United Group today announces its plans to invest €100m in local content production as a commitment to supporting local talent and capabilities.

2017 marked a milestone for the company of producing more than 30% of its content broadcast on its channels, representing a significant boost in its support for the region’s creative ecosystem.

Plans for further content investment include commissioning new screenplays, series and other local productions. For example, the popular crime drama “Shadow over the Balkans” (“Black Sun”), directed by Dragan Bjelogrlić, has been commissioned for a second season as part of the planned investment.

Chairman of the Advisory Board, Dragan Šolak, said: “In the era of global media players such as Netflix, local audiences still value shows and movies that reflect their lives and experiences. United Group’s plan to invest €100m in local content is a show of faith in the network of local talent including producers, actors and musicians. I am excited to see what more the region has to offer.”

Director and Screenwriter, Dragan Bjelogrlić, said, “United Group’s investment and belief in local films, drama and talent is extremely welcome. As technology changes the way we consume content, giving viewers more control over what and when they watch, I believe that channels like TOP Kanal are revolutionizing broadcasting in the region.”

Over the last year, United Group has produced content including popular dramas, talent shows and children’s programs:

The Killers of My Father, a crime drama series following a young police inspector who investigates murders, while he is trying to find out who killed his father, a former police inspector too, starring Vuk Kostić as the protagonist Aleksandar. It achieves 20% share of the local audience where the program is broadcast.

Grand Stars, the most popular regional music talent show, with 30% share of audience. One of the most successful and credible producers, Saša Popović, leads the judging panel in the search for a ‘Grand Star’ through various rounds of competitions.

Practical Woman, a lifestyle show discussing cooking, entertainment and practical tips on beauty, health and family life. Hosted by a famous anchor and author in the region, Natasa Pavlovic it maintains 15% share of the local audience where the program is broadcast.

Other programs included the locally produced cartoon series – Pilići (Chickens) and Kefalica (Smarties).

This original content complements the best global content also available to customers including sport, with leagues and major competitions shown on SK channels such as the Premier League and Formula 1, as well as film and TV series. United Group, through its United Media channels, were among the top two viewed pay TV channels in Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2017.