ITV

Tag: Mipcom 2006

  • FremantleMedia to laugh out loud at Mipcom 2006

    FremantleMedia to laugh out loud at Mipcom 2006

    MUMBAI: Fremantle International Distribution (FID), the distribution arm of global production outfit FremantleMedia will bring a comedy line-up for the television trade event Mipcom in Cannes, France.

    FremantleMedia Enterprises CEO David Ellender, says that a raft of new and favourite comedy titles will make the trip to Cannes for the trade event from 9-13 October 2006.
    Fresh from its BBC2 debut, the newest addition to Fremantlemedia’s comedy family is That Mitchell & Webb Look. This is a sketch show featuring the comedy duo David Mitchell and Robert Webb. As Mitchell and Webb bring their radio show to television, the new series is filled with riotous characters and ideas-driven sketches, lampooning the likes of the Nazis right through to Her Majesty the Queen. Intelligent, socially acute, sometimes satirical, sometimes bizarre, but always funny! 

    Best-selling author, child psychology expert and highly esteemed childcare guru – there isn’t a parenting problem for which Professor George Hartley hasn’t got a rational, reasoned answer. However, he’s never quite got round to the actual practical side of parenting. That is, until now. In the comedy, The Complete Guide To Parenting George finds himself thrown into the parenting deep end when his wife takes a job in Paris and he takes sole responsibility for their seven year old son, Jamie. Fortunately, George has people around him to help. Unfortunately, this assistance comes in the form of his inefficient, celebrity-obsessed P.A. and a foul-mouthed, Antipodean au-pair. Clearly this isn’t going to be child’s play!
    From Courteney Cox Arquette and David Arquette’s Coquette Productions comes Daisy Does America. In the comedy series actress-comedian Daisy Donovan travels the country in pursuit of the American dream, soon discovering that the phrase means different things to different people. Fast-paced and irreverent, it’s a look at some of America’s most extreme characters and lifestyles, as seen through the eyes of a Brit, and highlights the quirks and oddities of the American way of life.

    Along the way, Daisy pokes fun at herself and the characters she comes across in her unique, tongue-in-cheek style. As Daisy Does America, she strives to conform to the sometimes-bizarre characters and situations she encounters and the results are unpredictable and hilarious. 

    Man Stroke Woman is a sketch show that is silly and joyous in tone. The IT Crowd joins the fun with a comical look at the sub-species of I.T. gurus working in the basement of Reynholm Industries – a surreal, and very funny, look at the underclass of a company. Comedy Inc. tickles funny bones with its mix of sharp, fast-paced humour and irreverence, featuring sketch, TV and movie parody, non-existent cable shows, ads for products that don’t exist and characters that will become fixtures of popular culture for years to come.

    Ellender says, “FID has an unrivalled heritage of taking comedy to the world and we are pleased to continue the tradition with this extensive collection of sketch, sitcom, parody and observational humour. As a key genre for us, we are constantly working to identify, invest in and nurture the best up-and-coming writers and performers, to ensure that audiences will be laughing with FID for many years to come.

  • Singapore’s media industry projects unified front with ‘Singapore Media Fusion’ at MIPCOM 2006

    Singapore’s media industry projects unified front with ‘Singapore Media Fusion’ at MIPCOM 2006

    MUMBAI: The Singapore media industry will consolidate its presence in the global arena under a unified front called “Singapore Media Fusion”, showcasing the industry’s collective richness and diversity at Mipcom 2006.

    The project was initiated by Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) and developed in consultation with local industry players in a process spanning one year. It articulates the attributes of the media industry – the bold and creative energy inspired by the collision and fusion of different cultures in the cosmopolitan Asian city.

    This year, fifteen Singapore companies will be showcasing their products and services at the Singapore pavilion, highlighting the country’s ability to work across the entire range of media activities and genres – from creative services to post-production capabilities, from live-action documentaries to animation series.

    MDA Chairman Dr Tan Chin Nam, said, ” In addition to lending consistency to the manner in which the Singapore media industry is represented and promoted, ‘Singapore Media Fusion’ enhances Singapore’s profile at the international level by projecting a unique voice that harnesses the collective strengths of our media industry, both in the traditional and new interactive digital media space. At the same time, local industry partners can also look to ‘Singapore Media Fusion’ as a common platform to showcase their success, one that helps us to achieve our goal of becoming a global media city.”

    Commenting on the industry’s strategic positioning, Mr Tony Chow, Singapore’s Association of Independent Television Production Companies’ President said, “Singapore Media Fusion aptly describes the cultural diversity of our industry, and our position as an ideal East-West gateway.”

    Concurrently, an online portal singaporemediafusion.com will be launched to cultivate an online community of local and international media practitioners who are interested in the Singapore media scene, whether they are seeking content, co-production partners or specialised media services.

    In the last couple of years, Singapore’s media industry has made significant inroads into the international market, with a slate of co-production projects with leading international players across various platforms, and an increasing demand for made-by-Singapore content.

    Singapore’s media scene has never been more exciting. In content development, Singapore’s media companies have made strides in the global arena with leading international players including: House of Harmony, a Germany-Singapore telemovie production that premiered to close to seven million viewers in Germany on ZDF in October 2005; Secrets of Battleship Yamato, a US-Japan-Singapore television documentary which was beamed to households in US, Germany and across Asia; One Last Dance, a China-Singapore triad film thriller directed by Max Makowski and slated for release end of this year.

    Increasing awareness and demand for Singapore-made content internationally saw Singapore showcasing its productions at Tous les Cinémas du Monde (All the Cinema of the World) during April’s Cannes Film Festival; Zodiac-The Race Begins, Singapore’s first 3-D animated full-length feature, was sold to more than 20 countries since it was launched at Cannes Film Market in 2005; PS I Luv U, Asia’s first made-for-mobile phone Mandarin drama serial produced by Singapore, has been acquired by telcos in six Asian countries.

    This year, Singapore’s animation house Scrawl Studios, sold its 2-D animated TV series Nanoboy to Thailand and South Korea, while 3-D animated series Katakune, a Singapore-China co-production, has been pre-sold to China’s CCTV.

  • B Wooding Media announces worldwide launch of ‘Baby Genius’ at Mipcom 2006

    B Wooding Media announces worldwide launch of ‘Baby Genius’ at Mipcom 2006

    MUMBAI: B Wooding Media (BWM) repositions its business objectives to include international brand management with the worldwide launch of Pacific Entertainment’s Baby Genius at Mipcom 2006.

    “We are delighted to be working with Pacific Entertainment to develop and cultivate the Baby Genius brand for the global marketplace,” said BWM managing director Brenda Wooding. “We also anticipate positive feedback from the international community regarding the grassroots stages of redefining our company’s areas of expertise to include brand management.”

    BWM’s rollout of the international brand management for Baby Genius, will also seek to establish DVD and audio distribution partners on a country-by-country basis to build a solid international foundation for the brand. BWM will then integrate these distribution partners with current and future Baby Genius consumer products partners, informs an official release.

    In claiming to offer the best in developmental edutainment for families with infants and young children, the Baby Genius brand includes over 30 music CDs, 10 animated/live-action titles available on audio and DVD in English and Spanish as well as a consumer products campaign with a major U.S. retailer launching in 2007.

    In addition to BWM’s core financing and distribution operations, it has created a consulting division to help production companies build their own internal distribution divisions. The company also offers custom distribution services designed to meet the needs of producers.

  • 4Kids Entertainment introduces ‘Viva Piñata’ at Mipcom 2006

    4Kids Entertainment introduces ‘Viva Piñata’ at Mipcom 2006

    MUMBAI: 4Kids Entertainment, Inc., has set Mipcom 2006 for the launch of the international sales efforts for its new 3D CGI animated television series Viva Piñata. 4Kids Entertainment executive VP International Brian Lacey announced that the 26 half-hour episodes in the series will be available to international buyers at this year’s market.

    “Viva Piñata will bring a fresh comedic appeal to kids with its witty writing, clever dialogue and colorful cast of characters,” said Lacey. “The series, which has stunning 3D CGI animation, will provide broadcasters with excellent scheduling flexibility, whether it’s broadcast as 26 half-hours or 52 eleven-minute cartoons. We’re also confident that because the show appeals to both boys and girls equally, it is a very advertiser friendly opportunity for broadcasters around the world.”

    4Kids has exclusive rights to represent Viva Piñata worldwide across broadcast, home video, music and merchandise licensing, informs an official release. According to Lacey, the animated kids television series is already set to premiere this fall on 4Kids TV in the US and Canada’s YTV.

    In Viva Piñata, viewers are introduced a cast of piñata “friends” who embark on wild adventures with mysteries to solve and parties to be had on Piñata Island. The ensemble cast of outrageous characters include the classic superstar Hudson Horstachio, the ever-nervous Fergy Fudgehog, the keenly observant Paulie Pretztail, and the practically perfect Franklin Fizzlybear — with more piñatas being discovered all the time, adds the release.

    4Kids Entertainment, provides high quality children television entertainment. Over the past decade, 4Kids has produced and launched such as Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Yu-Gi-Oh! GX and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles among others.

    4Kids has selected Bardel Entertainment, a Vancouver-based animation company, to execute the 3D CGI animation in hi-def format. With over 15 years experience in animation, Bardel Entertainment’s clients include Dreamworks SKG, Warner Brothers, Fox, Nelvana and Disney Interactive among others.

  • BKN New Media unveils two animated properties at Mipcom 2006

    BKN New Media unveils two animated properties at Mipcom 2006

    MUMBAI: BKN New Media Ltd, a animation company engaged in the production and distribution of animated children’s television programmes and related consumer products, unveiled two of it’s new animated TV series, Zorro – Generation Z and Dork Hunters from Outer Space at Mipcom 2006.

    As announced by BKN Group CEO Allen Bohbot, Zorro – Generation Z is an animated action adventure series, while Dork Hunters from Outer Space is an animated action comedy series.

    BKN will be handling all TV and DVD distribution as well as merchandising and licensing rights worldwide. BKN is planning a strong marketing and advertising campaign for the brand targeting the trade and consumers for this major launch supported in part by toys, videogames and on-line activities, informs an official release.

    Zorro – Generation Z, is co-produced by BKN New Media Ltd (UK) and BKN New Media (Spain), sets Zorro in the present with modern-day themed adventures in a fast-paced format. Diego de la Vega is a descendant of Zorro’s past who has a reason once again to pick up the mantle when the city of his birth grows increasingly corrupt. Zorro fights crime on a cool black motorcycle called the Tornado-Z. His crime fighting tools include a Z-Pod, Z-Phone and other surprises befitting of a modern day hero. Expect new renditions of established Zorro characters along with some new additions, including a fellow female freshman, The Scarlet Whip, who also rides the night in a scarlet cape. The melding of an historic legend with powers, high tech gadgetry and vehicles of the modern-day super-hero as the all new El Zorro rides again, adds the release.

    The Dork Hunters from Outer Space has been produced by BKN International AG, follows the adventures of Mac, Nikki , Romeo, and their earthbound friends Eddie and Angie, as they take on the nastiest, interplanetary villains ever to hide out on Planet Earth – The Dorks.

  • Bennett Media Worldwide announces programming line up at Mipcom 2006

    Bennett Media Worldwide announces programming line up at Mipcom 2006

    MUMBAI: Bennett Media Worldwide (BMW), the Bennett Group’s global distribution operation, has announced at Mipcom 2006, their programming slate for global broadcasters. It will feature three all-new high-defintion series, including Playing In Paradise, Beyond the List and Oh, No! It’s Kato!

    Said BMW president Paul Rich, “The Bennett Group reflects our company’s new industry positioning as a full-fledged, fully-integrated entertainment studio, with all areas of production and distribution all under one corporate ‘roof.’ Through Bennett Group’s four distinct divisions, we have the capacity to take a project from concept through every phase of production and post-production, as well as domestic and international distribution.”

    “Our new high-def line-up further underscores our company as the production leader in this burgeoning format,” said Bennett Productions president Casey Bennett. “We are recognized as a pioneer in the production of HD programming having created and produced high-def series and specials as far back as 1998. Today, Bennett Productions is widely regarded for our HD productions which are backed by complete surround sound audio.”

    The new-to-Mipcom Bennett Media Worldwide slate includes:

    Playing In Paradise – Viewers experience a new dimension of exotic travel as top bikini models guide the audience through the world’s most desirable locations from the Bahamas to Thailand.
    Beyond the List – It covers the hippest threads, cars, gadgets and what it takes to get a sneak peek into the world’s most exclusive lifestyles where only a recognized face or name on the list gains entrance.

    Oh, No! It’s Kato!- After being rejected by Hollywood, Kato Kaelin takes his quick wit and sharp tongue to hot spots around the world in Oh, No! It’s Kato! From crashing the sidelines for the inside story at the Lingerie Bowl to sneaking into the Spring Break bikini pageant in Cancun, viewers are able to join Kato on his mission-possible journeys where the perfect mix of comedy and adventure drive each episode, informs an official release.

    In addition to Bennett Media Worldwide, the newly established Bennett Group, housed at its West Los Angeles headquarters, encompasses: Bennett Productions, the content development and production division that includes state-of-the-art in-house soundstages; Bennett Music, a newly-created producer and supplier of both production and original music that is also home to complete recording studios as well as recording, mixing and mastering facilities utilizing the most current in digital recording technology; and Bennett HD/LA, one of the few fully-HD post-production facilities in Los Angeles.

  • Breakthrough Animation forays into multi-platform programming

    Breakthrough Animation forays into multi-platform programming

    MUMBAI: Breakthrough Animation Inc., a Canadian animation production company, announced at Mipcom 2006 that it will create cutting-edge multi-platform vignettes for three of its most popular animated series, Atomic Betty, Miss BG and Captain Flamingo.

    As announced by Breakthrough Animation Inc., executive producer and managing partner Kevin Gillis, the company is creating high-quality, original programming to ensure that they remains at the forefront of the industry as audiences gravitate toward diversified platforms for entertainment.

    Breakthrough Entertainment will distribute the content to broadcasters and Breakthrough New Media will distribute the mobile content to telecommunication companies and content aggregators for the mobile market, informed an official release.

    The vignettes developed for Atomic Betty will be a combination of humourous, space-based science facts, blooper reels, animated interviews and music videos. Along the lines of the original series, Miss BG’s vignettes will highlight her unconventional perspective on the world, her family and friends. While Captain Flamingo disseminates 101 ways to attain superhero savvy by revealing a sneak-peek into his extraordinary talents.

    “As audiences move toward accessing their content beyond the traditional television broadcast platform we want to provide unique programming for these new mediums. Traditional television content was intended to be viewed on an all-encompassing wide screen format to bring the audience into the program’s world. The advent of portable personal devices has created the opportunity for a one-on-one experience between our characters and our audience. Produced for the mobile screen, we have designed our multi-platform programming to provide distinctive content for these mediums because we believe global audiences will be looking for an original viewing experience that differentiates it from re-purposed fare,” said Gillis.

    Atomic Betty is a co-production between Atomic Cartoons, Breakthrough Animation Inc., and TeleImages Kids, the comedy-adventure animated series has already been licensed worldwide to major broadcasters in over 120 territories. Atomic Betty follows the adventures of Betty, whose double life as “Galactic Guardian and Defender of the Cosmos” takes her on a whirlwind journey through space. Extensive merchandising and licensing deals have been signed including Penguin Books for publishing and Hallmark for greeting cards.

    Miss BG is adapted from the acclaimed “Gudule & les Bébés” book collection authored by Fanny Joly and illustrated by Roser Capdevilla. Miss BG is a co-production between Ellipsanime, Breakthrough Animation, TVO, TFO (Canada) and France 5. Aimed at kids aged 5-8, the 3-D animated TV series centers around the world of Miss BG.

    Captain Flamingo is a co-production between Breakthrough Animation, Heroic Film Company, Atomic Cartoons and Pasi Animation, the animated hit is an original production for YTV Canada. Captain Flamingo follows the adventures of Milo Powell who, tired of being overlooked by big kids, dons his terrycloth cape as Captain Flamingo and saves the day for kids everywhere.

  • Orange CEO Sanjiv Ahuja to deliver keynote address as Mobile TV takes centre stage at Mipcom 2006

    Orange CEO Sanjiv Ahuja to deliver keynote address as Mobile TV takes centre stage at Mipcom 2006

    MUMBAI: Mobile TV is being touted as one of the biggest trends in the world of technology and as the future service to subscribers by telecom operators. Kicking off on 11 October, the Mipcom’s Mobile TV will see an exclusive keynote address given by Europe’s integrated operator Orange CEO Sanjiv Ahuja, and will conclude with Mipcom’s second annual Mobile TV screenings and awards.

    Ahuja will discuss the content initiatives at Orange, a division of France Telecom. and will share his vision of the tremendous potential for mobile entertainment and explore the opportunities offered by mobile broadband in the always-on, anytime, any-place era. He will also outline the most recent initiatives taken by Orange through service and network convergence to provide a pocket-sized entertainment centre, informs an official release. 

    “Orange is evolving into a one-stop-shop for our customers’ communication and entertainment needs. Television and TV content is central to our strategy,” says Ahuja. “I am delighted to have the opportunity of discussing the possibilities of converging technologies with Mipcom delegates. Everything we thought we knew about this industry is changing. With new ways to create, consume and pay for content, only players with open eyes and open minds can win.” 

    Ahuja joined Orange in April 2003 as COO, and was appointed CEO in March 2004. Prior to Orange, he was CEO of California-based technology company, Comstellar Technologies and was president of Telcordia Technologies (formerly Bellcore). Previously, he spent fifteen years at IBM in various executive roles. 

    In addition to Ahuja’s keynote and the Mobile Awards programme, this year’s conference programme entitled Reshaping Media, will feature 30 sessions with over 100 speakers in addition to four other prestigious keynotes, from Disney Media Networks co-chair and president Disney-ABC Television Group Anne Sweeney, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. chairman and CEO Harry Sloan, NBC Universal president digital media and market development Beth Comstock and ESPN Inc. president and ABC Sports co-chairman George Bodenheimer.

    An integral part of Mipcom 2006’s mobile focus are the Mobile TV screenings and awards. Cutting-edge made-for-mobile content from around the globe will be showcased during the screenings and the prizes will be awarded in the evening of the same day.

    Last year’s programme attracted 220 entries, from 110 companies and 28 countries. For the second consecutive year, the contest will recognise and reward innovation and creativity in made-for-mobile formats.

    Reed Midem director of television Paul Johnson comments, “Our markets continue to attract the best players in the mobile entertainment industry from all over the world. Our commitment is to help the creative industry move forward on this new medium for entertainment content. Last year’s awards already generated great business opportunities for the companies who entered the competition. We expect a growing and thriving mobile content market, and therefore even more entries this year. And naturally, the Ahuja keynote reflects the importance the mobile industry places on content within their future strategy.”

    The award categories continue to emphasize made for mobile film, TV and animation content and also recognize the growing importance of user generated content. The award categories are: Best original made-for-mobile film or video content; Best repurposed content from existing Film or TV property; Best made-for-mobile TV channel; Best format for interactive mobile TV and best mobile format for user-generated content. In addition to these five categories,there will also be The Jury’s Grand Prize for Innovation, given to the most innovative company. 

    The deadline for entries for the Mobile Awards is 4 September. A pre-screening jury will nominate a selection of projects to be invited to Cannes for the Grand Jury judging on 9 October.

  • Mipcom 2006 announces mobile TV award winners

    Mipcom 2006 announces mobile TV award winners

    MUMBAI: Mipcom 2006 has announced the winners of the Mobile TV Screening & Awards 2006. The international trophies were awarded yesterday evening at the 22 edition of Mipcom, Cannes. 

    The winning titles were chosen by an international grand jury from a total of 23 nominated projects.

    Sponsored by Orange, Ericsson and the Korean Broadcasting Commission, the Mobile Screenings & Awards 2006 brought in a record number of 290 entries from 34 countries, a 30 per cent increase in submissions from 2005. 

    The grand jury included the following members : Kurt Sillén, head of grand jury and VP, Ericsson Mobility World, Ericsson AB (Sweden), Jean-Charles Fitoussi, Film-maker (France), Nicoletta Iacobacci, Head of Interactive TV, EBU / UER TV Department (Switzerland), Russell Kagan, Managing Director, International Program Consultants Inc. (USA) and Mun Yeon Kim, CEO of Joongang Broadcasting Co. (Korea).

    In addition to the grand jury awards, a grand prize for best innovation in mobile content was awarded by Orange.

    Reed Midem’s Television Division, director Paul Johnson comments, “Mobile TV represents a growing opportunity for the audiovisual content industry. By creating and hosting the Mobile TV Awards at Mipcom we aim to play an active role in promoting the development of made-for-mobile content and facilitating commercial transactions on a global level for both TV and film.”

    The 6 winners of the Mipcom Mobile TV Awards ’06 are:

    Best Original Made-for-Mobile Film or Video Content Jokes, Green Paddy Animation Studio (Taiwan)

    Best repurposed Content From Existing Film or TV Property On This Day in History (OTDIH), ITN ON (UK)

    Best Made-for-Mobile TV Channel
    NHK Mobile-G Channel, NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) (Japan)

    Best Format for Interactive Mobile TV
    Forget the Rules, Global Dilemma Pty Ltd. (Australia)

    Best Mobile Format for User-Generated Content
    3 Mobile’s See Me TV service, 3 Mobile (UK)

    Orange Grand Prize For Innovation 
    Soccer Addicts, Buongiorno (Italy)

  • Fortune Star launches web/wireless reality show ‘The Heyman Hustle’ at Mipcom 2006

    Fortune Star launches web/wireless reality show ‘The Heyman Hustle’ at Mipcom 2006

    MUMBAI: Fortune Star Entertainment Ltd (Fortune Star) will launch at Mipcom 2006 The Heyman Hustle, a web/wireless reality series hosted by Paul Heyman.

    The reality series, featuring provocative content for the exploding new media platforms, is created by Paul Heyman, the architect of the edgy Extreme Wrestling phenomenon in the 1990s, and produced by Park Avenue production house, HQ Productions, Inc. Fortune Star is the exclusive worldwide distributor of The Heyman Hustle, informs an official release.

    “Both traditional and new media expanded their reach by tapping into the worldwide mobile culture,” said Heyman, “Whether people are out at dinner, on the beach, or in their car, their cell phone, Blackberry, Trio, iPod, or broadband unit has become more than an accessory, it’s a necessity. The wireless/web based platform has now become the most powerful way for me to reach audiences.”

    “From Bombay to the Bronx, if you walk the streets with Paul, people open up and embrace him as one of their own. Paul’s bombastic on-air personality is matched only by his innovations and revolutionary entertainment concepts,” Fortune Star’s GM, Peter E. Poon, added, “Which is why we are so excited to package Paul together with Mitchell Stuart, whose work at HQ Productions has led to broadband’s most successful music series.”

    The Heyman Hustle will be a weekly program customised for both the web and mobile experiences. The series will be available in 10-minute webcast and one-minute mobicast formats with features including ringtones, wallpapers and java games, adds the release.