One-Hour Special Set to Premiere in April
DRG to Distribute Worldwide
NEW YORK, NY – January 27, 2011 – Wedding Central, the first and only 24/7 destination for wedding content, today announced the network’s first-ever original project, the one-hour special "William & Kate: The Wedding of the Century." The special will be co-produced with UK indie Twofour Broadcast and co-funded and distributed worldwide by DRG. The special will premiere in April during the week leading up to the April 29 royal nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and kick off a weeklong on-air celebration of the royal wedding.
"Today’s news marks a milestone for Wedding Central," said Elizabeth Doree, senior vice president, programming, WE tv and Wedding Central. "The royal wedding is sure to be the event of the century and as the only network dedicated to wedding content we’re thrilled to celebrate this wedding with our viewers through a new and entertaining show that highlights the couple’s relationship and details of the big day.
Doree continued, "Working with Twofour Broadcast on this project was a natural partnership for us. Their creativity and relationship with the Palace enables them to produce a truly spectacular one-of-a-kind show."
"William & Kate: The Wedding of the Century" will feature new and exclusive interviews with royal insiders and key experts, from designers to cake makers, wedding planners, florists and caterers to hear their creative vision for the day. The special will seek to answer the questions: which designer will Kate wear? Who will the couple choose to be in their wedding party? What dishes will be served at the wedding breakfast? Who will be on the guest list? And, what do you buy for the most famous couple in the world? The special will also utilize CGI graphics to imagine what the royal wedding will look like.
Melanie Leach, Managing Director of Twofour Broadcast said: "We are delighted to be producing this show and are thrilled it’s the first commission for Wedding Central. This will be THE definitive film telling the story leading up to this huge worldwide event."
Patrick Roberts, SVP International Sales at DRG who brokered the deal added: "We’re delighted to have brought together the talented teams at Twofour and Wedding Central. Packed with exclusive interviews, riveting facts and fabulous footage, this celebratory special will be a truly fascinating and beautifully produced hour of memorable television, which we’ll be launching to our global buyers soon."
Wedding Central celebrates all things royal throughout the year via its on-air Saturday night programming strand, "Royal Wedding Saturdays," featuring specials and series that explore royal life and royal weddings.
About Wedding Central
Wedding Central (www.WeddingCentral.com) is the first and only 24/7 destination where women, who are fascinated by all things wedding related, can go to get engaged in and entertained by the aspiration and drama of weddings. The network features programming that focuses on dating, relationships and weddings, including series such as Rich Bride, Poor Bride, Bride vs. Bride, and the popular hit series, Bridezillas; and specials Wedding Cake Masters, Amazing Wedding Gowns and The Wedding Planners. Wedding Central is owned and operated by Rainbow Media Holdings LLC and is available on Cablevision’s iO digital cable service, Mediacom’s digital basic tier and Time Warner Cable’s East Region digital basic tier.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media owns and operates some of the world’s most popular and award-winning entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv, Wedding Central and IFC Entertainment (IFC Center, IFC Films, IFC In Theaters, IFC Midnight and IFC Productions). Additional information about Rainbow Media’s multiplatform brands is available at www.rainbow-media.com.
About DRG
DRG is one of the world’s leading independent TV acquisition and international distribution companies and incorporates the programming portfolios of 4 International, iD Distribution, i-Rights, Little Portman, Portman Film & Television and Zeal Entertainment. DRG programming includes the #1 rating primetime dramas "Doc Martin" (ITV1 and TF1), "Criminal Justice" (BBC One), "Shameless" (Channel 4), "Sea Patrol" (Nine); the celebrated comedies "Retired at 35" (TV Land), "The Inbetweeners" and "Peep Show" (Channel 4); critically acclaimed factual productions, "Afghan Star" (Channel 4), "Museum of Life" (BBC Two), "Time Team" (Channel 4) and hugely popular entertainment and formats "Singing Bee" (CMT/MTV Networks) and "Secret Fortune", "Don’t Tell the Bride" and "The Real Hustle" for the BBC.