Orion, federal satellite operator in Russia and global TV operator SPI International / FILMBOX have signed a distribution agreement based on which Orion now offers seven SPI channels on its Telekarta television platform and becomes the exclusive distributor of SPI channels in Russia.

In the first stage of cooperation Orion has uplinked seven channels from the SPI portfolio and launched them as part of the "Unlimited" and "1001 Nights" package through satellite TV platform Telekarta. Russian viewers will get a chance to enjoy two movie channels – FilmBox and FilmBox Art House. SPI International has just announced a deal with FremantleMedia International (FMI) to acquire pay window rights for three major scripted titles. The agreement will see the critically-acclaimed smash hit The Young Pope, gripping thriller Apple Tree Yard and hugely successful Swedish crime drama Modus heading to FilmBox channel in Russia and the Baltics.

The bundle also includes a martial arts channel FightBox, Fast&FunBox - a channel devoted to extreme sports, from motorcycle racing to snowboarding, including coverage of Formula One, FashionBox channel presenting top designers and brands as well as DocuBox, a channel featuring documentary films about wild life, nature and human civilization. Telekarta also offers Erox (18+), an erotic channel with programming from the world's top adult content producers.

In addition to broadcasting SPI channels within its own satellite platform Telekarta, Orion will be the exclusive distributor of the SPI channels in the network of cable operators across Russia. Orion will make the SPI channels available to local operators in both SD and HD formats.

Commenting on the cooperation, Kirill Makhnovskiy, CEO, Orion Group noted: "Foremost SPI channels provide high-quality content. We are honored to be the first operator in Russia to introduce them to our subscribers, and offer the channels for transmission to our partners - cable operators. Our long-term experience of cooperation with international majors allows to suggest that the primary launch of the seven TV channels in the Russian market will be a pledge of a long and productive partnership with SPI International."

"Orion is one of the leading and most dynamic DTH platforms in Russia. We are glad to start collaboration with such an experienced partner and we are excited to deliver top quality entertainment to Russian viewers thanks to our cooperation with Orion," said Murat Muratoglu, SPI Head of Distribution Russia and CIS, MENA, APAC, Baltics, Turkey, ex-Yugo and Bulgaria.