Trace, MultiChoice in distribution deal

France-based producer and distributor Trace Studios and South Africa’s MultiChoice Studios have struck a distribution partnership aimed at bringing African content to global audiences.

The deal will give both companies access to a wider audience in multiple languages and regions, according to the firms.

New markets will be explored for MultiChoice Studios’ content and the company will provide Trace Studios with close to 1,000 hours from its catalogue to distribute in English-, French-, Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets around the world.

In addition, Trace Studios’ distribution arm will represent a select catalogue of MultiChoice Studios content in the rest of the world, excluding Africa, and will expand its commitment to promoting and representing African IP on a global scale.

Olivier Laouchez, group CEO and chairman of 20-year-old, TPG Growth-backed Trace, said: “Trace Studios is very excited about this new finished-programme distribution partnership with MultiChoice.

“With MultiChoice, we share the same ambition to take African culture to the world. MultiChoice’s catalogue includes some of the best made-in-Africa narratives and stories that resonate to all. The Trace Studios team is fully committed to bringing this great content to all broadcasters and platforms that want to make the difference and offer unique African experiences to their audiences and subscribers.”

Reiterating that Trace Studios had worked with MultiChoice Studios on key titles that could align with a global market, while also looking at existing titles that have not been seen outside of Africa, Mauro Black, director of media sales at MultiChoice-owned DStv, said: “Keeping up with the demand for MultiChoice’s proudly African content is achieved through strategic partnerships. We are excited about Trace Studios being added to our global distribution network.”

tagged in: MultiChoice Studios, Trace Studios