In yet another breakthrough for The EPIC Channel, launching on 19 November 2014 and distributed by IndiaCast, ‘preview episodes’ of select shows will be available exclusively on Tata Sky for the first time ever. The EPIC Channel - India’s first segmented entertainment channel will provide to Tata Sky subscribers, through VOD, the entire first season of the show - Dariba Diaries, even before it premieres on the channel. This will be available for all Tata Sky HD PVR connected subscribers as value added services. Consisting of non-stop, ad-free entertainment, Dariba Diaries is a detective series set in the Dariba Kalan of 19th Century Delhi. The premiering episodes provide audience a chance to preview the channel and its shows apart from latching on to the ‘Binge Viewing’ trend because of the seasonal and episodic nature of each of EPIC’s flagship shows. Mahesh Samat, MD of The EPIC Channel said, “I am proud to announce that The EPIC Channel is getting launched on Tata Sky, which is one of the largest and most popular DTH platform for VOD content in India. It adds 12 million subscribers to our reach and the launch of ‘Binge Viewing’ is an excellent idea since it effectively adds to the enthusiastic anticipation of The EPIC Channel. Partnering with Tata Sky was definitely the best decision especially as they value and understand content.” On the launch of the initiative, Paolo Agostinelli, Chief Content & Business Development Officer at Tata Sky explained, “In line with Tata Sky’s objective of providing the best quality viewing experience, we have taken yet another step by combining the concept of ‘Binge Viewing’ with previewing. This innovation with The EPIC channel, to bring an entire season for our customers prior to its telecast, we believe really fulfils the customer’s prevailing need of viewing content at any time convenient to them.” IndiaCast, which is distributing The EPIC Channel and its content across India & overseas markets, has been working with platforms on emerging formats of content windowing and monetization. Using its vast experience in dealing with global platforms, IndiaCast has worked out this deal which includes both linear and non-linear rights. Gaurav Gandhi, Group COO, IndiaCast said, “We are delighted to partner with Tata Sky for this landmark deal – which we believe will pave the way for many such integrated deals in the Indian market going forward. The EPIC Channel’s content format is perfectly suited for ‘Binge Viewing’ and given Tata Sky’s marketing strength and its commitment to give the viewers a world class viewing experience, we are confident of this initiative’s success.” The EPIC Channel will have action, drama, comedy, supernatural and narrative non-fiction content, set against Indian historic and mythological eras. The stories will be innovative with high production quality and a distinct look & feel that will appeal to both men and women. The launch of the channel is supported by an extensive multi-media marketing campaign across television, radio, print, digital, out of home, on ground and more, ensuring deeper reach across the markets. The EPIC Channel will be the only channel to have shot at real locations with HD cameras. Many well-known production houses will be producing shows for the channel. The programming strategy will contain a mix of fiction shows, narrative non-fiction shows, short form content as well as films.