Walter Presents to Launch U.S. SVOD Service

Walter Presents, a curated  SVOD service specializing in foreign-language dramas, said it will debut an offering in the U.S. this March.

Following its launch to U.K. audiences via Channel 4’s VOD service, All 4, in January 2016, the U.S.-focused Walter Presents service will sell for $6.99 per month and be supported on the Web at WalterPresents.com as well as several other key OTT platforms that will be announced closer to the launch.

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Walter Presents is a venture of the U.K.’s Channel 4 and Global Series Network (GSN), and will launch with 34 series from 12 countries, including Brazil, France, Argentina, Germany and the Netherlands, and plans to premiere two new series each month. All series feature customized sub-titling. The service’s aim is to host more than 500 hours of premium TV in its first year.

Examples of titles slated for the U.S. premiere include Valkyrien a Norwegian thriller set in an illegal, underground hospital, and Spin, a series being billed as the French version of House of Cards.

“For years, America has led the way with a string of iconic titles to become the undisputed home of great TV drama. But the rest of the world hasn’t stood still. Inspired by the quality of the very best US drama, countries all over the globe are now producing extraordinary TV series, unforgettable stories which are becoming global smash hits,” Walter Iuzzolino, co-founder and curator of Walter Presents, said in a statement. “I am excited at the chance to introduce US viewers to this TV treasure trove.”

“The US launch of WALTER PRESENTS in SVOD represents Channel 4’s first major investment outside of the UK and the first step in a planned global roll out,” added David Abraham, Channel 4’s chief exec.