Star Movies now known as Fox Movies, features ‘52 blockbusters for 52 nights’

EXPECT THE “best-looking movie channel” as Fox Networks Group in the Philippines completes the rebranding of Star Movies to Fox Movies, which will feature “the most recent films” on a regular basis, according to a group executive.

“The main reason really is taking advantage of our Hollywood pedigree — we are part of the Fox Networks Group who owns 20th Century Fox Studios which is one of the biggest studios in Hollywood,” Jude Turcuato, senior vice-president and general manager of Fox Networks Group Philippines told reporters during the launch on June 9 in Makati City.

He explained that while the Star brand, which included Star Sports (now Fox Sports 2) and Star World, is “huge in Asia” the company felt the need to align their branding toward the Fox brand, hence the need for the rebranding.

“We’re focusing more on the Fox brand because — while I think the Star brand has been very strong, very powerful in Asia — we’ve done such a good job with the Fox brand in the last four, five years that it’s become just as strong,” he said.

Now, the only channel bearing the Star brand is Star World and Mr. Turcuato said it will remain as is until further notice but “it’s not out of the question.”

Last year, BusinessWorld reported that Star World would be rebranded into Fox Life but the shift has been indefinitely postponed.

The launch month from June to July will feature “52 blockbuster movie titles” for 52 nights (ongoing till July 31).

The titles that will be included in the lineup include Moana (2016), Doctor Strange (2016), X-Men Apocalypse (2016), among others.

Mr. Turcuato said the channel with its “premium feel” will also be host to the most recent Hollywood films unlike other cable movie channels.

FOX+

In March, Fox Networks Group Asia, also launched their own streaming service meant to “give the fans what they really want,” according to Zubin Gandevia, president of Fox Networks Group Asia.

The new service promised the newest content — earlier than other streaming services such as Netflix, iflix and HOOQ — and live sports.

Mr. Gandevia also promised sameday releases for series.

Almost three months into existence, Mr. Turcuato said that the service has surpassed 100,000 subscribers (including those on free trial).

“We’ve been very happy with the downloads and usage so far,” he said, adding that one of the main draws is their live sports streaming such as the recently concluded Roland-Garros tennis tournament ( also known as the French Open) and the NBA Playoffs.

Fox+ currently offer a 30-day free trial and costs P390/month. The service is also available as a bundle to Cignal subscribers.

Newer titles will first land on Fox Movies but Mr. Turcuato assured that Fox+ will follow suit at the same day.