Disney+ coming to Japan, HBO Max launches & Technicolor seeks financing

Disney unveils Japanese OTT launch

Disney has announced plans to launch its streaming service Disney+ in Japan next month in partnership with local telco NTT Docomo.

The announcement builds on the media company’s existing partnershit with NTT, which includes the Disney Deluxe service launched last year, according to Variety.

Subscribers to Deluxe will receive an automatic upgrade to Disney+ at no extra cost when it goes live on 11 June, while new subscribers can get the OTT offering through Docomo for $6.49.

The service, which is already live in much of Europe and the US, has seen more than 50 million subscribers sign up since it first launched late last year. It offers a wide range of Disney content including classic films, TV shows, and brands such as Star Wars, Pixar and Marvel.

• Read more: Disney bets big on the streaming revolution

Technicolor seeks €400m of new financing

Technicolor is to seek up to €400 million of new financing after the company opted to delay its rights issue due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In February, the company unveiled a new strategic plan that aimed to see it boost its capital structure and strategic flexibility between 2020 and 2022.

This included a plan to raise €300 million through the issuing of new share rights, but this was postponed due to lockdown.

According to TVBEurope, Technicolor has now has entered into discussions with some of its creditors and third party investors to obtain €400 million that is more suitable in the current environment.

Warner’s OTT HBO Max launches in US

WarnerMedia has launched its new OTT service HBO MAx in the US, aiming to bring together the best of Warner Bros and HBO content on one platform.

The AT&T-owned media company claims that HBO Max has “an unparalleled” backing of what it calls “distinct talent and industry leaders”.

Content available on the platform includes the Harry Potter film series, Game of Thrones, as well as a slate of new, original content such as comedy show Love Life, and programming aimed at kids, such as all new Looney Tunes cartoons.

WarnerMedia chairman Bob Greenblatt told CNN: ”It is a highly curated platform, made up of the entire HBO service, as well as a deep library from the Warner Bros. film and television libraries, third-party acquisitions, and an enormous new slate of original production that we call the Max Originals. Twice the content of HBO for the same price. 

• Read more: HBO Max: Too late to the streaming party?