deal means OCS will be the first channels to carry HBO shows in France.

Under the terms of the new agreement, it will be able to transmit shows 24 hours after their premiere on the US HBO network meaning, for example, that it will debut season two of Lena Dunham comedy Girls later this month and the much-anticipated third season of Game of Thrones in April.

The deal also allows OCS to make key HBO series available on-demand. On-demand titles will include Veep, Boardwalk Empire, True Blood and The Sopranos.

Serge Laroye, head of content at Orange and president of OCS, said: “HBO series are must-watch events. They are central to OCS’ positioning and help enrich its offering. We are very pleased to be able to pursue our partnership with HBO and, with this agreement, bring it to another level.”

Charles Schreger, president, programming sales at HBO said: “HBO has been with OCS since the beginning. The respect and care given to our programming has been everything we could ask for from a partner.  We could not be happier to continue this relationship and to have them serve as the home for our premieres in France.”