MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment is reportedly planning to launch distributors of its own in four countries after terminating a longstanding theatrical-releasing joint venture with Disney in Southeast Asia. Sony has plans to launch Sony Pictures Releasing units in Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, Variety reported.

SPE’s new strategy reflects an optimism that the individual markets in SE Asia will continue to grow despite competition from online streaming services. Sony’s JV with Disney was established in 1997 as a way of controlling infrastructure costs in the then-small Southeast Asian market. It had also helped maximize the studios’ negotiating and marketing power in the region.

In Singapore, Robert Crockett will continue as the managing director, overseeing Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Simon Foo will become the AGM and country manager for Malaysia. Foo will oversee day-to-day operations in addition to his distribution and sales responsibilities, SPE SVP - international distribution Brett Hogg announced.

James Rachot Dhiraputra returns to the company to become Thailand MD along with Thailand executive director of marketing Dujdao Promobol.

Thai media had quoted Dhiraputra as saying he is targeting $24 million of gross revenues from the 19 movies. It was not clear whether $8 million from the first major SPE title under the new banner “Spider-Man: Homecoming” is part of that amount.