Sony Pix eyes 22% mkt share in English movie space

Backed by a strong content portfolio, English movie channel Sony Pix is eyeing a market share of 20-22 per cent next year from 17 per cent, at present.
"The aim this year was to solidify our position as a leading player in the English movie and entertainment space. We wanted to be in the top 2 in the category and we have moved up accordingly in terms of our market share. We have about 17 per cent of the market share now," Sony Pictures Networks India executive vice-president and business head for English channels Saurabh Yagnik told reporters here.
He added that they are looking at a market share of 20-22 per cent in 2016.

Sony Pix recently tied up with NBC Universal in a multi-year deal, which gives it access to Hollywood hits like the Jurassic World, Everest, Ted 2, Fast & Furious 7, Pitch Perfect 2 and the Minions.
It has existing ties with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Lionsgate, MGM and Disney.
Yagnik said the partnership with NBC Universal will allow it to have about 70 premieres in 2016 compared with 40 this year.

The premieres during 2016 will include the Fast & Furious 7, Minions, Jurassic World, Everest, The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2 and The Walk among others.
On content acquisition cost, he said, "With more players in the ring, the costs go up significantly. Also the rupee is going southwards and we pay in dollars. So we get hit from both the sides, that is a concern for us."

Yagnik said the channel has doubled its revenues in the last three years. "As a channel we have seen significant uptick in revenues. In three years we have seen our revenues more than doubled. So our investments have paid off," he said but refused to share the absolute numbers.