Starzplay Arabia and Lionsgate Play, available in South and Southeast Asia, will remain as they are.
International streaming service StarzPlay will rebrand as Lionsgate+ in 35 countries, coinciding with a new brand look with a graphics package, rolling out globally today, September 29.
StarzPlay will rebrand to Lionsgate+ in 35 Starz markets excluding the US 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.
Speaking about the rebranding, Jeffrey Hirsch, President and CEO of Starz, said: “We recognised 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.”
Superna Kalle, President, 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+.”
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.
