Sony signs content deal for Pakistan with Streamer Begin

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) has signed a one-year deal with streamer Begin that will be a mix of exclusive and non-exclusive library titles for the Pakistani market.

Backed by venture accelerator Z2C Limited, Begin is an SVOD platform serving the Southwest Asia region, with licensed deals in live sports and entertainment.

The deal also includes TV shows such as “The Goldbergs,” “Damages,” “The Big C,” “Preacher,” “Sneaky Pete,” “Men in Black” and “Jackie Chan Adventures.” Begin will also license rights to select titles from SPE’s film library.

Begin has existing live sports agreements with Professional Golfers Association, Saudi Premier League and All Elite Wrestling.

Jonathan Mark, Chief Commercial Officer at Begin, said: “Sony Pictures is a great partner and we are pleased to expand our relationship through this progressive agreement. This not only allows us to bring their impressive line-up of beloved film franchises to Begin in the Pakistani market, but it also creates a new source of first-run films for Begin film lovers.”

Sonika Basin, VP, International Distribution, South Asia, SPE, added: “We are excited to partner with Begin, one of the leading SVOD platforms in Pakistan. At Sony Pictures, we produce some of the biggest blockbusters and most creative, original films and TV shows in the industry. This exciting agreement further demonstrates how important content is to our distribution partners as they grow their audiences and deliver the very best in entertainment.”

According to data and business intelligence platform Statista, the expected revenue in Pakistan’s SVOD market is estimated at $353 million by 2024. It is expected to grow by 13% to reach a market volume of 25 million users and $514 million by 2027.