Fameplay.tv

Fameplay.tv is a Czech internet-television brand offering original programs and series through a web platform, mobile applications, smart-TV applications and selected content on YouTube. The service was developed under the former MALL.TV name by a team that included much of the former Stream.cz production group. Its creation was associated with an effort to establish a professionally produced online television service connected to the Mall Group ecosystem rather than relying only on conventional television distribution. Preparatory work began in January 2018. The service introduced some of its first programs and series at the 53rd Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in July 2018, before commencing regular broadcasting on 7 October 2018. The original operation was built around an experienced production and editorial team led by chief producer Lukáš Záhoř, with Juraj Felix in management and Jakub Havrlant as an investor. Other named creative leaders included creative producer Milan Kuchynka and chief dramaturg Martin Krušina. MALL.TV pursued a broad internet-television model, combining entertainment, series and other original video formats. The platform's most notable early achievement was the eight-part thriller #martyisdead, which received the Czech Lion for Outstanding Audiovisual Achievement and later won an International Emmy in the short-series category. These awards gave the service visibility beyond the Czech digital-video market and demonstrated its ambition to compete through locally produced programming rather than only through aggregation or user-generated content. A Slovak localization was introduced in autumn 2019, extending the service's reach within the Czech and Slovak markets. From 2021, the platform was operated by Czech Video Center. In April 2023, following the sale of Mall Group to Allegro and the expiration of the license to use the MALL.TV name, the service was renamed Fameplay.tv. The rebrand also introduced a new visual identity created by the Najbrt studio. Fameplay.tv's positioning is that of a locally focused, free-access online television service. It combines the convenience and reach of internet distribution with commissioned or professionally produced Czech and Slovak programming. Its current distribution model is multi-platform: viewers can access the service through the website, mobile and smart-TV applications, while some programs or selected episodes are also published through the Fameplay.tv YouTube channel. Public reference material does not establish a subscription price, detailed ownership structure, financial results or a complete current program catalogue.

Fameplay.tv originated as MALL.TV, an internet-television initiative associated with Mall Group. Preparations began in January 2018, with the project assembled by much of the former Stream.cz team. Its early leadership and creative structure included chief producer Lukáš Záhoř, manager Juraj Felix, investor Jakub Havrlant, creative producer Milan Kuchynka and chief dramaturg Martin Krušina. The project presented initial programs and series at the 53rd Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in July 2018. Regular broadcasting began on 7 October 2018. Rather than functioning solely as a conventional television channel, MALL.TV was designed for internet distribution and original production, allowing viewers to access programming through digital channels. During its first three years, the service developed a catalogue of shows and series and attracted recognition for the quality of its original work. The strongest example was the eight-part thriller #martyisdead, which won the Czech Lion for Outstanding Audiovisual Achievement and an International Emmy in the short-series category. These awards established MALL.TV as a significant participant in Czech online audiovisual production, at least in terms of critical and industry recognition. The service expanded geographically in autumn 2019 by launching a Slovak localization. This gave the platform a broader Czech-Slovak operating scope while retaining its local-production orientation. In 2021, operation of MALL.TV was taken over by Czech Video Center. A major brand transition occurred in April 2023. Mall Group was sold to Allegro, and the associated license to use the MALL.TV name expired. The service consequently changed its name to Fameplay.tv and introduced a new visual identity developed by Najbrt studio. The renamed platform continued its multi-platform distribution model, offering free access through its website, mobile applications and smart-TV applications. Some programming, including selected episodes or programs, is also available through the Fameplay.tv YouTube channel. Publicly summarized reference material does not provide sufficient information to document detailed financial performance, a subscription model, current senior management, a complete programming catalogue or a precise corporate ownership chain beyond the stated operational role of Czech Video Center.

• 2023

  Rebrand to Fameplay.tv

  [1]Fameplay.tven.wikipedia.org

  Following the sale of Mall Group to Allegro and the end of the MALL.TV naming license, the service adopted the Fameplay.tv name and a new visual identity.

• 2021

  Czech Video Center becomes operator

  [1]Fameplay.tven.wikipedia.org

  Operational responsibility for MALL.TV moved to Czech Video Center.

• 2019

  Slovak localization launches

  [1]Fameplay.tven.wikipedia.org

  The service expanded to Slovakia with a localized offering in autumn.

• 2018

  Preparations for MALL.TV begin

  [1]Fameplay.tven.wikipedia.org

  Development of the internet-television project began in January, involving much of the former Stream.cz team.

• 2018

  Initial programming presented at Karlovy Vary

  [1]Fameplay.tven.wikipedia.org

  MALL.TV presented its first programs and series at the 53rd Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in July.

• 2018

  Regular broadcasting begins

  [1]Fameplay.tven.wikipedia.org

  MALL.TV began regular internet broadcasting on 7 October.

A Czech and Slovak-focused free online television service built around professionally produced original programming and distributed across web, mobile, smart-TV and YouTube channels.

• Original scripted thriller series

  #martyisdead

  An eight-part thriller produced for the MALL.TV platform. It became the service's most internationally recognized title, winning the Czech Lion for Outstanding Audiovisual Achievement and an International Emmy in the short-series category.

• Internet television platform · 2018

  Fameplay.tv online television service

  The platform distributes original programs and series free of charge through its website, mobile applications and smart-TV applications. Selected programs or episodes are also made available through the Fameplay.tv YouTube channel.

• 2023

  Rename MALL.TV as Fameplay.tvStrategy

  Background

  The sale of Mall Group to Allegro was accompanied by the expiration of the license to use the MALL.TV brand.

  Action taken

  The service adopted the Fameplay.tv name and introduced a new visual identity created by Najbrt studio.

  Aftermath

  The renamed service continued its free multi-platform internet-television distribution model.

  Source

• 2021

  Transfer of operational responsibility to Czech Video CenterStrategy

  Background

  MALL.TV was operated within the broader Mall Group environment during its early years.

  Action taken

  Czech Video Center became the operator of the internet-television service.

  Aftermath

  The service continued developing as a digital television platform before its 2023 rebrand.

  Source

1. 1Fameplay.tven.wikipedia.org