SPE goes local in Japan
TV unit aims to tap dynamic market
The new unit is called Sony Pictures Television Japan (SPTVJ) and aims to capitalize on growth opportunities in the dynamic Japanese TV market. Specifically, the unit will focus on licensing of product, the launching of channels and local TV production.
Ken Munekata, a 17-year veteran of Sony in several key positions, has been tapped to head the venture. Most recently Munekata was part of SPE's strategic planning and corporate development groups identifying potential worldwide TV initiatives.
"Japan is a major multichannel growth market with more than 120 million potential customers, and the formation of SPTVJ is a critical step in addressing its needs," Jon Feltheimer, SPE exec VP, said.
Already operational, SPTVJ has just greenlit the branded action channel AXN and the locally oriented animation channel Animax on satellite platform SkyPerfecTV and onto cable systems throughout Japan.
The unit's business operations will be closely coordinated with the international operations of SPE's Columbia TriStar Television Group in Los Angeles, the ongoing theatrical and homevideo activities of SPE Japan and the global broadcast and digital satellite strategies of parent Sony Corp.
William Pfeiffer, exec VP of CTIT in charge of the company's Asian television operations, said: "We have already achieved notable success in focusing on select, high-growth markets throughout Asia, including the launch of SET India and the roll-out of AXN. We believe that the formation of SPTVJ advances our strategy of focusing our resources on key markets with dynamic growth potential."
SPE also has TV production and channel development units in India, Australia and in key European territories.
SPTVJ is a joint venture of Sony Corp. and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
