Sydney/Hong Kong- On April 19 MTV Australia launched MTV Overdrive (mtv.com.au/overdrive), a comprehensive online video on-demand music and entertainment service. The service is now available in 11 countries, joining Canada, Germany, Italy, Holland, France, Denmark, Sweden, Brazil, the UK and the US. MTV Overdrive offers users MTV news updates, artist interviews, music videos, live music performances and original short-form programming. The Oz launch is timed to coincide with the Australian … [Read more...] about MTV goes into Overdrive Down Under
Content Distribution
Correction on advertising-supported channels
The April 16 edition of Executive News incorrectly reported that three cable channels in Hong Kong, Cable Top News, MTV China and National Geographic Channel, had ceased to accept advertising from April 1. Those channels continue to carry ads. The item should have said Wharf Cable TV no longer accepts local bookings in those international channels. … [Read more...] about Correction on advertising-supported channels
VOOM HD launches in Middle East as region’s first HD channel
Cannes- VOOM HD Networks has inked a carriage deal with Orbit Communications Company Ltd's pay-TV satellite platform in the Middle East and North Africa, to launch its VOOM HD channel in the Middle East in April. As the region's first HD channel, VOOM HD will be available to viewers in the Middle East, North African region and exclusively in the GCC (Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf). The agreement was brokered by international broadcaster and distributor of thematic channels … [Read more...] about VOOM HD launches in Middle East as region’s first HD channel
Al Jazeera English goes on YouTube
Doha- Al Jazeera English will provide news and programming clips on YouTube through a branded channel (http://www.youtube.com/aljazeeraenglish) on the video-sharing site. YouTube users will be able to comment on, rate, and recommend clips, as well as post their video responses to communicate with other viewers. The branded channel will also include links to Al Jazeera English's website www.aljazeera.net/english. Content available will include segments from shows such as Frost over the World, … [Read more...] about Al Jazeera English goes on YouTube
Nelvana Studio hires Marion Edwards and Derek Reeves to manage international co-productions
Cannes- Corus Entertainment's Nelvana Studios has engaged production consultants Marion Edwards and Derek Reeves to represent and manage Nelvana Studio's international co-productions. In the non-exclusive relationship, Edwards' and Reeves' responsibilities include building and maintaining relationships with production partners in Europe and Asia Pacific respectively, managing international co-productions and scouting for new content. Both will report to Irene Weibel, Vice President … [Read more...] about Nelvana Studio hires Marion Edwards and Derek Reeves to manage international co-productions
Erotic Star is born
Cannes- Distraction is selling worldwide rights to Erotic Star, an Australian-originated burlesque pole dancing talent show format. Erotic Star launched on Australian pay channel Arena TV on March 24, achieving the fourth-highest ratings among subscription channels in the 11.30 pm-12 am timeslot. Created by Erotic Star Productions, the format puts a group of wannabe dancers through a series of challenges including performance skills, pole dancing ability, presentation and stamina to find the … [Read more...] about Erotic Star is born