Distribution deal expands Blue Ant International’s strategic growth in the global AVOD space
| (Toronto, ON – July, 7, 2021) – Global distribution group, Blue Ant International, announces today that it has licensed more than 650 hours of programming to Pluto TV, the leading free streaming television service, with hundreds of channels and thousands of movies and television shows available on demand. Beginning this month, Pluto TV’s audiences will have access to programming from Blue Ant International’s factual entertainment, specialist factual and high-impact documentaries. The programming will be available on the Pluto TV’s live, linear channels as well as on video-on-demand (VOD) in the U.S., the UK, LATAM territories and France. The deal was brokered by Ludo Dufour, SVP, International Co-Productions and Sales, Blue Ant International, with Kate Blank, Senior Director, International Sales, Blue Ant International securing sales to Pluto TV in France. “Blue Ant International has an expansive and diverse catalogue of binge-worthy factual content that complements Pluto TV’s demand for a large pipeline of programming that will meet the needs of its global fan-base,” says Solange Attwood, EVP, Blue Ant International. “Audiences are moving to AVOD because they want to discover compelling content, free of charge, and this deal highlights what we can offer new platforms, both in quality and scale, as they carve out their programming strategies in 2021.” “Pluto TV is always looking to deliver our audiences world-class premium programming, and this deal with Blue Ant International brings viewers a huge slate of new, compelling factual series and high-impact documentaries — all for free,” said Will Gurman, VP Global Content Partnerships, Pluto TV. “This multi-territory deal builds on our mission to truly entertain the planet. We are thrilled to expand the Pluto TV portfolio for our U.S and international audiences giving them even more choice of premium content.” A highlight from Blue Ant International’s catalogue to be available on Pluto TV in the U.S., the UK and Latam territories, in both English and Spanish includes Pet Heroes (24 x 30’; HD; Corkscrew Media), which showcases extraordinary real-life stories of animals who exhibit incredible heroic rescues. Additional highlights for English-language audiences include several DIY and home renovation titles starring celebrity designer Sarah Richardson such as: Seasons 1 to 4 of Sarah’s House (49 x 30’, HD, SRH Productions), which shadows Sarah as she completes a full renovation of a fixer-upper and dishes some nifty tips and tricks along the way. The decor content continues with Design Inc (66 x 30’ HD; SRH Productions), which tears back the curtain on the high stakes world of interior design, as Sarah and her team jump hurdles to create stylish, livable spaces. Also included in the coffer of design programming are Seasons 1 to 6 of Candice Tells All (78 x 30’; HD Fusion Television), starring design expert Candice Olson who takes on signature makeovers that showcase new mediums and art forms, giving viewers an up-close look into her busy and often-hilarious world. U.S. Spanish-speaking audiences will also enjoy Pick a Puppy (48 x 30’; HD; Rhino Content), an endearing look at different dog breeds as families search for the ideal puppy to join their households; Rebel Without a Kitchen (26 x 30’; HD; General Purpose Entertainment) that takes viewers along with Chef Matt Basile as he hits the road to take on local cuisine in unexpected places; and Taste of the Country (13 x 30’; HD; Blue Ant Studios), starring creative entrepreneur Danielle French who designs and executes rustic-chic dream events at her rural property. In France, Pluto TV will offer its audiences Dino Hunt (4 x 60’ HD; Cream Productions), in which the palaeontologists use CGI technology to bring dinosaurs “back-to-life”; Donut Showdown (40 x 30’; HD; Nikki Ray Media Agency) and Sugar Showdown (34 x 30’; HD; Nikki Ray Media Agency) two fascinating competition series showcasing irresistible confectionary creations; Cabin Truckers (26 x 30’; HD; Windfall Films), which follows the incredible efforts of a moving team as they haul colossal cabins to remote, picturesque locations; Land Speed Heroes (6 x 60′; HD; Blue Ant Studios), featuring amateur and professional speed freaks who try to set land speed records on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA; Backroad Bounty 1 & 2 (26 x 60’; HD; Our House Media), which follows antique experts Marty and Bam Bam on a tour of undiscovered vintage gems—from antique furniture to forgotten family heirlooms. Pluto TV, a ViacomCBS Company, is the leading free streaming television service, delivering hundreds of live and original channels and thousands of on-demand movies in partnership with major TV networks, movie studios, publishers, and digital media companies. Named by Fast Company as one of 2020’s Most Innovative Companies, Pluto TV has a global audience of nearly 50 million monthly active users and an international footprint that spans three continents and 25 countries throughout the US, Europe and Latin America. Pluto TV is available on all mobile, web and connected TV streaming devices where millions tune in each month to watch premium news, TV shows, movies, sports, lifestyle and trending digital series. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Pluto TV has offices across the United States, Europe and Latin America. Blue Ant International is a leading worldwide distributor of high-quality, creative content that engages audiences worldwide and across multiple platforms. The company offers a full-service approach to production partners with sales operations in London, Toronto, and Los Angeles. Blue Ant International has a growing slate of over 4,000 hours of premium content, including distinctive series and formats in five key genres including factual entertainment, specialist factual, high-impact documentaries, kids and family, and scripted. Blue Ant International also has one of the world’s largest offerings of 4K natural history content. Blue Ant International is a division of Blue Ant Media. -30- |