AIM-listed Bollywood producer Eros International (SEA:EROS), which reported a 76 percent jump in full-year profits, is planning a Bollywood video-on-demand channel with British Sky Broadcasting Group, which is expected to live in September. While the value of the deal is not known, Eros is initially expected to offer the Sky channel 100 films from its library of 1,300. “You name any format, we exploit the content through that format, we are not reliant on anyone else to distribute that content,” said Eros CEO Kishore Lulla. “We want to become the studio model.”
Separately, Eros International posted a 48.6 percent increase in sales to $66.4 million for the year ended 31 March, 2007. Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization before IPO costs was up 57.5 percent at $50.1 million. Profit before tax, goodwill amortisation and IPO costs of the company was up 76.3 percent at $32.5 million.

Nikhil adds: Eros had digital revenues of $6.3 million. Over the year, Eros has signed distribution deals with Comcast, YouTube, Microsoft Online, Spotlight, Intel Viiv, Mauj Telecom and OnCommand. The Comcast channel as over 6000 subscribers. Eros is also developing a full length animation feature called “Toonpur ka Superstar”. Interestingly, the company is also eying the casual gaming segment, looking at strategic partnerships to distribute and develop games. Eros also apparently has a warchest for content acquisition of $250 million.

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