Filmbox channels launch in Russia

Channel operator SPI International has launched seven of its channels in Russia.

The digital nets will roll out on the Telekarta platform, which is owned by pay TV operator Orion. The channels carried include the FilmBox and the FilmBox Art House channels, meaning drama series including The Young Pope and Modus will be available.

The bouquet of channels also includes martial arts net FightBox, extreme sports offering Fast&FunBox and FashionBox.Docs service DocuBox and adult channel Erox complete the line-up.

The deal marks SPI’s entry into Russia, a market that has proved challenging for international channel groups.

“We are honored to be the first operator in Russia to introduce them to our subscribers, and offer the channels for transmission to our partners,” said Kirill Makhnovskiy, CEO, Orion Group. “Our long-term experience of cooperation with international majors allows to suggest that the primary launch of the seven TV channels in the Russian market will be a pledge of a long and productive partnership with SPI International.”

Murat Muratoglu covers channel distribution for SPI in Russia and the CIS region. “Orion is one of the leading and most dynamic DTH platforms in Russia,” he said. “We are glad to start collaboration with such an experienced partner and we are excited to deliver top quality entertainment to Russian viewers thanks to our cooperation with Orion.”