JERICHO, N.Y., July 26, 2004 – As part of a unique collaboration with Rainbow Media, visionary director and artist Robert Wilson will create original high-definition video portraits of renowned personalities including actors Steve Buscemi, Brad Pitt, Allan Cumming, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Isabella Rosselini, musicians Tom W aitts, Lou Reed, Marianne Faithfull, performance/visual artist Zhang Huan, writers Salman Rushdie and Nigerian born, political activist and Nobel Prize winner for Literature, Wole Soyinka, to air exclusively on VOOM's high definition television channel devoted to video art.
The series of portraits will profile famous personalities in the new technology of high-definition and each piece will capture the individuals' personality in a unique way. Robert Wilson's portrait of Mikhail Baryshnikov will be previewed at the prestigious Annual Watermill Summer Benefit on July 31st. The portrait will be displayed on a PlasmaWallTM PL-61 x 61" flat panel display which has been donated by Runco International, the premiere manufacturer of HDTV technology who is the exclusive supplier of monitors for the project. Visit www.runco.com to learn more.
In addition, these works of art will premiere exclusively on VOOM's ambient arts channel starting in August. They are also expected to be shown in a major New York City Art gallery next season. VOOM's original high definition ambient arts channel is devoted to motion video and conceptual arts and is available exclusively on VOOM, the first comprehensive high-definition satellite television service.
According to Robert Wilson, "The unrivaled clarity of high definition allows the artist to capture every tiny detail in all its depth and vibrancy. In the early 1900's portraits were oil and canvas in the 1960s Andy Warhol's silk-screened portraits revolutionized the concept of portraiture. High-definition could be the portraiture of the future."
Nora Ryan, General Manager of HD Original Channels, Rainbow Media Holdings, comments that, "The HD format allows VOOM to expand the boundaries of television as a medium. We are thrilled to offer innovative artists like Robert Wilson this new canvas to create an entirely new experience in HD."
More About VOOM's Ambient Arts Channel
This original high definition channel brings video art to life. The channel is a non-narrative motion video and conceptual arts channel with a broad spectrum of motion video artistry from live action footage and graphics set to music. Programming includes performance art and visual displays so original they can only be displayed with the clarity of high definition television. The channel, created by Rainbow Media, is exclusively available on VOOM, the first comprehensive high-definition satellite television service.
About VOOM HD Originals
VOOM HD Originals include exclusive HD coverage of unique destinations and cultures on Equator HD, international sports on WorldSport HD; unique animation entertainment on Animania HD; artistic masterpieces from around the world on Gallery HD; an inside look at exclusive live auctions on Auction HD; spine-chilling movies brought to life in hi-def on Monsters HD; 24/7 news shot in native HD on HDNews; the latest pop music concerts on Rave HD; in-your-face action sports on Rush HD; the best in fashion, food and fine living on Ultra HD; and HD Cinema 10, a 10-channel multiplex of uncut, commercial-free movies in HD, including Divine HD – the first ever high-definition 24/7 gay movie channel.
About The Watermill Center
The Watermill Center is a unique facility founded by Robert Wilson in 1992, dedicated to the creation of new works and approaches to the arts. Robert Wilson is a world-renowned theater director, designer and artist whose vision includes mentoring young artists. At the Watermill Center, young artists from all over the world join Robert Wilson every year to develop projects in theater, opera, film, architecture, design and visual arts, many of which have been displayed in important venues around the world. Funds raised by the Watermill Summer Benefit support The Byrd Hoffman Watermill Foundation's efforts to renovate and complete the Watermill Center, the six-acre site that serves as an artist resid ency and creative center.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
The exclusive VOOM HD Originals package of 21 commercial-free HD channels was created by Rainbow Media Holdings LLC. A leader in sports, news and entertainment programming, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE:CVC). Rainbow Media owns and manages national networks: AMC, Fuse, IFC (The Independent Film Channel) and WE: Women's Entertainment; as well as the on-demand services: Mag Rack, Uncensored On Demand, World Picks On Demand and World Picks Networks. Rainbow Media's other businesses include its regional programming services – MetroChannels, News 12 Networks and Rainbow Sports Networks – in addition to the Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation and Rainbow Network Communications. Rainbow Media is also a 50 percent partner in Fox Sports Net.
About VOOM and Rainbow DBS
VOOM, provided by Rainbow DBS, Cablevision System Corporation's satellite division, is the first television service to provide a comprehensive array of high-definition (HD) programming for the rapidly growing but underserved HDTV audience. With a lineup of more than 35 HD channels, VOOM delivers more HD programming than any other satellite or cable service provider. VOOM's HD lineup includes STARZ! HD, Encore HD, Showtime HD, Playboy Hot HD, ESPN HD, HBO HDTV and Cinemax HDTV. VOOM also features an exclusive package of brand-new, commercial-free channels such as WorldSport, Epics and Animania. The service also includes more than 80 of the most popular cable channels in standard-definition (SD), 18 digital music channels, and over-the-air digital broadcast channels in HD, where available. VOOM is offered across the continental United States through local Sears retailers; at BrandsMart USA stores; through leading online retailer, Crutchfield Corporation and through O'Rourke Sales Company's independent electronics retailers with approximately 10,000 locations in all 50 states. Customers can also purchase the service by calling 1-800-GET-VOOM or by visiting www.voom.com.