Joost signs Bollywood content deal

by Ben Bold Brand Republic 09-Oct-07, 11:30

LONDON - Internet TV firm Joost has signed a content deal with Indian media and entertainment provider Eros International.

The agreement will give Joost's registered users access to more than 200 Bollywood movies and over 600 music videos from Eros's catalogue, including Indian blockbusters '1942: A Love Story' and 'Salaam-e-ishq'.

Marcus Stuart, Eros International's executive vice-president of corporate development and new media, said: "We are very pleased to be a part of Joost and to be able to create Eros-branded music video and movie services.

"We are strong supporters of advertising-funded business models and believe Joost's ability to deliver targeted and interactive advertisements will benefit consumers and marketers equally."

Yvette Alberdingk Thijm, executive vice president of content strategy and acquisition at Joost, said: "Bollywood films and music have seen tremendous growth recently, and demand continues to grow.

"With Joost, people around the world are able to watch these movies and music videos for free. As a global entertainment platform, Joost is a destination where people connect over shared interests, like Bollywood. Our partnership with Eros demonstrates the variety of the programming available on Joost."

Joost, which was formed by Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis, the founders of Skype and Kazaa, yesterday announced a deal with ITN to host its news, entertainment and sports content and to create a film and sports channel.