Deals Will Strengthen HD Programming Around the Globe
New York, NY – February 13, 2006 – Driven by the demands of a world increasingly hungry for quality high definition (“HD”) entertainment, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, (“Rainbow”) has signed a series of co-production and acquisition agreements involving its VOOM HD Networks (“VOOM”), the most diverse suite of HD channels in the world. Such deals include two original HD co-productions with Electric Sky (UK) and Conceptual Films (Canada), respectively, as well as acquisition of the half-hour documentary series The World Heritage through Defiance Distribution and two animated programs, PicMe and Jungle Beat, from Ireland’s Monster Distributes.
The announcement-the latest example of Rainbow’s multiplatform international initiative-was made today by Greg Moyer, General Manager of Rainbow Media’s VOOM HD Networks.
“Rainbow Media has a commitment to the international marketplace to not only supply the best in HD, but to also seek out and identify international partners whose content truly complements our key brands,” said Moyer. “These agreements offered just that – programming with both incredible viewer appeal and a natural synergy with the VOOM HD Network suite of channels.”
Co-Productions:
- Fashion Avenue, co-produced with Electric Sky for Ultra HD, is a half-hour series that follows British supermodel Jodie Kidd to shops, boutiques restaurants and nightclubs on the most fashionable shopping streets in the world. Ultra HD will premiere 13 episodes of Fashion Avenue this year.
- Cover Stories, co-produced with Canada’s Conceptual Films for Ultra HD, is a new and original half-hour documentary series looking into the world of fashion and publishing led by fashion industry icon Jeanne Beker, editor-in-chief of FQ: Fashion Quarterly Magazine. Six episodes will premiere this year.
Acquisitions:
- The World Heritage, licensed from Defiance Distribution and slated for a March 2006 debut on VOOM’s Equator HD channel, features over 100 episodes exploring unique cultural, religious and natural history locations around the world designated as “World Heritage” sites by UNESCO.
- PicMe and Jungle Beat, both acquired from Ireland’s Monster Distributes, are two internationally acclaimed animated series that will air in HD exclusively on VOOM’s Animania HD channel in the U.S.
This news comes on the heels of Rainbow’s co-production deals with Mega-Media Pte Ltd. and Media Development Authority (MDA) and distribution deals with National Geographic and Tangerine Global, all of which will further extend the company’s HD content throughout the world.
VOOM HD Networks is the largest suite of high-definition channels available anywhere, produced exclusively in high definition for distribution in the U.S. through satellite and cable operators. The VOOM HD Networks carry programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art. The VOOM HD Networks were developed by Rainbow Media to meet the growing demand for quality high-definition programming, building on Rainbow Media’s history of original programming innovation. Today, the VOOM HD Networks bouquet is available in the U.S. through Echostar’s DISH Network satellite programming service.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
A leader in the entertainment industry, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation. Rainbow creates and manages some of the country’s most compelling and dynamic programming with linear networks including national networks – AMC, fuse, IFC (The Independent Film Channel) and WE: Women’s Entertainment; its regional programming service – Rainbow Sports Networks; on-demand networks including Mag Rack and sportskool; and the largest suite of high definition channels available anywhere – the VOOM HD Networks. Rainbow’s other businesses include its film distribution, production and exhibition division – IFC Entertainment; in addition to its advertising sales division – Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation – and its full service network programming origination and distribution company – Rainbow Network Communications.