Lovefilm gets Sony TV shows in UK
updated 06:05 pm EST, Wed December 21, 2011
Deal includes both TV shows and movies.
Amazon's UK-based Lovefilm has closed a deal with Sony Pictures Television. The arrangement will give subscribers to the media rental and downloading service exclusive streamed access to Sony's current TV series as well as past shows. Also included will be future movie releases from Sony.
The deal provides subscribers to the company's Lovefilm Instant service the ability to watch content streamed to their computers, PS3s, Xbox 350s, iPads, Internet-connected TV sets, and Blu-ray players. It also expands Lovefilm's library of children's programming with animated titles including Transformers, Spectacular Spider-Man, and The Karate Kid.
The deal with Sony follows similar arrangements Lovefilm has made with Warner Bros., Entertainment One, STUDIOCANAL, Disney, Momentum, and Lionsgate.
Amazon, which had held a minority share in Lovefilm, bought out other stakeholders and took control in January. The move was seen as a preemptive effort by Amazon to thwart expansion by Netflix into Europe as well as a defensive move to protect the company from competing Apple iTunes.
