Sydney- Canada's CanWest has abandoned its plan to sell its controlling shareholding in Network Ten after apparently failing to unearth a bidder that would meet its asking price. The Canadian company recently sold its shares in its New Zealand TV and radio networks to an Australian private equity group. CanWest said it had "concluded its strategic review" and intends to exercise its right to exchange its ordinary shares and convertible debentures in The Ten Group Pty Limited (TGL) into ordinary … [Read more...] about CanWest to keep Australia’s Network Ten
people and appointments
Sandra Levy named head of Australian Film Television and Radio School
Sydney- Veteran producer and broadcasting executive Sandra Levy has been appointed Director of the Australian Film Television and Radio School, succeeding the retiring Malcolm Long. The School’s Sydney’s headquarters will move to purpose-built facilities at Moore Park, near Fox Studios early next year, and new specialist courses will be introduced, covering screen business skills and digital media production. Levy’s track record includes Director of ABC Television from 2001 to … [Read more...] about Sandra Levy named head of Australian Film Television and Radio School
Endemol appoints Andy Ward to head up Virtual Me
Hilversum- International projects executive Andy Ward will head up the global Endemol team in its creative partnership with games giant Electronic Arts (EA). The collaboration brings together Endemol's television brands and EA's entertainment software technology to create Virtual Me, a new digital entertainment concept aimed to bridge the divide between TV and videogames. As Director of Business Development, Ward reports to Endemol International's Senior Executive Director, Creative & Commercial … [Read more...] about Endemol appoints Andy Ward to head up Virtual Me
MDA invigorates Casual Games development with S$350,000 in funding
Singapore– The Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) has launched INVIGORATE for Casual Games – a scheme to provide funding and mentorship for up to 10 PC game development projects in the ‘Casual Games’ genre – quick and simple games that are easy to understand, play and complete. Game studios and independent developer teams can submit concept proposals from June 16 - August 10, 2007, with successful applicants being eligible for up to S$35,000 (US$22,700) … [Read more...] about MDA invigorates Casual Games development with S$350,000 in funding
ABC 2 dedicates weekly timeslot to Australian docs
Sydney- ABC TV’s digital channel ABC2 is dedicating a weekly timeslot to Australian documentaries under the moniker A Place to Think, accompanied by a new website (abc.net.au/aplacetothink). The initiative began on June 13 with the debut of Moving History, a 10-part series celebrating 60 years of Film Australia, features such titles as Cane Toads: An Unnatural History, Sadness, Rats in the Ranks, Leisure, and After Hours. The series also screens ABC and indie-produced documentaries such as … [Read more...] about ABC 2 dedicates weekly timeslot to Australian docs
Granada International’s Hell’s Kitchen cooks up a storm in Asia
Hong Kong– The second series of Hell’s Kitchen USA has been sold to Hong Kong’s TVB, which launched the show on June 9; Discovery Travel and Leisure, India, to air across the Indian subcontinent; Thailand’s TrueVisions (formerly UBC); Singapore-based Asia Food Channel; the Philippines’ Solar and Malaysia’s NTV7. The reality show features celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay assessing a group of aspiring U.S. restaurateurs in various culinary challenges to win a … [Read more...] about Granada International’s Hell’s Kitchen cooks up a storm in Asia
