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“Orange Is The New Black” launches on Youku

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Orange is the New Black

Hong Kong – Following the content licensing deal between Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE), Lionsgate’s partner in Asia, and Youku Tudou Inc., one of the leading internet television companies in China, Lionsgate TV series Orange is the New Black has generated nearly nine million views in its first six weeks in China and has already become one of Youku’s most-watched Western dramas.

In addition to Orange Is The New Black, Youku’s advertising-supported VOD service is also showcasing other Lionsgate TV series such as the multiple Emmy-winning Mad Men.

“We are very excited to expand our partnership with Youku on films and television series, and Orange Is The New Black has gotten our latest content licensing deal off to a strong start. There is tremendous buzz on the show worldwide and it is a testament to how the media business is changing globally, with the successful premiere of the show in China on a leading internet television company only 24 hours after it premiered online in the U.S. on Netflix,” said Wendy Reeds, CTE’s Executive Vice President, Content Sales and Distribution.

“Presenting a show such as Orange Is The New Black is one step closer to our ultimate goal of building up one of the largest online video libraries in China with the best selection,” said Xiangyang Zhu, Chief Content Officer of Youku Tudou Inc. “We were thrilled to be able to show the latest hit U.S. television series almost the same day as when American audiences got to enjoy it, and we’re delighted with the results so far.  We’re always on the lookout for great content to wow our 400 million viewers.”

Orange Is The New Black premiered in the U.S. on Netflix on July 11, 2013 to rave critical reviews and has already been renewed by Netflix for a second season. It debuted on Youku on July 12, 2013 and Youku has also licensed the exclusive online VOD rights to the second and all subsequent seasons.

CTE’s previous content licensing deal with Youku covered 200 movie titles from Lionsgate which included such acclaimed titles as Hotel Rwanda, Monster’s Ball and Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium.

Lionsgate is partnered in CTE with Saban Capital Group and Astro’s Celestial Pictures. CTE exclusively sells Lionsgate’s content in Greater China and Southeast Asia and also represents the studio’s television content and film library in Japan and Korea.