13-Part Short-Form Series As Part of Multi-platform, Integrated Sponsorship Deal
New York, November 6, 2008 – Sundance Channel announced today that Infiniti has signed on as a co-presenting sponsor of the upcoming original series "Spectacle: Elvis Costello with?", premiering Wednesday, December 3 at 9 PM ET/PT. The centerpiece of the multi-platform partnership is an Infiniti-informed 13-part original short-form series, called "The Inspiration Sessions" which profiles four dynamic artist and producer pairings and the candid free-flowing conversation that ensues as they produce an album together. Some of the pairings include: Chris Cornell and Timbaland, Melody Gardot and Larry Klein, and Dashboard Confessional and Adam Schlesinger. A new episode of "The Inspiration Sessions" will premiere each week during "Spectacle".
"Spectacle," the 13-part hour long weekly series hosted by Elvis Costello, combines the best of talk and music television, providing a forum for in-depth discussion and performance with the most inspiring and influential artists and personalities of our time. The series airs every Wednesday night at 9:00pm et/pt beginning December 3, 2008 on Sundance Channel.
"Infiniti is giving viewers a rare glimpse inside the critical role a producer plays in music and the intimate relationships they have with their artists," said Kim Gabelmann, Senior Vice President, Branded Entertainment and Partnerships, Sundance Channel. The two-minute episodes will also be available on sundancechannel.com in the show’s mini site and on Sundance Channel On Demand, the channel’s free VOD offering. Gabelmann continued "This deal is indicative of how Sundance Channel partners with marquee brands to intelligently and creatively weave them into show content, both on- and off-air, and provide a valuable platform for engaging hard-to-reach, upscale sophisticated audiences."
In each episode, an Infiniti branded segment consists of behind-the-scenes footage of Costello’s guests discussing the artists and the music that inspired them. In addition to in-show elements, Infiniti along with another presenting sponsor, Dell, will be front and center at the "Spectacle" premiere event in NYC on November 6th.
"This is a unique and thrilling opportunity for Infiniti to showcase the brand in an uncluttered, upscale environment," says Ben Poore, Vice President, Infiniti Marketing. "’Spectacle’ aligns with the passion points of our drivers, paving the way for a seamless brand tie-in. We are proud to partner with Sundance Channel."
About "Spectacle: Elvis Costello with?"
Elvis Costello is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee; a Grammy® and Ivor Novello Award-winning (and Oscar®-nominated) songwriter and performer comfortable in almost every genre imaginable; a musicologist of formidable breadth and knowledge; a contributor to Vanity Fair Magazine; and a noted wit whose stint as guest host on The Late Show with David Letterman won rave reviews. Debuts on Sundance Channel on December 3, 2008 at 9:00pm et/pt.
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with?" is a co-production of SpyBox Pictures, Prospero Pictures and reinvention entertainment (through Tri-Fi Productions of Toronto) with London’s Rocket Pictures. Executive Producers are Sir Elton John, Elvis Costello, David Furnish, Steve Hamilton-Shaw, Jordan Jacobs, Martin Katz and Stephen Warden. Co-Executive Producer is Alex Coletti. The series also will be broadcast on CTV in Canada and Channel 4 in the UK beginning later this year. FremantleMedia Enterprises is handling sales internationally.
About Sundance Channel
Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel is the television destination for independent-minded viewers seeking something different. Bold, uncompromising and irreverent, Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of films, documentaries, and original programs, all unedited and commercial free. Launched in 1996, Sundance Channel is subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC. Sundance Channel operates independently of the non-profit Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, but shares the overall Sundance mission of encouraging artistic freedom of expression. Sundance Channel’s website address is www.sundancechannel.com.
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 content for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world’s most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, WE tv, Sundance Channel and VOOM HD Networks. Through IFC Entertainment, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a leading distribution company for independent film; IFC Productions, a feature film production company that provides financing for select independent film projects; and IFC Center, a three screen, state-of-the-art cinema in the heart of New York’s Greenwich Village. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales company; Rainbow Network Communications, its 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 Infiniti
Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles that inspire at every turn, including the G sports coupe and sedan, the M sedan, EX and FX crossovers, and the QX full-size SUV. The all-new Infiniti G Convertible makes its global debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on November 19 and goes on sale in spring 2009. More information about Infiniti and its Total Ownership Experience® can be found at www.Infiniti.com.