Max Goes Live In Turkey, Vows Originals Spend
Warner Bros Discovery has officially launched streamer Max in Turkey. The service replaces WBD’s existing streamer, BluTV, and will debut with a trio of new local originals such as Anatomy of Chaos, Jasmin and Feride alongside premiering U.S. shows including The Last of Us Season 2 and the final season of The Handmaid’s Tale, and movies including Barbie, the Harry Potter franchise and the Dune films. At a press launch today in Turkey, WBD unveiled the TV originals and gave first looks at the upcoming Turkish series First Göktürk, Prince Season 3 and Çekiç ve Gül: Bir Behzat Ç. Hikayesi Season 3. For a limited period, subscribers will also get access to Eurosport. “Bringing Max to Türkiye is a key milestone for Warner Bros. Discovery and marks the completion of the successful integration of BluTV into our portfolio,” said Jamie Cooke, General Manager CEE, MENA and Turkey at Warner Bros. Discovery. “The launch of Max is a defining moment for our presence in Türkiye,” added Deniz Şaşmaz Oflaz, Vice President of Local Original Productions, Local Channels and Streaming Operations Lead for Türkiye. “The country has a vibrant storytelling tradition and a thriving entertainment industry. With Max, we are not only bringing our world-class content to Turkish audiences, we are also increasing our investment in local talent and productions that celebrate Türkiye’s unique culture and stories.” Max is now in 26 European countries and 77 overall.
Just For Laughs Series Renewed Ahead Of Fest Relaunch
Just For Laughs will bring a pair of series back to the returning Just For Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival following renewals at CTV and CBC. Roast Battle Canada has been recommissioned for a fifth season at CTV Comedy Channel, with judges Russell Peters, Sabrina Jalees, and K. Trevor Wilson returning. “As the Just For Laughs Montreal Festival begins a new chapter, we look forward to collaborating with the team as we continue to shine a spotlight on some of Canada’s best comedians,” said Justin Stockman, Vice-President, Content Development & Programming at CTV parent Bell Media. Just For Laughs Galas, which features star-studded stand-up sets, is headed back to pubcaster CBC. Previous editions have welcomed hosts such as Mae Martin, Eddie Izzard, Leslie Jones and Jack Whitehall. ”CBC is committed to amplifying emerging and established Canadian stand-up talent and we’re excited to continue to do so from the world’s biggest comedy event in Montreal, alongside some of the best-known comedians from around the world,” said Trish Williams, Executive Director, Scripted Content, CBC. Bankruptcy wiped out the Just For Laughs Festival last year, but following restructuring it is returning July 16-27. “These renewals mark a pivotal moment in the festival’s relaunch,” said Sylvain Parent-Bédard, Executive Producer, President and CEO of Just For Laughs.
MX Player Adds Turkish Drama
India’s MX Player has struck a deal with Eccho Rights for a pair of Turkish drama series. With Golden Boy (Yalı Çapkını) and Chrysalis (Camdaki Kız), MX would be “bringing two emotionally rich and visually stunning dramas that have captured hearts across the globe,” according to Amogh Dusad, Director and Head of Content, Amazon MX Player. Both shows come from OGM Pictures with Golden Boy becoming a ratings smash and big international seller since its launch on Star TV in 2022. Currently in its third season, it follows the explosive family saga of sisters Seyran and Suna, whose lives are turned upside down when the titular ‘golden boy’, Ferit, chooses one over the other for marriage. It stars Afra Saraoğlu, Mert Ramazan Demir, and Çetin Tekindor. Chrysalis debuted on Kanal D in 2021 and was an instant ratings winner. A winner of Best Drama Series at Turkey’s Golden Butterly Awards, it follows Nalan, a young woman looking for love who discovers her fairytale has dark twists. MX has shopped for Turkish shows several times at Stockholm-based Eccho for the likes of My Home My Destiny, The Promise, New Bride and Cennet.
Reality TV Veteran Rannvijay Singha Teams With Infinitum Network Solutions
Reality TV veteran and actor Rannvijay Singha has teamed up with Hyderabad’s Infinitum Network Solutions. The production company will work with former VJ and MTV Roadies star Singha to support him launch a career on YouTube and develop a slate of original content. Infinitum is known as a talent manager, content creator and digital marketing services biz, with a roster including Srishti Shukla, Noel Sean, Siri Hanmanth, Swetha Naidu and Sushma Gopal. “Teaming up with Infinitum Network Solutions feels like the right step at the right time,” said Singha, who has appeared in films such as London Dreams, Action Replay and Dharti. “They have established themselves in content creation, and now, with their growing presence in global markets beyond the regional landscape, they are offering exciting new opportunities. For creators like me, it is access to a much wider stage to tell meaningful stories that truly connect to global audiences.” Infinitum is next planning international expansion by pushing into Europe and the Middle East.
