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Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Stan, the Australian streaming service owned by Nine Entertainment, has renewed its content supply partnership with Lionsgate. The multi-year output agreement secures a slate of first-run premium scripted dramas from STARZ and Lionsgate and a new slate of theatrical films exclusive to Australian audiences. The agreement follows Stan’s renewal last year of a deal with Sony Pictures Television. Headlining the new shows expected to flow from the Lionsgate deal is espionage drama “Gray,” starring Patricia Clarkson (“Six Feet Under”), Nathalie Emmanuel (“Game of Thrones”) and Rupert Everett (“My Best Friend’s Wedding”) which is based on an original concept by bestselling novelist David Baldacci.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video compete for second position behind Netflix in Australia, the Asia-Pacific region’s most developed streaming market. But, increasingly, all premium SVOD suppliers are focusing on profitability rather than simple growth. A new report from consultancy and research firm Media Partners Asia, “Australia Online Video Consumer Insights & Analytics” shows that Australian consumers streamed 24 billion minutes of premium online video between January and August this year. SVOD platforms accounted for 70% of viewing time, while broadcaster-operated platforms (BVOD) claimed 30%. The numbers reflect a mixture of measured usage and a panel of viewers.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau ChiefDreamchaser, the Hugh Marks- and Carl Fennessy-headed venture which has ambitions to become a significant studio, has unveiled its first creative partnership agreements. It has attached a trio of leading producers in the factual and entertainment zones to multi-year development and production deals.Marks is the former head of Nine Entertainment, the TV group that swallowed Fairfax Media and took full ownership of local streamer Stan.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau ChiefEndeavor Content has given its backing to high-profile executives Hugh Marks and Carl Fennessy as they launch Dreamchaser. The new Sydney-based venture styles itself as Australia’s first full-service film and TV production and distribution studio.Marks is the former head of Nine Entertainment, the TV group that swallowed Fairfax Media and took full ownership of local streamer Stan.

EXCLUSIVE: Former Endemol Shine Australia co-founder Carl Fennessy and ex-Nine Entertainment CEO Hugh Marks have set up a major new Sydney-based production company and have scored backing from Endeavor Content.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau ChiefMike Sneesby, currently the head of Australian streamer Stan, has been appointed CEO of its parent group Nine Entertainment.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau ChiefThe streaming landscape in Australia is to become larger and more complicated with the imminent launches of Stan Sports, and Disney’s Star.Stan, the Australian streaming service that is now wholly-owned by Nine Entertainment, is taking the game to incumbents Optus and Foxtel with the kick-off of its add-on package Stan Sports in time for the ‘Down Under’ winter sports season.Stan Sports’ initial major focus will be Rugby Union, with tennis in a minor league.Stan

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau ChiefHugh Marks has resigned as CEO of leading Australian media conglomerate Nine Entertainment. His departure was announced on Monday and will become effective in the second half of the company’s current financial year, which runs to June 2021.“When I was appointed CEO five years ago, my brief was to lead the transformation of what was then a television business to a digitally-based media company.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau ChiefAustralian streaming platform Stan is to increase its production of original TV content.

Australian broadcasters see the potential for significant cost savings in the current year, if major sports events are canceled and remain off air.