Mumbai / New York- Viacom Inc. and the TV18 Group have created Viacom-18, a 50/50 joint venture in India which will create and distribute TV, film and digital media content. The deal is subject to regulatory approval and other closing conditions. The agreement will see Viacom-18 launch in 2008 a Hindi-language general entertainment cable and satellite channel, which will feature original and locally produced programmes as well as acquisitions. Viacom's MTV Networks (MTVN) will contribute its … [Read more...] about Viacom and TV18 Group create Viacom-18 joint venture in India
Asian content
All new executive team for AETN All Asia Networks
Singapore- AETN All Asia Networks (AAAN), the new joint venture of A&E Television Networks and ASTRO All Asia Networks, has poached executives from other regional broadcasters to run the company. Louis Boswell joins as General Manager, Michele Schofield as Director of Content - Programming, Acquisitions & Production, and Connie Lai as Director of Marketing. AETN All Asia Networks will launch and operate branded channels and services across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. It plans to launch … [Read more...] about All new executive team for AETN All Asia Networks
Paid video downloads: Heading for bust or boom?
Singapore- The paid video download market in the U.S. is doomed and ad-paid models will drive the online video market, according to a recent report by Forrester Research. "The paid video download market in its current evolutionary state will soon become extinct, despite the fast growth and the millions being spent today," said Forrester Research analyst James McQuivey. "Television and cable networks will shift the bulk of paid downloading to ad-supported streams where they have control of ads … [Read more...] about Paid video downloads: Heading for bust or boom?
China’s film industry “in the fast lane”
Beijing- China's film industry is developing in the fast lane, with total box-office revenue reaching 2.6 billion yuan (US$340 million) in 2006, Han Sanping, president of the China Film Group Corporation, said during a visit to the Communication University of China in Beijing. Han pointed out that most of the earnings came from large cities as people in medium-sized cities and rural areas were not well served by cinemas. In response, the government has plans to improve the industry through a … [Read more...] about China’s film industry “in the fast lane”
Network Ten loads up at LA Screenings
Sydney- Australia's Network Ten has described its crop of US new season shows and renewals as the best in many years. Speaking upon his return from the annual Los Angeles screenings, Ten's chief programming officer, David Mott, said: "Both in terms of volume and quality, this is by far our most promising result from Hollywood in a decade." Via its Fox deal, the network secured Back to You, The Rules for Starting Over, Women's Murder Club, Journeyman and K-Ville. Also on its slate are at least … [Read more...] about Network Ten loads up at LA Screenings
CNN International, UNESCO and International Federation of Film Producers Associations join hands to promote Asia Pacific films
Cannes- The best works of filmmakers across 70 nations in Asia Pacific will reach new international audiences following a cultural initiative involving CNN International, UNESCO and the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). Films will be acclaimed in two programmes to be screened globally on CNN International from October 2007. The programmes will be linked to the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, a recently announced initiative by UNESCO to promote and preserve cultural … [Read more...] about CNN International, UNESCO and International Federation of Film Producers Associations join hands to promote Asia Pacific films