Exclusive: Shorts Int’l expands European FAST channels with LG deal

One Small Step

AMC Networks-backed Shorts International has struck a deal with LG to continue its European FAST channel expansion.

The companies have inked a new platform deal to place ShortsTV short film network channels on LG Smart TV’s, initially in the UK, Italy and Spain.

The channels, under the ‘Shorts’ (UK and Italy) and ‘Cortos’ (Spain) brands, will provide millions more households across Europe additional access to a selection of ShortsTV’s 13,000 short film titles.

Short content on offer includes Martin McDonagh’s Oscar-winning comedy Six Shooter, animation One Small Step, Short Calf Muscle, The Kicksled Choir and A-list starring productions including Inseparable with Benedict Cumberbatch and The Karman Line with Olivia Colman.

This latest deal follows Shorts’ arrangement with Samsung last year to bring its channels to the UK and Italy, its pact with telco Airtel to expand its reach in India and its hiring of former ViacomCBS exec Valerio Motti to lead the company’s development in new international markets.

“Our European rollout of the ‘Shorts’ and ‘Cortos’ FAST brands continues at pace and is proving highly popular with audiences,” said Shorts International CEO and Founder, Carter Pilcher. “LG has a significant TV presence in Europe, adding to our existing partnerships that include Samsung TV Plus and Rakuten TV and will give millions more viewers the chance to enjoy the curated content available on our FAST channels.

“Now more than ever, short form content is proving popular with individuals of all ages, and we’re committed to satisfying this fast-growing appetite that has been accelerated by the rise of on-the-go streaming platforms and social media,” he continued.

Valerio Motti, EVP EMEA and Lat Am, business development and strategy, added: “Our offering of crowd-pleasing international short films coupled with quality local content tailored to each market is attracting audiences far and wide across Europe – far beyond our expectations.

“We’re leveraging knowhow gained from our other recent FAST channel launches to enhance the experience of viewers and continue to pursue partnerships to expand our footprint, not just in Europe but across the globe.”