Totally Frank and Maddigan's Quest make there U.S. HD Premiere Jan. 1
New York, NY – December 13, 2006 – VOOM HD Networks' Family Room HD, a channel solely dedicated to movies and entertainment for the whole family, announced today two new original series, Totally Frank and Maddigan's Quest, set to premiere in January of 2007. Both series reinforce the network's commitment to actively work with producers and distributors to produce family entertainment in the HD medium. Family Room HD is part of the VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high-definition channels nationwide and currently available on DISH Network.
Totally Frank, acquired from Channel 4 International, is an exciting drama series that chronicles the lives of four headstrong girls as they go through the process of forming a band.
Maddigan's Quest, acquired from ALL3MEDIA International, is an adventure series that follows the cast as they set out on a quest to save their home from ruin and their future from evil. Channel 4 International is an independent rights company based in the UK that licenses programs ranging from films, dramas, documentaries, comedy, animation, music and arts. ALL3MEDIA International is one of the UK's leading independent distribution companies.
"Family Room HD looks for the best general audience programming from around the world to present American audiences with programming that appeals to everyone in the family. The channel, all in HD, offers a truly cinematic viewing experience," said Keith O'Connell, Vice President of Programming for Family Room HD. "Family Room HD remains committed to showcasing quality and ground-breaking programming from around the globe, contributing to our ever-increasing library of high-definition programming."
Following is additional information on Family Room HD's two new original series:
- Totally Frank
(teen drama series; produced in England; 13 episodes; 1/2 hour)
Totally Frank is drama series that chronicles the lives of four headstrong girls as they go through the enormous process of forming a band. The series follows the girls as they set about the daunting task of launching their musical careers and chasing the ultimate dream of creating their own unique sound together. Music provides the backdrop for engaging, universal stories about four twenty-something girls' emotional lives and friendships, as they struggle to start their music careers on the very bottom rung. The former strangers soon make a formidable team. - Maddigan's Quest
(tween adventure series; produced in New Zealand by South Pacific Pictures; 13 episodes; 1/2 hour)
In a post-apocalyptic world, where 21st century technology has collapsed, 14-year-old Garland is a member of Maddigan's Fantasia, a traveling circus. This year it is a circus with a mission. The Fantasia have been charged with a secret quest: they must get a new solar converter to save their home city of Solis.
Since its launch, Family Room HD has introduced a variety of high-definition series including Flipper, the digitally re-mastered HD version of the ever-popular family series about an intelligent dolphin and his adventures; UFO, a classic sci-fi series about a secret military organization defending the Earth from Alien invaders; and The Thunderbirds, a series about a unique, private emergency response service – International Rescue – designed to react to any crisis as the team answers calls for help around and beyond the world, preventing enemies from learning and exploiting their secrets. Family Room HD also includes many family-oriented movies like BLACK BEAUTY, THE MUPPETS TAKE MANHATTAN and THE NEXT KARATE KID.
About VOOM HD
VOOM HD Networks is the largest suite of high-definition channels available anywhere, produced exclusively in high definition for distribution in the United States through satellite and cable operators. The VOOM HD Networks carry programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art. Today, the VOOM HD Networks are available nationally on Echostar's DISH Network. 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.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media creates and manages some of the country's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands including popular national and regional television channels AMC, fuse, The Independent Film Channel (IFC), WE tv, and two FSN affiliated regional sports networks managed by Rainbow Sports Networks. The company also manages Mag Rack and sportskool, two original on-demand networks; VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high definition channels available anywhere; IFC Entertainment, its film distribution, production and exhibition division; Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales division; and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.