Cannes, France, October 6, 2009 – Passion Distribution and Rainbow Media are delighted to announce a significant content deal for the internationally distributed Sundance Channel. Recently launched in France and Belgium, Sundance Channel features provocative signature series, coveted indie films and engaging, award-winning documentaries.
As part of the channel’s international programme schedules, Rainbow Media has licensed from Passion MAN SHOPS GLOBE (8 x 30’), A World of Wonder series originally produced for Sundance Channel in the US. The series follows one of the largest buyers of decorative antiques in the world, Keith Johnson, as he trots around the globe finding unique and beautiful items for retailer Anthropologie.
Also licensed for the international Sundance Channel is festival release MEAT LOAF: IN SEARCH OF PARADISE (1 x 90’) – this special feature doc was produced by Atlas Media and takes us on an intimate journey with this international icon as he embarks on an exhausting and often controversial live tour. Featuring many of his biggest hits including "I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)," "You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth," and the iconic "Paradise by the Dashboard Light."
The final title in this package is 100 MILE CHALLENGE (6 x 60’). A Paperny Films production produced in Canada and taking people on a great lifestyle journey as they remove everything in their kitchens that wasn’t produced within a 100 miles from their home. Families in one community start the challenge together barely able to scrape together a meal but after local research find amazing local products and resources that will change their diet and lifestyle for good. They don’t all make it to the end! This show is also available as a format through Passion Distribution.
The deal was primarily negotiated by Passion’s Director of Sales Emma Simpkins and Rainbow Media’s Harold Gronenthal, SVP and General Manager, Rainbow International.
"MAN SHOPS GLOBE is a natural for our international services as it is a key component of Sundance Channel’s new schedule in the USA. 100 MILE CHALLENGE is a unique addition to The Green, our environmental programming strand, and the Meat Loaf documentary is a festival favourite featuring an internationally recognized rock ’n roll legend. We’re delighted to add this bouquet of Passion’s programming to our lineup," said Gronenthal.
Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel (www.sundancechannel.com)
acquired by Rainbow Media in May 2008-already reaches more than 33 million subscribers in the U.S. Internationally, Sundance Channel has debuted in France (Numericable and Free) and Belgium (Telenet), and continues to build on its distribution. The 24/7 linear channel is presented in both standard and high definition, with content also available on-demand.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media is a leading producer of targeted, multiplatform content for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world’s most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC (The Independent Film Channel), WE tv, Sundance Channel, and IFC Entertainment. Through IFC Entertainment, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a leading U.S. distributor of independent and foreign film with a unique day and date distribution model, "IFC In Theaters," that makes films available to a national audience by releasing them simultaneously in theaters as well as on cable’s On Demand platform; IFC Festival Direct features titles acquired from major international film festivals and initially offers them exclusively through On Demand; IFC Productions, a feature film production company; and IFC Center, a state-of-the-art cinema in the heart of NYC’s Greenwich Village. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, an advertising sales company; Rainbow Network Communications, a full service network programming origination and distribution company; and 11 Penn TV, a company that manages Rainbow Media’s NYC studios and post-production facilities.
About Passion Distribution
Passion Distribution is the newest and most dynamic distributor with years of experience and a track record to deliver outstanding added value to producers and broadcasters.
Passion Distribution offers a unique boutique and intimate style relationship with its content suppliers, both producers and broadcasters. The people and programming we represent are our passion.
We provide key market intelligence during the development process, funding and finance opportunities through gap funding, co-production and pre-sales and a world class sales team to deliver stellar results in international sales revenue.
Our passion is in popular, quality programming and formats in genres including Factual Entertainment, Reality, Documentaries, Lifestyle, Game-shows and Comedy.
NEW BRAND, NEW PROGRAMMING, SAME TEAM, SAME PASSION.