Paramount+ is investing heavily in internationally originated content over the next few years, but appears to have skipped over Australia with this funding injection.
The streaming service will produce 150 original programs by 2025, today announcing originals from the UK, Germany, Mexico, Spain, Italy, and France.
The originals will be produced in partnership with VIS, Paramount’s international studio. The company boasts of its “vast worldwide studio footprint that spans more than 20 countries.”
Given that Paramount+ was one of the last entrants into the Australian streaming world, and its tie-in with Channel Ten, who is very much lagging in the free-to-air stakes, it would have been a perfect opportunity for parent company Viacom CBS to inject some funding into the Australian industry.
For example, if they had have thrown Neighbours a lifeline, this would have generated endless goodwill in Australia and beyond, not to mention the column inches – and an inbuilt audience to boot. Seems a no brainer.
Perhaps they will announce Australian content down the line.
