Subscription VoD service Presto TV will commission original Australian programming and source other content exclusively for the platform.
A joint venture between Foxtel and Seven West Media, Presto TV launched last Sunday. Subscribers pay a monthly fee of $9.99 for the TV stream, the same amount for Foxtel’s 10-months-old Presto Movies, and $14.99 for both.
Presto TV will commission original productions including drama, Seven Network director of programming Angus Ross tells IF. "We will make stuff for Presto TV," he said, without giving any specifics.
As for acquisitions, he flagged the streaming service would buy content such as “binge-worthy dramas” and more children’s programming.
Ross said, “My mantra for Seven’s primary channel is that I will buy something if I think it will rate. That’s the same in finding content we think will work for Presto TV.”
Pre-launch, Presto TV announced it had bought non-exclusive rights to a batch of kids shows from Viacom International Media Networks, Saban, DHX Media and Hasbro Studios, including Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, Arthur, Bo on the Go, Super Why!, Transformers Rescue Bots, Power Rangers Megaforce and Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation.
Also non-exclusive is an arrangement with ABC Commercial covering series such as Summer Heights High, We Can Be Heroes, Ja’mie: Private School Girl, A Moody Christmas, The Librarians, Rake, Redfern Now and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.
Seven is supplying local dramas Packed to the Rafters, All Saints and Always Greener and imports Mr Selfridge, Rosemary and Thyme and A Touch of Frost, with other titles to be revealed progressively.
From HBO Presto TV gets exclusive SVoD rights to á host of shows including The Sopranos, Entourage, The Wire, True Blood, Boardwalk Empire, Girls and Veep.
“We have a great partner in Foxtel,” Ross said. “We will have a great depth of content.”
Stan, the Nine Entertainment/Fairfax Media co-venture which will launch soon, has flagged its intention to commission Australian shows.