Warner Bros strikes Kazakh output deal

Hollywood studio Warner Bros has struck an output deal with CTC Media-owned Kazakhstani broadcaster Channel 31, marking the first time an output deal has been struck in the country.

The deal will see the broadcaster have access to Warner Bros International Television Distribution’s latest TV slate as well as a raft of blockbuster movies including Inception, Clash of the Titans, Sex and the City 2 and The Dark Knight Rises.

Free-to-air network Channel 31 has grown its audience share over the last few years from 7.1% in the second half of 2007 to 15.8% in the second half of 2011.

Warner Bros’ latest TV slate includes horror drama The Following, JJ Abrams’ Revolution, Sex and The City spinoff The Carrie Diaries and superhero thriller Arrow.

“Our diverse slate of content, which ranges from high-budget tentpole films to quality comedy and dramatic television series are strong performers in the Kazakhstan television market.  Recognizing that, we are impressed that CTC Media has stepped up and secured the exclusive rights to this slate and we look forward to working with everyone at Channel 31 to market these shows and movies to the widest-possible audience,” said Jeffrey Schlesinger, president, Warner Bros. International Television.