SteamCo has unveiled Australia’s latest video-on-demand subscription service, Stan, a cheap and uncomplicated option for international television and movie viewing.
Following the news of Netflix’s seemingly inevitable Australian launch, Nine Entertainment and Fairfax Media have combined to create SteamCo product Stan, a $10 a month subscription minus the contract and free of ads to provide content on iOS and Android devices, plus support for Apple AirPlay, Apple TV and Google Chromecast.
While full programming has yet to be announced ahead of the early 2015 launch date, Stan will become the Australian home for the release of Breaking Bad’s upcoming prequel “Better Call Saul” and has secured a major partnership to deliver further content from Sony Pictures.
Netflix isn’t yet available Down Under, but that hasn’t stopped an estimated 200,000 Aussies accessing the streaming service’s monthly US$8.99 subscription. Stan, Nine and Fairfax’s $100 million baby, full intends to compete with the American giant, which will enter the Australian market with the rights to hit titles “Orange Is the New Black” and “House of Cards”, plus 2015 shows “Marco Polo”, “Sense8”, “Bojack Horseman”, “Daredevil” and “Richie Rich”- potentially a tough act to follow for Stan.
However the company is positive its connections and financial backing will make Stan a viable Netflix competitor, and obtaining the rights to AMC’s “Better Call Saul” represents the perfect start.
“We will have the strategic support of Nine and Fairfax which is difficult to put a value on,” SteamCo CEO Mike Sneesby said. “We will be buying media but there will be some discounts in how we buy that media that will give us some advantages.”
“There will be some advantage also around our databases. I mean Ticktek’s database is enormous as is Fairfax Media’s database. If Netflix could arrive in Australia with access to millions of Australian’s email databases that they could partner with they would be very happy.”
“It is part of (our strategy). It is part of the broader media value that we have got.”
Curious folks can get in line for a free Stan trial, on offer via the official website.
