Washington – The National Geographic Channel (NGC) will premiere Martian Mega Rover on August 9, just three days after the historic touchdown of the Mars Science Laboratory (a.k.a. Curiousity rover). The hour-long special includes detailed animation that breaks down each phase of the landing like a scene out of a blockbuster sci-fi movie. Created by Dan Maas, the acclaimed animator behind the IMAX "Roving Mars" and NGC's Emmy winner Five Years on Mars, vivid photorealistic CGI simulates … [Read more...] about National Geographic Channel documents historic Mars mission in special
Pay-TV
China’s SARFT issues more television guidelines
The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) in China has issued six new guidelines on the production of TV serials, further tightening its control of the country’s content output. These guidelines ban the adaptation of online games and foreign TV formats, demand that family conflicts in programmes and jokes in period dramas be reduced, and expect revolution-themed shows to draw a clear line between heroes and villains. Last month, the SARFT introduced a ruling that … [Read more...] about China’s SARFT issues more television guidelines
Twofour launches distribution arm and will present at MIPCOM
Twofour has launched Twofour Rights, the company’s in house rights distribution arm. Twofour Rights will focus on bringing Twofour’s extensive catalogue of features, factual and entertainment programming to the international marketplace. Charles Wace, Group Chief Executive, said: “It’s the right time for us to take distribution in house as we build the Twofour brand around the world. We have strategically retained the rights to the vast bulk of our shows over the last 18 … [Read more...] about Twofour launches distribution arm and will present at MIPCOM
Australia’s competition regulator approves News Corp’s acquisition of Consolidated Media
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced that it would not oppose the proposed acquisition by News Corporation (News Corp) of 100% of the shares in Consolidated Media Holdings Limited (CMH). The bid has also been backed by billionaire James Packer, who owns 50% of Consolidated. As per the terms of the deal, News Corp will get a 50% stake in pay-TV network Foxtel and full ownership of the Fox Sports business in Australia. It will also get broadcast rights to the most … [Read more...] about Australia’s competition regulator approves News Corp’s acquisition of Consolidated Media
MasterChef launches on China’s Dragon TV
Dragon TV is premiering China’s version of Shine Group’s television format MasterChef on July 29. The Chinese version promises to feature the iconic attributes of the already successful foreign editions, while also adding elements of China's rich traditional culinary culture. With its slogan of “Boiling! My Dream”, this unique competition is giving China’s culinary talents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to become a MasterChef. As with its foreign counterparts, the … [Read more...] about MasterChef launches on China’s Dragon TV
Cisco completes acquisition of NDS
San Jose, California – Cisco announced it has completed the acquisition of NDS Group Ltd., a leading provider of video software and content security solutions that enable service providers and media companies to securely deliver and monetise new video experiences. On March 15, 2012, Cisco announced a definitive agreement to acquire NDS. NDS' software platform, customer segments and services model complement Cisco's networked video offerings and accelerate the delivery of Videoscape, … [Read more...] about Cisco completes acquisition of NDS