As the MipTV market got underway in earnest on Monday, France Telecom's Orange announced the launch of the Orange Cinema Series set to be available by subscription to all Orange TV, Internet and mobile customers. The service will be launched in France in the fourth quarter of 2008.

The service is to consist of six channels of films and TV series available on demand to the device of the customer's choice. Further, the revolutionary service will allow for the downloading and transfer of programmes onto all portable devices, including mobile phones.

Included in the new offer are films, series and catalogue product from Warner Bros International Television (WBITD) and HBO who have signed a landmark multi-year deal to be the initial suppliers of programming to the service.

Under the terms of the deal, a wide variety of programming from both companies will be made available.

From WBITD, Orange has acquired the rights to all of Warner Bros.' current and upcoming feature films such as Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix , Ocean's 13 , I am Legend and The Dark Knight ; as well as select titles from the studio's extensive feature and television library.

In HBO's first-ever output deal in France, Orange has acquired rights to HBO series, films and miniseries, including the recent John Adams and the upcoming Alan Ball series True Blood as well as select documentaries and library titles.

'Orange has been a great partner to us since we signed their very first VoD deal some four years ago,' said Jeffrey Schlesinger; president of WBITV. 'The deal we've announced today will help Orange provide consumers with more choices and greater access to world-class programming and we're proud to be a part of that.'

'This is a monumental deal for HBO with a wonderful partner in Orange,' said Charles Schreger, President, Programming Sales, HBO. 'We are thrilled that the breadth and depth of HBO's high quality programming will be enjoyed by French audiences and made available to them on their preferred platform.'

Further, Orange has signed an exclusive multiyear agreement with France's Fidelite Films for all of its new films.

Also included in the new service will be a large selection of French major Gaumont's catalogue films.

Involved in the new deals were WBITD's vice president and general manager of France Caroline Lang, senior vice president of business development for Europe Alex Ogilvie and HBO's senior vice president of business affairs and film acquisition Royce Battleman.

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