Paramount+’s Marco Nobili: Non-Traditional Pacts Like Formula 1 Deal Key To Driving Business In Asia Pacific — ATF
05.12.2023 - 14:55
/ deadline.com
Paramount+‘s plan for growth in Asia-Pacific is taking shape.
Replicating the global Formula 1 promotional deal the streamer struck with Formula 1 will be a key tentpole of the strategy in the region, according to Executive VP and International General Manager Marco Nobili.
He appeared via video link on stage the Asia TV Forum & Market today to discuss how premium tier offerings and unusual pacts such as the Formula 1 agreement would drive business locally.
Following its launch in Korea and Japan earlier in recent months, Paramount+ is competing with local players and international rivals such as Prime Video and Netflix in APAC. Nobili said striking non-traditional deals would increase its market penetration.
“We are bringing entertainment to people that want to be entertained,” he said, referring to the Formula 1 partnership, which has seen Paramount+ shows such as Special Ops: Lioness advertized during races around the world. “People are already there to be entertained and we are bringing our brand and service to them.”
As such, his team is exploring ways to replicate similar partnerships in APAC.
In Australia and New Zealand, an airline partnership with Australian national carrier Qantas has bolstered viewership of Paramount+ content, alongside developing local originals, said Beverley McGarvey, Executive VP and Chief Content Officer of Paramount ANZ.
Pointing out the importance of legacy shows and brands, McGarvey has overseen the production of localized titles like NCIS: Sydney, a new season of The Amazing Race Australia and an upcoming season of Top Gear: Australia, which will launch in 2024.
“In Australia, people are willing to pay for content,” she said. “Australian customers have what we call ‘champagne