Netflix is getting ready to conquer UK and Ireland and it has just inked a digital licensing deal with BBC Worldwide. The US mail
order/streaming media company is expected to give a tough fight to Amazon's LoveFilm.
Netflix is expected to go operational in the UK in e01e.Steve McAllister, President and managing director of sales & distribution with BBC Worldwide, said, "With our content already available on Netflix in North and Latin America, we’re delighted to be a launch partner for Netflix in the UK and Eire, offering viewers the chance to watch some of our best loved shows on the platform from day one." While both the companies are keeping mum about financial details but the deal is expected to be non-exclusive.
Netflix's new deal with BBC World will give it an edge as now it will be able to access BBC's treasure trove, which contains masterpieces like Fawlty Towers, Little Britain and Spooks. LoveFilm does not have any such deal with Beebs. However, it has recently entered into a collaboration with Sony Films and the deal will enable LoveFilm to stream movies like Salt and The Social Network. It looks like that both the companies are now doing their best to capture the market. LoveFilm CEO, Simon Calver said that these deals will help the company in providing better content to its subscribers at the same low monthly price.