Sydney—Village Roadshow Ltd. (VRL) has disclosed it paid Amalgamated Holdings A$129 million (US$112.6 million) for its 50% stake in Roadshow Distributors to take full control of the film, home entertainment, television and pay TV distributor. The company is seeking shareholder approval to borrow up to A$125 million (US$109.1 million) to refinance Roadshow’s debt of A$50 million (US$43.6 million) and to repay part of VRL’s bank facility. VRL told shareholders the fully-owned Roadshow … [Read more...] about Village Roadshow shells out A$129 million for balance of Roadshow Distributors
asian content news
McLeod’s Daughters put out to pasture as Nine pushes new dramas
Sydney - In one his first moves since returning as the Nine Network’s Chief Executive, David Gyngell has pulled the plug on the long-running rural drama McLeod’s Daughters. Production will end at the completion of the eighth series. Creator and Executive Producer Posie Graeme-Evans (a one-time director of drama at Nine) said she always believed the series “should finish on a high, and while it was still loved by the audience.” Filmed in South Australia, the series, which … [Read more...] about McLeod’s Daughters put out to pasture as Nine pushes new dramas
Power to open Singapore office
Power, Europe-based producer and distributor of dramas and movies for TV, is opening an office in Singapore to co-develop, represent and invest in new productions for Asia, from Asia or with an Asian perspective. The company aims to work with regional broadcasters, syndicators and producers. George Sakkalli, Vice President, Asia Sales and Distribution, Power, expects to be based permanently in the region from early 2008. At this week’s Asian Television Forum (ATF) content market in … [Read more...] about Power to open Singapore office
Decode Enterprises seals deals for 250 half hours of programming in Asia
Toronto / London – Decode Enterprises, producer of kids and family entertainment and distribution subsidiary of Decode Entertainment’s parent DHX Media Ltd., has sold 250 half hours of programming in Asia. Disney Channel India acquired live action shows The Latest Buzz and Naturally Sadie as well as animation series Urban Vermin. Tween-targeted The Latest Buzz (39x22’) follows the adventures of a group of teens in the world of magazine publishing. Naturally Sadie (65x22’) … [Read more...] about Decode Enterprises seals deals for 250 half hours of programming in Asia
CABLEready closes Asia factual deals
Norwalk, CT – CABLEready, international developer and distributor of TV programs, has finalized deals in Asia for original non-fiction programming following MIPCOM. Korea’s Wellmade Networks picked up series Great Museums (13 x 30” / 6 x 1 hr) and two 1-hour episodes of Perfect War. Great Museums features interviews with experts from the world’s foremost museums including New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and Los Angeles’ Hollywood Entertainment Museum. … [Read more...] about CABLEready closes Asia factual deals
3DD Entertainment unveils offerings for ATF
At the ATF, 3DD Entertainment will offer international rights to TV specials China’s Twelve Girls Band and ethnic dance musical Shangri-La from International Media, and Mariah Carey and Rihanna concerts shot on HD. Twelve Girls Band – Live in Shanghai (60’ & 90’) features the multi-platinum selling all-female ensemble which draws upon traditional Chinese music, and blends classical, folk, and contemporary sounds. Shangri-La (50’) is a music and dance performance … [Read more...] about 3DD Entertainment unveils offerings for ATF