Canal+ and Showbox launch online video initiative

Canal+ has signed a strategic partnership with production facilities outfit Showbox to give web content creators access to facilities that will enable them to deliver professional-quality programming without the need to invest in expensive equipment.

Showbox will provide its virtual 3D studio and workflows for formats including news, cookery shows and travel programmes. Showbox also offers teleprompter capabilities and animated ‘digital makeup’, a large selection of images, videos and music from international catalogue owners and the ability, from the cloud, to enable collaborative video creation.

Showbox will be available to French web content creators via a Showbox by Canal+ website, and for a fixed period Showbox’s facilities will be reserved exclusiuvely for Canal+’s multichannel network contributors. Later, the Showbox site will be opened up on a ‘freemium’ basis to all web content creators.

The partnership is the latest in a series of moves by Canal+ to develop a stronger web content presence, including the acquisition of MCN Studio Bagel and the launch of its Canalstart programme to support new media startups.

“We are delighted with this partnership which will allow us to offer quasi-professional production tools, free of charge, to Canal+ and Studio Bagel creators and equally to increase the attractiveness of our multichannel network,” said Manuel Alduy, director of Canal OTT. “The goal is to ally the strength and modernity of Showbox’s technology with Canal+ Group’s editorial expertise to create ever more high-quality and innovative content.”

Effi Atad, CEO and co-founder of Showbox.com said: “To work closely with a world-class video group that has achieved great things in the MCN market is especially exciting. We hope together to have a real impact on video creation in all francophone countries.”