Sydney- Australia will get its first HBO-style channel, packed with original Australian and US series, independent features and documentaries, when Showcase debuts on Foxtel and Austar on Dec. 1 2007. The premium channel is being launched by the largely Hollywood-owned Showtime, which airs three movie channels, at no extra cost to subscribers. Much of the programming is being sourced from HBO, Showtime US and fx. Five new series will be launched each week. The first week’s line-up includes … [Read more...] about Showcase channel to premiere Down Under on Dec. 1
pay-tv news
BT expands on Indian subcontinent
BT is to increase the number of connecting points (nodes) for its multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) infrastructure - the basis for high quality video and voice services over the Internet, bringing the number to 14 in India. Six cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Pune will have multiple nodes, plus an additional one in Kolkatta. BT’s media and broadcast customers in India will be able not only to deliver their content to a global audience and be more … [Read more...] about BT expands on Indian subcontinent
Creative brains gather for X|Media|Lab Singapore
Singapore- Michael Naimark, Co-Founder of the MIT Media Lab, Apple Lab, Atari Lab, and Lucas Arts; Suresh Seetharaman Founder and President, Virgin Animation and Virgin Comics; and Jyri Salomaa, Head of Research, Nokia China, will be among the international mentors at X|Media|Lab Singapore from Sept. 28-30. Themed “Media aRt&d,” the workshop/conference will highlight the intersections between the creative and technological, turning creative digital media ideas into R&D projects, then … [Read more...] about Creative brains gather for X|Media|Lab Singapore
MIPCOM Junior program unveiled
Paris- The program for the 15th edition of MIPCOM Junior, the specialist international screening marketplace and conference for children’s programming and merchandising, running Oct. 6 - 7 at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes, has been unveiled. Rich Ross, President of Disney Channel Worldwide, will give the keynote address on the channels’ success on Oct. 7. Key conferences will include the Buyers' Summit, which brings together top programming executives from international broadcasters to … [Read more...] about MIPCOM Junior program unveiled
Nick of time funding for Anytime
Singapore– Doubts about the future of content on-demand service provider Anytime are to be dispelled with a major funding announcement anticipated Sep. 19. Speaking to Television Asia from the U.S., a very upbeat Craig Zimbulis, Anytime President & CEO, described the new funding as a “labour of love.” “It’s a deal we thought would take two months that’s taken ten,” said Zimbulis, “but what’s really exciting is the opportunities this new … [Read more...] about Nick of time funding for Anytime
Film and TV agencies to morph into Screen Australia
Sydney- The ‘super agency’ to be formed from the merger of the Australian Film Commission , Film Finance Corporation Australia and Film Australia on July 1 2008 will be known as Screen Australia. Arts Minister Senator George Brandis said the name will reflect its role in promoting the growth of a “more competitive Australian screen production industry,” with improved commercial focus. Brandis released draft legislation which outlines the proposed functions and powers of … [Read more...] about Film and TV agencies to morph into Screen Australia