Starz announced that its premium international streaming service, Starzplay, will rebrand as Lionsgate+ in 35 countries, coinciding with a new brand look with graphics package, rolling out globally on September 29.
The new brand look with graphics package, color palette and design elements will deploy in the United States and begin rolling out in the majority of Starz’s footprint. Starzplay will rebrand to Lionsgate+ in 35 Starz markets excluding the United States and Canada, where it will remain Starz. Brand names for Starzplay Arabia along with South and Southeast Asia’s Lionsgate Play will also remain in place.
“We recognized the potential of the global OTT market early, and over the last few years we have built an incredible global streaming service, which has become a destination for audiences seeking premium, provocative programming. Operating under Lionsgate+ internationally brings a distinct and differentiated identity in an increasingly crowded international marketplace and builds on the brand equity in the Lionsgate name that our extensive research has proven is strong around the world. Even with the separation of Starz and the Lionsgate studio business, the Lionsgate brand will continue to be valuable to the ongoing success of our international platform,” said Jeffrey Hirsch, President and CEO of Starz.
Superna Kalle, President of International Networks for Starz, added: “Our commitment to deliver bold, curated stories where we push boundaries and defy expectations remains the same. We have built strong relationships with our viewers and look forward to continue providing them premium storytelling as Lionsgate+.”
Lionsgate+ subscribers have access to a vast library of exclusive, premium content that includes original series premiering globally on the same day as the United States such as political thriller “Gaslit,” sumptuous period dramas in its Royal Collection including the upcoming series “Dangerous Liaisons,” along with and series set in the universe of the blockbuster “Power” franchise. Lionsgate+ is also home to Spanish language original series such as the critically acclaimed drama “Señorita 89,” sci-fi thriller “El Refugio” and crime drama “Express,” and offers some of the most sought-after first run series on television including the genre-bending series “The Great,” and the action-thriller series “Gangs of London,” plus a huge collection of blockbuster fan-favorite movies added to the platform every month.
Starz established itself as one of the first US linear channels to enter the global market upon launching its global SVOD service, now Lionsgate+, in 2018 offering audiences access to bold, curated storytelling. Since its initial launch, coupled with its Starzplay Arabia joint venture, Starz’s global footprint has expanded into 63 countries throughout Asia, Canada, Europe, Latin America, MENA, and South and Southeast Asia.
With the rebrand in effect, below is the breakdown of service names across the countries where the SVOD has a presence.
● LIONSGATE+ BRANDED MARKETS
· Europe: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK.
· Latin America: Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela.
· APAC: Australia and Japan
● MARKETS WITH UNIQUE SERVICE BRANDING
· Asia: South and South East Asia (Lionsgate Play)
· North America: United States and Canada (Starz)
· MENA: All territories (Starzplay Arabia*)
*Joint venture between Lionsgate and local partners.
Operating under Lionsgate+ internationally brings a distinct and differentiated identity in an increasingly crowded international marketplace” Jeffrey Hirsch President and CEO of Starz
