Home Entertainment Distribution
Eros was the first to invest in the production, distribution and development of the home video market for Bollywood internationally. Starting with videocassette over a decade ago and moving on to Video CD and now the high quality DVD format, Eros has the largest home entertainment catalogue for Bollywood with over a 1000 films and song compilation titles. Eros has developed an online store at www.erosentertainment.com and more recently introduced an online rental of the DVDs. A pioneer and market leader in this arena too...
Again, Eros prides itself on its widespread network of local alliances that are maintained from our 4 offices around the globe. In the US for example, we have deals with over 100 agents and 2000 shops whilst in the UK our network has alliances with 50 agents and 1000 shops.
In August 1999, Eros made yet another leap forward into the film value chain by venturing into the satellite broadcast television market.
Eros invested its massive satellite television library of over 1000 films and along with some other eminent investors, launched - B4U, that's Bollywood For You - the first dedicated premium digital Bollywood movie channel launched internationally on the HBO model.
Today, B4U Movies is beamed across 5 continents, via over 8 satellites to over 120 countries and has become a market leader in its space in a very short span of time. B4U is carried on major cable franchises in the UK like NTL and Telewest. Soon followed B4U Music, a 24- hour digital Bollywood Music channel that has addicted millions of music fans across the globe. Providing B4U with its film content, Eros is the soul of B4U.
Eros is also one of the biggest Bollywood content providers to Terrestrial Television networks around the world including BBC and Channel 4 in the UK.
Eros International is by far and away the leading distributor of Bollywood movies worldwide, with a market share consistently above 50%. With over 25 years experience we are the true pioneer of the Bollywood industry and were the first to recognise the potential outside of India. As such, Eros is a recognised brand name around the world and we have distributed some of the biggest Bollywood blockbusters of all time including the BAFTA nominated Devdas. As befits a major global film distributor, we maintain close alliances with cinema chains and local distribution outlets worldwide and in 2003 we distributed 22 films in the UK alone. In short, the Eros reach of Bollywood is incomparable to other companies
"Our worldwide distribution channels are extensive. Not only do we cover the US/Canada and India from the respective offices in those countries, but from out UK office we reach a truly global audience. At present we have deals across Europe as well as South Africa, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand the Fiji Islands, Sri Lanka, Burma, Kenya, Uganda, North Africa and Indonesia. If you need to reach the world, Eros can help!
Investing in the Future
Eros has over the years invested in films while they are the script stage or under production thereby developing a long-term relationship with the producers and big Bollywood banners. At the same time, Eros works very closely with the international exhibitors and cinema chains such as Warners, UCI, Odeon and Cineworld to name a few to allow a wider and far-reaching distribut- ion for Bollywood films. Eros was the first to take Bollywood to the multiplex cinemas.
Eros is the first to invest in a new genre of films like American Desi, Bollywood Calling, ABCD and Monsoon Wedding - 'crossover' films - having a wider appeal like Hollywood, which will mark a new era in the history of Indian films. The stage is set and the audience poised. Watch out Hollywood, here we come.
Eros has gone for a conscious backward integration into film finance with a view of becoming the 'world rights controller' for those films. This not only gives greater control and leverage for the rest of the business, but it also ensures a steady supply of films into the pipeline and helps protect the group against volatile price fluctuations in the market.
"Eros International is a truly global brand. We distribute product to countries as diverse as Fiji, Russia, Malaysia and South Africa amongst many others. Our offices are located worldwide, with the corporate headquarters being London"