Raising our game in original premium content
Liberty Global has successfully strived to remain at the forefront of technological and infrastructure innovation across Europe. We now pass more than 50 million European homes while excitement grows surrounding the advent of the GIGAWorld, which will bring ultrafast connectivity, and untold possibilities to millions of people.
To complement Liberty Global’s technological leadership, the company is upping its commitment to delivering world-class premium entertainment and great storytelling through investments in outstanding original content.
Liberty Global is building its options to source quality content through a series of important investments in companies such as All3Media, the UK’s leading independent production company which we jointly own with Discovery. All3Media is responsible for hits such as Skins, Shameless, and Midsomer Murders, and last year we signed an agreement to produce four scripted series for our pay-TV platforms.
In July, we invested in Platform One, a new production and distribution company in partnership with TPG Growth. Platform One Media will be led by CEO Katie O’Connell Marsh, who has produced series including Narcos and Hannibal, and it will be dedicated to developing, producing and distributing high-end scripted programming.
Platform One has the ingredients we value in a strategic asset: great leadership, a clear vision and aligned well-capitalized partners. Katie’s vision, drive and creative track record makes her the perfect leader of Platform One. We are excited to be working with TPG Growth, whom we view as natural strategic partners, and who are also committed to making this an exciting new venture.
Another important step in Liberty Global’s premium scripted content strategy is The Rook, which we are co-producing with Starz/Lionsgate. The series is an amazing supernatural spy thriller that will be shot in the UK and led by elite showrunner Stephen Garrett, who has hits like Spooks and The Night Manager under his belt. Producing The Rook will be Twilight Saga creator Stephenie Meyer.
The Rook is based in London and with its strong British female lead it will be a perfect fit for Virgin Media as well as our other European markets. Liberty Global will feature the series exclusively on demand across Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. Look out for The Rook to air in the late 3rd quarter of 2018.
These are just a few examples of how Liberty Global is redefining its commitment to content and there’s more in the pipeline. If there’s a theme running through our content strategy it’s to seek world-class partners and talent. This, combined with Liberty Global’s leading platforms, distribution and technology most certainly make for exciting times ahead.
