FilmNet was the name used for several premium television channels in Europe during the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. It was launched on 9 March 1985, broadcasting with a focus on Scandinavia, the Netherlands and the northern part of Belgium (Flanders). Filmnet channels were later launched in Poland and Greece.

History

Filmnet was founded by the Swedish company Esselte Video, a division of Swedish office supply manufacturer Esselte, and Dutch film producer Rob Houwer. They formed a partnership with ATN, a joint venture of the Dutch magazine publisher VNU and the European film distribution company United International Pictures and the channel was launched across Scandinavia and the Benelux countries on 29 March 1985. Filmnet transmitted from the ECS-1 satellite, the same satellite used by cable operators. Filmnet failed to make a profit and was sold to NetHold, a joint venture of the South African MultiChoice company and Richemont, in 1996. The channels were sold to the French Groupe Canal+ on 1 August 1997. The deal didn't include the Greek channels, who continued using the FilmNet name until 2008. Although the brand no longer exists, most of its subsidiaries in the different countries live on in some way:

Programming

Filmnet mainly broadcast films and series, as well as gossip news from E!. In the 1990s, Filmnet also started broadcasting football and other sport events in countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands.

K-T.V.

K-T.V. was a programming block on Filmnet, featuring various cartoons and original shows with kids as the presentations.