Gallery HD Series Licensed to UK's BSkyB and Australia's Ovation Channel
New York, NY – April 11, 2007 – Continuing to expand the reach of VOOM HD Network programming around the globe, iD Distribution has licensed the Gallery HD series Artland: USA to BSkyB's Sky Arts HD (formerly known as Artsworld) and Australia's Ovation Channel. With the first season of Artland: USA (12 x 60') already produced, both broadcasters also committed to pre-buy the high-definition (HD) series' second season (12 x 60'). Today's announcement was made by Greg Moyer, VOOM HD Networks General Manager.
"We are certainly pleased at the opportunity to share this unique HD series with the UK and Australian viewers served by these respected broadcasters," said Moyer. "iD Distribution's continued efforts, combined with the quality and proven entertainment value of our programming, have brought many broadcasters back for new program purchases and pre-buys. This is validation of VOOM HD's role in meeting the growing global demand for original, innovative HD programming across all genres."
A Gallery HD production for VOOM HD Networks, Artland: USA is an innovative combination of art, documentary and travel programming which takes viewers on a coast-to-coast high-definition road trip introducing them to the vastness of American art and the entertaining characters that are its creators.
With a cool, stylish feel that resonates with younger viewers, Artland: USA visits more than 20 American cities from San Diego, California, to Rumford, Maine, in search of great art treasures, roadside folk, public and private exhibitions, spectacular architecture and "outsider" art. Each episode finds hosts Charles Luxton, a London-based architect, and American Mame McCutchin boarding their customized Winnebago to capture interviews with a broad range of significant regional artists like renowned photographer Alec Soth and sculptress Niki de Saint Phalle, as well as the academics and other colorful locals that contribute to America's immense and often groundbreaking art scene.
"Artland offers a fresh approach to arts programming," said John Cassy, Channel Manager of BSkyB's Sky Arts HD. "The series is intriguing, informative and entertaining, providing insight into American art history and a deeper appreciation for the vastness of both its creative community and contributions to the world art scene. This will be a great addition to our line-up."
Added Miles: "As more and more HD platforms emerge around the world, the programming offered by VOOM HD Networks continues to deliver on the complete high-definition promise-stunning visuals, informative storylines and superior production values-which, in turn, delights the audience and fuels the global demand for more HD content. VOOM is making our jobs easy."
About Ovation Channel
Ovation Channel is Australia's only arts and entertainment subscription television channel. With a strong commitment to local programming, collaborations with Australia's most prominent cultural institutions and the ability to source the best international content, Ovation Channel presents an eclectic mix of programming from groundbreaking performance and intriguing arts documentaries. Ovation Channel is carried by all major Australian Pay TV providers – FOXTEL, AUSTAR, OptusTV and SelecTV platforms.
About Sky Arts
Sky Arts and Sky Arts HD offer a broad and distinctive range of entertaining arts related programming. The channels offer the world's finest live performances together with documentaries and film. Viewers can enjoy opera, dance, classical music, jazz, design, the visual arts, architecture, cinema, literature and theatre. Sky Arts broadcasts from 8am to 2am every day, on subjects ranging from Bizet to Brit Art, Monet to Margot Fonteyn, The Nutcracker to Norman Foster and Surrealism to Soul. Sky Arts HD is the UK's only high definition channel dedicated to the arts.
About iD Distribution
iD Distribution is a dynamic company launched in 2004 with the investment backing of Ingenious Media. Working with some of the top UK and US production companies and broadcasters representing a new and exciting catalogue of programs and formats in the entertainment, factual, reality and lifestyle genres, iD Distribution is committed to providing the best service to production companies and broadcasters.
About VOOM HD Networks
Rainbow's VOOM HD Networks comprise the world's largest suite of high-definition content for distribution through satellite and cable operators. With programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art, the VOOM HD Networks are available in the U.S. on Echostar's DISH Network. The 24/7 linear VOOM HD channel is available globally. It is currently distributed in Scandinavia, Estonia and Latvia, and will soon debut in Asia. Similarly, select VOOM HD programming is available worldwide and has been licensed to viewers in more than 50 countries. Building on Rainbow's history of original programming innovation, VOOM HD was developed to meet the growing worldwide demand for quality high-definition programming.
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, multi-platform programming for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, fuse, IFC, WE tv, Rainbow Sports Networks managed FSN Bay Area and FSN New England, LIFESKOOL, SPORTSKOOL, and VOOM HD Networks. The company also manages Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales division, and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.