Orange picks up movies for French pay TV service

Orange has inked a deal with film distributor SND that gives it several first-run features for its French pay TV service.

The deal with SND gives Orange movies including The Hurt Locker and the second Twilight film. Orange will make the films available on its Orange cinéma series service.

Orange has invested heavily in premium sports, TV and film content. Recent rule changes affecting how Orange can market its services, and a new CEO, Stephane Richard, at its parent group France Telecom have created speculation that it will scale back investment in content.

The new movie deal suggests cutbacks are not yet underway. It also recently picked up a package of US series from Warner Bros and Disney and has previously cut deals with MGM, Lionsgate and HBO. It is, however, understood that the company is reviewing its content acquisition strategy.