MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) and Scandinavian broadcaster, Viasat Broadcasting have signed a multi-year licensing deal for SPTI’s feature films and television programming to be aired on six Viasat channels in Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

Included among the first run features are the 2006 blockbuster, The Da Vinci Code, starring Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and Audrey Tatou, The Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith, Spider-Man 2 starring Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst and the hilarious comedy, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, starring Will Ferrell and Sacha Baron Cohen. Additionally, the deal includes first run television series, a number of popular Sony Pictures television programmes such as Seinfeld, Married with Children and The Nanny along with the renewal of the popular Days of Our Lives.

Viasat head of content, acquisition, branding and promotion Alexander Holland said, “This agreement reflects our increased investment in programming during 2007. Sony Pictures has been a prime source of programming to our channels and we are looking forward to the continuation of our relationship. The strong line-up of feature films and top notch cult series will further strengthen our schedules.”

SPTI senior vice president, sales Danny Goldman said, “We are pleased to have concluded this deal with Viasat in what is an important market for us. The quality of Sony Pictures content has helped increase viewer numbers on Viasat’s channels and this agreement further strengthens the partnership between our two businesses. I would like to compliment the hard work of the people behind this agreement.”

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