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Tag: MGM

  • MGM, G4 TV network, Berliner Film team with Mel Brooks on animated series

    MGM, G4 TV network, Berliner Film team with Mel Brooks on animated series

    MUMBAI: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) is teaming with the G4 television network, Brooksfilms Limited, and Berliner Film Companie GmbH (Berliner) on the US release of a new original television series based on the classic Mel Brooks comedy Spaceballs.

    G4, which is now available in 59 million cable and satellite homes nationwide, has exclusively licensed the first run of Spaceballs: The Animated Series for the US market. The series will be produced by Berliner in association with Brooksfilms. Already in production, Berliner will produce 13 half-hour episodes, which will debut on G4 in Fall 2007.

    MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group, a unit of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., will officially launch the property at the upcoming MIPCOM international television festival in Cannes, France (9-13 October).

    Spaceballs: The Animated Series brings together a talented team of comedy specialists. Brooks, who over the past 40 years has created classics as Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein and both versions of The Producers, co-wrote the Spaceballs pilot with Thomas Meehan. Meehan will oversee all writing for the first 13 episodes. Brooks will also lend his voice to two of the characters in the show, President Skroob and Yogurt.

    MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group President Jim Packer, said, “This series has all the elements of a great comedy show. Mel Brooks has one of the top comedy minds in the business and the Berliner team has an impressive track record for producing quality animation. On the heels of retooling our worldwide television distribution group, MGM will be an active player in bringing first-run series to the marketplace and Spaceballs is a good example of the programming partnerships we can create with this vast library.”

    G4 President Neal Tiles added, “As the go-to network for men 18-34, irreverent humor is one of the benchmarks of our programming philosophy, as is animation. Mel Brooks’ classic movies Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles are just as relevant to our young male audience today as they were when they were first released. His brand of humor will resonate well with our viewers.

    In the pilot episode of Spaceballs: The Animated Series, the storyline will be similar to that of the movie, which was released theatrically in 1987. The evil Dark Helmet kidnaps Princess Vespa of the Planet Druidia. His dastardly plan to blackmail her father, King Roland, into giving up his planet’s air to replenish the polluted Planet Spaceball, run by the fiendish President Skroob (to be voiced by Brooks). Princess Vespa’s dad hires Lone Starr and Barf to rescue the princess. After a battle with Dark Helmet, they rescue the princess and Planet Druidia. From there, they launch on a series of wild adventures across the Galaxy.

  • MGM expands worldwide TV distribution; Jim Packer appointed president

    MGM expands worldwide TV distribution; Jim Packer appointed president

    MUMBAI: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) is reinvigorating its worldwide television distribution operation, hiring senior management and bringing a number of new high profile programs to buyers around the globe. The announcement was made by MGM chairman & CEO Harry E. Sloan and MGM COO Rick Sands.

    The restructured MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group, which reports to Sands, is headed by seasoned distribution executive Jim Packer, who assumes the new title of president. In this position, Packer remains in charge of television distribution worldwide, including US barter sales and syndication, as well as all emerging forms of television programming distribution on a worldwide basis, states an official release.

    “After reinvigorating our domestic theatrical distribution business with over 20 new theatrical pictures a year, and establishing a dedicated MGM sales force in partnership with Fox Video, the next logical step is to expand our worldwide television distribution operation to meet our increased activity and product flow,” said Sloan in announcing the division’s restructuring. “Further, the international market for TV product has never been healthier and MGM continues to be an active and extremely competitive player in the marketplace.”

    Sands added: “As aggressive and smart competitors, the reorganization of our worldwide television distribution operation is simply one way of maximizing the assets in our library and positions us for future growth in the marketplace. Jim Packer has already made significant contributions during his tenure at MGM and we are pleased he will be leading us to even bigger growth opportunities in his new role as President of the group.”

    “After spending the last six years here at MGM, I truly understand the value of this tremendous library,” said Packer. “Having been given the challenge of increasing our market presence, I could not be more enthused about the expansion of our worldwide distribution team. With ‘Casino Royale,’ ‘Rocky Balboa’ and our new slate of premiere movie titles, our expanded distribution presence comes at the ideal time.”

    Adding fuel to its distribution pipeline, MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group will handle the international television sales for “Casino Royale” the new James Bond movie starring Daniel Craig, and “Rocky Balboa,” the sixth and final Rocky movie starring Sylvester Stallone. Leveraging proven properties within the massive MGM library, the MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group will launch a worldwide sales campaign for the following movies: Legally Blonde 3, Cutting Edge 3
    Into the Blue 2, WarGames 2 and Species 4.

    In addition to its new program offerings, the MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group will continue to handle distribution of over 4,000 movie titles and 10,000 television series that make up the MGM library, the world’s largest modern filmed and television library. Among the key television properties featured in the MGM catalogue are “Stargate SG-1,” the sci-fi series that is celebrating its record-setting 200th episode on the Sci-Fi Channel, and the immensely popular drama series “The L Word,” which airs on Showtime in the US, the release adds.

    With the announcement of the MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group restructuring, MGM has also announced key promotions within the group. Joe Patrick has been promoted to executive vice president, North America. He previously served as senior VP for the studio and is based in Los Angeles. Mary Ann Pasante, who has been the VP of Latin America Sales, has also been promoted to senior VP of Latin America Sales and will continue to be based in Atlanta.

    Packer, who joined MGM in 2001, initially served as EVP, Domestic TV. In this post, he was the architect of several innovative partnerships, including the MGM/UPN “Weekend Movie” and the PAX/MGM “Night at the Movies.”

    Packer was promoted to EVP of MGM’s Worldwide Television Distribution unit in April 2005, charged with oversight of the studio’s worldwide TV distribution activities, including the licensing of MGM programming to TV outlets around the world for free to air network television, basic and pay cable. Packer will continue to be based at the studio’s headquarters in Los Angeles.

    Before joining MGM, Packer was an executive with The Walt Disney Company, where he spent 15 years working within the Buena Vista Domestic Television Distribution unit. During his tenure at Buena Vista, Packer consistently increased his areas of responsibility, handling the distribution of off-network product, theatrical films and first run series, including such properties as “Home Improvement,” “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee” and “The Golden Girls,” as well as numerous movie packages. Packer, a graduate of Leeds Business School at the University of Colorado at Boulder, also serves on the Board of Governors for the Museum of Television & Radio.

  • MGM makes science fiction available on iTunes

    MGM makes science fiction available on iTunes

    MUMBAI: Film and TV company Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc (MGM) has announced it has made current episodes of the hit science fiction/adventure series Stargate SG1 and Stargate Atlantis available for purchase and download from the iTunes Music Store (www.itunes.com).

    The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

    Effective today the first five episodes of Stargate SG1 season 10 and the first five episodes of Stargate Atlantis season 3 will be available for download and subsequent episodes for both series will be within 24 hours after airing on the Sci Fci Channel.

    “By making these popular series available through iTunes we’re able to extend the reach of the MGM brand and the Stargate franchise,” said MGM New Media Division executive VP Doug Lee. “We’re always delighted to enhance the consumer’s experience of our popular content and see this as a win all the way around.”

    The deal marks the first step in MGM’s strategy to expand its electronic distribution footprint globally with more announcements expected in the future. Since forming the New Media Division in April of this year and the recruitment of Lee to supervise it, MGM is now positioned to expand in the new media world, which will bring upside potential for the company’s library.

  • B’cast Bill likely to skip domestic content clause for English movie channels

    B’cast Bill likely to skip domestic content clause for English movie channels

    NEW DELHI: The government is likely to exempt English movie channels from sourcing 15 per cent of their total weekly programming from India.

    “We realize that not enough of English movies are made in India and mandating such sourcing of films from India for English movie channels would be difficult,” an official of the information and broadcasting ministry has told Indiantelevision.com.

    This would mean that the likes of Star Movies, HBO, Zee Studio, MGM and TCM (the last two are available on Dish TV’s DTH service) can breathe easy.

    The draft Broadcasting Bill 2006 had said that all TV channels should source from India 15 per cent of their total content broadcast every week.

    For Indian channels, dishing out primarily Indian entertainment programmes, this clause in the draft Bill should not cause much of a problem, but for foreign news and kids channels (Cartoon Network, BBC, Disney, etc) and niche ones like Discovery Travel and Living, Animax, it would mean reworking programming line ups.

    Channels like Animax, Disney, Toon Disney, Cartoon Network and Pogo would have to make more programmes in India or source them from here, which is not done up to the proposed 15 per cent.

    The government official explained that the proposed clause, which is based on similar laws elsewhere in the world, was more aimed towards addressing the concerns of the Indian animation industry.

    A section of the growing Indian animation industry, led by some big companies, had petitioned the government some months ago that foreign channels, especially kids’, should be directed to source a certain quantum of their programming from India.

    However, the government doesn’t propose to specify the quality of sourced programmes as and when the Broadcast Bill is enacted into a law. “That’s up to a respective channel to decide,” the official said.

    Even foreign news channels like BBC, CNN and Euro News need not worry unnecessarily.

    The proposed 15 per cent local programming does not mean live news, as had been envisaged buy some channels.

    It could be in the form of even current affairs pro

  • MGM channel gets distribution deal in Africa

    MGM channel gets distribution deal in Africa

    MUMBAI: The MGM Channel will be broadcast to subscribers across sub-Saharan Africa via the new DTH platform, My TV.

    The MGM Channel will join networks such as BBC World and Fox Sports on the growing My TV satellite service.

    MGM Networks executive VP Bruce Tuchman says, “This agreement represents a very positive development for us in the African marketplace and fits nicely into our preferred strategy of providing more and more local viewers with choice in channels and choice in platforms.

    “We believe that the launch of My TV, and the emergence of new opportunities across the region, will help spur higher multi-channel penetration and create even more attractive business prospects for channels across this burgeoning television market.”

    My TV COO John Tydeman says, “The inclusion of western movies on the MGM Channel in the My TV bouquet will complement the news, music, children’s, sports, documentaries and local African programming currently available.

    “My TV offers entertainment for African families across the sub-Sahara at an affordable price. MGM’s decision to join My TV is a further endorsement by the international programming community of the My TV proposition.”

    The MGM Channel broadcasts handpicked selections from the MGM library, the world’s largest collection of modern films, on a 24/7 basis. The agreement with My TV is non-exclusive and follows a number of breakthrough deals in other parts of the world announced by MGM Networks in the last several months, including the launch slated for later this year of the MGM Channel into Central/Eastern Europe, in partnership with Liberty Global’s chellomedia division, as well as a slew of new distribution deals for the MGM Channel in Asia.

  • Columbia Pictures & MGM schedule next James Bond film release for 2 May 2008

    Columbia Pictures & MGM schedule next James Bond film release for 2 May 2008

    MUMBAI: It was announced today by producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.and Sony Pictures Entertainment, that the 22nd James Bond adventure will be released by Columbia Pictures on 2 May 2008 with Daniel Craig reprising the role of the legendary British secret agent.

    The story for the latest James Bond film produced by the franchise holders, EON Productions has yet to be announced.

    EON Productions’ most recent Bond adventure, Die Another Day (2002), was also the highest grossing film in the franchise bringing in almost $430 million in worldwide box office receipts. The World is Not Enough (1999) grossed $353 million, Tomorrow Never Dies released in 1997, grossed more than $340 million around the world and Golden Eye, took in $345 million.

  • Turner to launch Cartoon Network in Korea

    Turner to launch Cartoon Network in Korea

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) has teamed up with South Korea’s media group JoongAng Ilbo (JAI) to launch Cartoon Network Korea.

    The agreement was signed by TBS Korea vice president Ron Lee and JoongAng Broadcasting Corporation (JBC)- a JAI media group company- president and CEO Mun-Yeon Kim.

    In keeping with the Korean broadcast regulations, the majority stake in the joint venture will be held by JAI’s JBC, with Turner holding a 49 per cent stake in the partnership. Cartoon Network Korea will be languaged in Korean.

    To debut later this year, Cartoon Network Korea will showcase the best in animation, offering both Korean and international animation. Predominantly an animation channel, it will bring together a unique mix of new as well as recognised programming to Korean kids.

    Kim said, “The launch of Cartoon Network Korea is a very significant event for us and for the Korean television industry as the launch of the Network officially kicks off. Cartoon Network Korea will combine the unique strengths of both partners, and will build on our unrivalled knowledge and expertise to create a kids’ channel that will raise the bar and set new standards of excellence in the kids’ entertainment genre. Cartoon Network Korea will offer a variety of multi-genre animation titles from its world-renowned library, and will provide more than just Japanese titles or a single style of animation genre.”

    Lee added, “To successfully operate in a highly developed market such as Korea, it is imperative to enter into an alliance with a local partner. In JoongAng Ilbo, we are partnering with an acknowledged leader in the Korean media business. The partnership is a natural extension of our long standing relationship with JAI and is further strengthened by JAI’s deep understanding of our brand philosophy. By making this strategic investment to create a unique kids’ entertainment channel in Korea, we are demonstrating our commitment to cater to the specific viewing preferences of the young Korean audience.”

    “As a leading player in the kids’ entertainment genre in Asia-Pacific, we understand that effective localisation is key for a network to resonate with the audience. Given our experience in successfully delivering specialised Cartoon Network services across the Asia-Pacific, we are confident that our compelling and diverse array of content, specially engineered for kids in Korea, will open up a whole new viewing experience for them,” said Turner Entertainment Networks Asia senior vice president and general manager Ian Diamond.

    Cartoon Network Korea will provide a diverse mix of content drawn from production companies from around the world including Japan, Korea and Cartoon Network’s own library – comprising more than 14,000 Warner Bros., MGM, Hanna-Barbera and Cartoon Network Originals series and shorts. Cartoon Network Korea will also work closely with JAI to examine opportunities for the development of animation in Korea.

  • MGM to consolidate its home entertainment biz with Fox

    MGM to consolidate its home entertainment biz with Fox

    MUMBAI: Revitalised by the recent reinvigoration of its motion picture distribution and marketing organisation as well as by the formation of its new media division, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) continues along the path of controlling its library.

    Moving in that direction, MGM will be re-establishing its worldwide television distribution efforts by bringing the business back in-house. Similarly, the studio will no longer divide its home entertainment releases between Sony Pictures Entertainment and 20th Century Fox home entertainment divisions. Instead, MGM will consolidate its home entertainment business with Fox. Additionally, MGM and Fox will continue their international theatrical distribution relationship.

    MGM’s library, recognised as the largest in the world, encompasses 4,000 movie titles and 10,000-plus episodes of television programming. A large number of such titles and episodes are available for home entertainment release.

    MGM chairman and CEO Harry Sloan said, “MGM’s motion picture distribution business is growing rapidly as we will release some 80 new feature films in North America over the next four years. We are now ready to turn our attention to our television and home entertainment distribution businesses. In so doing, we have identified another important opportunity to build out our business by returning our worldwide television sales operations in-house and by consolidating our home entertainment releases with a single distributor.”

    The changes do not affect Sony’s distribution of the upcoming James Bond release, Casino Royale, due out in theatres this November. Additionally, MGM and Sony have extended their relationship in regards to the Bond franchise with both MGM and Sony agreeing to co-produce and co-distribute the next Bond movie, as well as Pink Panther and others to be determined. MGM and Sony, along with Revolution Studios are also teaming up in a co-financing arrangement on Rocky Balboa, which will be released by MGM on 22 December 2006.

  • MGM to honour director Oliver Stone at Cannes

    MGM to honour director Oliver Stone at Cannes

    MUMBAI: Oliver Stone will receive the first annual Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Leo The Lion Award on 21 May at the Cannes Film Festival.

    The award will be presented to Stone by MGM chairman and CEO Harry Sloan, at a cocktail reception to be held at the Majestic Hotel.

    The award has been established to recognise and encourage artistic excellence in individuals who, through significant contributions to filmmaking, have made an indelible impact on the overall value and merit of the library of MGM released films as well as on the world’s movie going public.

    Stone’s first film on the Vietnam war – Platoon – starring Charlie Sheen, Willem Dafoe, Tom Berenger and Forest Whitaker, will have a special screening. Platoon which earned $135 million at the US box office during its 1986 release and won the Oscar for Best Picture, is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

    Sloan says, “Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is proud of its film legacy. This year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Oliver Stone’s Platoon. This was not just another war film. It was written and directed by a combat veteran who brought an authenticity to cinema that had not been seen before, and consequently set the standard for all other films concerning the US involvement in Vietnam. MGM is honoured that the 2006 Cannes Film Festival has scheduled a special anniversary presentation of Platoon.”

    Stone says, “Getting to make Platoon was one of the highlights of my life. To have it shown 20 years later in this great garden of cinema is a deep honour.” MGM COO Rick Sands confirmed that Oliver Stone, Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe who star in the film would be travelling to Cannes for the special anniversary presentation.

  • Activision gets license from MGM to make interactive games around Bond

    Activision gets license from MGM to make interactive games around Bond

    MUMBAI: MGM Interactive and Eon Productions have awarded Activision the rights to develop and publish interactive entertainment games based on the James Bond license through 2014.

    MGM says that the deal that combines a popular property with next-generation gaming expertise continues the Bond franchise’s long legacy of providing thrills to audiences around the globe. Since the initial release of Dr. No in 1962, James Bond films have grossed more than $3.6 billion theatrically worldwide and approximately 30 million units of video games based on the world of James Bond have been sold to date.

    James Bond, MGM notes continues to delight audiences worldwide with a quintessential blend of action, glamour and sophisticated style synonymous with top secret agent
    007.

    Activision Publishing president and CEO Mike Griffith says, “James Bond is the ultimate action movie franchise, and we look forward to establishing a long-term relationship with MGM and EON. The James Bond franchise creates tremendous global expansion opportunities for Activision as it is one of the few video game licenses that appeals equally to domestic and international consumers.

    “James Bond storylines are rich with style, drama and action, all of which lend themselves perfectly to developing extraordinary games that capture the thrill of being the most celebrated secret agent in the world.”

    Under the terms of the agreement, Activision will obtain the worldwide rights to create video games for all current and next-generation consoles, PC and hand-held platforms. The license will grant Activision the right to develop and publish games based on all of the James Bond movies, as well as non-movie based games.

    MGM executive VP, consumer products and location-based entertainment Travis Rutherford says, “MGM Interactive continues to work with best in class publishing and development teams, to ensure we deliver both memorable and fully immersive interactive gaming experiences for both core and mass-market gamers.

    “Activision’s proven expertise in developing cutting edge games, their core competency in managing large movie franchises combined with the global appeal of the James Bond property, will create a new benchmark for the next-generation gaming experience.”

    Eon CEO David Pope says, “Activision’s track record makes it the ideal partner to introduce the Bond videogame experience to a new generation of game players, as well as to provide new thrills and excitement for the legions of people who are already fans of the Bond films and games.”