By Edd K. Usman
Mobile operator Globe Telecom is making a bold incursion to an area once reserved only for broadcast firms and theatre companies ? producing shows and original content.
At a recent event held at Bonifacio Global City, the Ayala-owned telco unveiled Globe Studios and Globe Live, which are designed to produce original shows, live events, and original content.
Albert de Larrazabal, chief commercial officer of Globe, revealed to a full-packed audience his company’s new content partners: Netflix, Disney Mobile, Sports Illustrated, Astro, Turner, and Sing! by Smule.
The “magnificent” six new additions will join Globe’s current content providers: Spotify, Hooq, and NBA. The Netflix partnership is particularly noteworthy since the US-based firm is seen as a direct competitor of Hooq, a streaming service where Globe has a major stake.
During the event, Globe also trumpeted the company?s faster broadband internet offerings, even showing speed tests conducted in Quezon City and Binondo, Manila.
“Further to our commitment to provide ultra-fast internet in two million households over 20,000 barangays in 2020, we are transforming the way broadband is enjoyed in the Filipino home. More than just delivering connectivity, we are giving customers more compelling reasons to enjoy internet at home,” said Dan Horan, Globe senior advisor for consumer business.
De Larrazabal noted the exponential growth in the consumption of mobile entertainment over the past years.
“Today, customers no longer wait for their favorite shows on the TV screens. Instead, they dictate what they want to watch when and where they want to,” he said.
Globe Studios, he explained, will be producing its own clips, series, and movies, citing the participation of noted Filipino movie directors such as Erik Matti, Paul Soriano, Quark Henares, Dan Villegas, Sigrid Bernardo, Joyce Bernal, and Lav Diaz.
Globe Studios will also collaborate local and Asian media firms such as Viva Films, Reality Entertainment, Quantum Films, Spring Films, and Malaysia’s Astro.
Globe Live, meanwhile, will produce ?world-class? shows and events. To show that it is serious in this endeavor, the company presented its first live show in the evening, Green Day’s American Idiot, a Philippine production of the hit Broadway musical that will until July 10, 2016.
“The caliber of events will forever change for Globe Live. We can now produce shows and events that are world class, unique to customers and more accessible. Our years of experience in the industry added with our edge as a telco company will bring perfect partnerships to bring wonderful events to our customers,” said Joe Caliro, head of Globe Live and Globe retail and transformation management.
The telco said it is offering additional plans to help deliver a complete experience.
“In Globe, we don’t just sell plans, but a deliver a complete experience. We want to help families discover more wonders in the homes by being able to watch exclusive movies, TV shows and enjoy concer-like experiences; listen to millions of songs and play games for endless hours as they want,” said Martha Sazon, Globe senior vice president for broadband business.
