APERTURE To Feature Celebrities Rosario Dawson, Drea DeMatteo, Ally Sheedy and Others Interviewing Notable Photographers
DEAD ART To Follow Host Dee Snider on an Exploration of the Mystery, Beauty and Art Behind the World's Famous Cemeteries
New York, NY – August 15, 2007 – VOOM's GALLERY HD, the only high-definition channel devoted to the visual arts, announced today the premiere of two new original series: APERTURE, the network's first original series dedicated to photography, which premieres August 21; and DEAD ART, a series that explores the mystery and beauty of cemeteries, premiering August 29. GALLERY HD is one of the fifteen VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high-definition channels nationwide, and features such visually captivating programs as ARTSTAR, ART LAND and WHAT THE WINDOW WASHER SAW, which offers a unique perspective on some of the world's most iconic skyscrapers.
"With the help of the celebrity hosts, APERTURE brings viewers into the world of some of the most sought-after photographers working today, providing a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of what it takes to get a timeless shot, while DEAD ART uncovers the often overlooked art and beauty among cemeteries from around the world. We're thrilled to begin the unique exploration into the art of photography and the afterlife on Gallery HD," said Tamar Hacker, Director of Programming and Executive Producer for VOOM's Gallery HD. "These two new series contribute to our growing library of original quality high definition content. True HD allows viewers to experience visual art in astonishing depth and detail, and truly enhance the viewing experience."
A description of both original series follows:
- APERTURE explores the great living masters in the field and features a notable celebrity paired with a photographer as they experience the magnificent art first-hand. The six, half-hour episodes feature images that are vivid and wonderfully composed, providing an ideal way to appreciate fine photography and enjoy the engaging dialogue of two artists who admire each other's work. Over the course of the series, Aperture pairs celebrities with acclaimed photographers, such as actress Rosario Dawson with photographer Catherine Chalmers. Dawson interviews Chalmers about her a hands-on approach to her subjects, which include reptiles, insects and their surroundings.
Future episodes include a tour through Donna Ferrato's studio with actress Ally Sheedy as they delve into why Ferrato is always taking a provocative look into intimacy and how she manages to translate it all through the lens of a camera; conceptual visual artist, Justin Guariglia with Lou Reed and Tony Visconti at Guariglia's print studio in New York City, where they explore the themes of universal energy, ritual, spirituality, and Eastern philosophies, through video and still photography; David Byrne interviewing photographer Vik Muniz about his work, family and his passion for creating images from things such as chocolate, sand, dust or pigment; and Drea de Matteo with photographer/filmmaker Laurie Simmons discussing Simmons' work with suburban themes, and the darker side of that world as portrayed on The Sopranos.
- In DEAD ART, the architecture is spectacular, the views to die for, and the roster of residents exceptional, but this is no trendy city neighborhood or upscale co-op building. Instead, Gallery HD brings viewers to a strange, yet beautiful gated community – one that requires a death certificate from all residents. Despite its creepiness and mystery, the cemetery is a fascinating place to uncover incredible art, surprising architectural finds, and a rich and varied history.
Hosted by Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider, each episode of this provocative and edgy series features a new visually compelling cemetery, revealing the history, architecture, and incredible artistic appeal that is shared with the dead. Insight and commentary on each cemetery is provided by a series of on-air experts, ranging from artists who have contributed to the graveyard's works and historical experts to landscape architects, arborists, groundskeepers, and relatives of those connected to monuments in the cemetery. Featured cemeteries include: Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY; Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Tarrytown, NY; Forest Lawn Memorial Parks and Mortuaries, Glendale, CA; St. Louis No. 1, New Orleans, LA; and Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, NY, among others.
Gallery HD is dedicated to visual art and the artistic process, catering to a wide array of art lovers. Through visually stunning imagery and compelling storytelling, Gallery HD is the first and only HD channel that defines the most talked-about artists of today and tomorrow. Other programming includes THE VOOM PORTRAITS BY ROBERT WILSON, an artistic venture consisting of over 30 high-definition video portraits, created by the celebrated theater icon and visual artist Robert Wilson. The PORTRAITS illustrate the aesthetic and technical brilliance of the newest generation of television and feature celebrity subjects including Brad Pitt, Winona Ryder and Robin Wright Penn. In October 2007, Gallery HD will debut the works as well as a behind the scenes, making of, documentary.
About VOOM HD Networks
Rainbow's VOOM HD Networks (www.voom.com) 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 and Cablevision's iO digital cable service. 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 100 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 content for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, WE tv, LIFESKOOL, SPORTSKOOL, and VOOM HD Networks. Through its IFC Entertainment division, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a theatrical feature film distribution company; IFC First Take/IFC in Theaters, a day and date theatrical feature film/VOD initiative; the IFC Center in New York City; IFC Productions, a feature film production company; and IFC Entertainment, which owns and operates a film library. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales company, and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.