HW #4 « I Woander

HW #4

Jump to Comments

NBC marketing chief John Miller said viewers’ awareness of the network’s fall lineup is up 59% after the Games.

The SEC announced a massive 15-year deal with ESPN (until 2024) on Monday for all of its televised sports, effectively eliminating the possibility that it would start its own network a la the Big Ten and the Mountain West. The deal was estimated to be $2.25 billion.
SEC commissioner Mike Slive said that the ESPN and CBS deals give the conference long-term security without associated (economic) risks with starting a network. Still, the very possibility that the SEC could have gone its own way gave the conference increased leverage in negotiations and assured that both CBS and ESPN would sign on for the longest-range pacts in the history of televised sports.

MGM said Monday that it’s not for sale but acknowledged retaining Goldman Sachs to pursue capital “enhancements to MGM’s long-term capital structure”, including a new production fund that’s expected to be announced “soon,” MGM spokesman Jeff Pryor said. “There is no ‘asking price’ for the company,” the studio said. “MGM’s existing financing arrangements are sufficient to meet its needs.”
Business Week reported Friday that the Wall Street firm had approached prospective MGM buyers with an asking price of $5.2 billion. The Hollywood Reporter reported Wednesday that Mumbai-based Reliance Big Entertainment had considered taking an equity stake in the studio but decided against such a move.
The Lion has been on the hunt for additional funding for newly commenced production operations at the parent studio, and executives also have been seeking means of reducing an enormous $3.7 billion debt load at the company. Middle East financiers and additional Wall Street investors are among those likely to be approached by Goldman Sachs about a possible investment, a studio insider said.
MGM shareholders include Providence Equity Partners, TPG, Sony Corp. of America and Comcast Corp.

“Castle” (ABC Studios): Nathan Fillion as a horror novelist who helps the NYPD solve crimes)
“The Unusuals” (Sony TV): an ensemble dramedy set in a New York police precinct co-starring Amber Tamblyn
“Cupid” (Rob Thomas): a one-hour reinvention of Thomas’ 1998 romantic comedy starring Bobby Cannavale
“Better Off Ted” (20th’s Victor Fresco): office comedy starring Jay Harrington as a moral guy trying to do right in an amoral world
“Single With Parents” (ABC Studios; ”How I Met Your Mother” producer Kristin Newman): Alyssa Milano who juggles her dysfunctional family, friends and boss

[via Hollywood Reporter/The Live Feed]

Pretty smart partnership between HBO’s “Entourage” and Virgin America Airlines. The two have paired together to rebrand the airline’s flight from JFK to Las Vegas as “Entourage Air” throughout September. The airline will screen the season premiere of the show on the Vegas-bound flight beginning Sept. 4, when the airline launches its direct route. At the same time, HBO programming becomes available on all Virgin America planes as part of a licensing deal that runs through October 2009. It starts off with a sendoff party at JFK that will include the “Entourage” cast, as well as Virgin Group founder and chairman Richard Branson, then continues with a party at the Palms Casino Resort’s Playboy Club once the flight lands in Las Vegas. As part of the promo, Virgin America will introduce “Entourage Class” to first-class passengers, which includes noise-canceling headphones, champagne, Godiva chocolates, Kiehl’s products, Altoids and “Entourage Air”-branded blankets and eye masks. According to Courteney Monroe, EVP of consumer marketing at HBO, “Entourage” and Virgin appeals to the same “savvy, sophisticated consumer”. The deal is the latest move by Virgin America to help the airline stand out among its rivals by promoting its in-flight entertainment system.

Seems like “Wipeout” was a huge hit for Netherland-based production company, Endemol. Not only has it been greenlit for a second season by ABC, but it was sold to 17 international territories.”The speed with which ‘Wipeout’ has been selling globally is quite phenomenal,” said Annelies Noest, director of sales at Endemol Intl. “Its success in the U.S. and Australia has intensified the rush to acquire the format and this international rollout looks set to continue.”

In a first, Fox will stream the premiere of “Fringe” and season opener of “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” online at the same time as they bow on TV….only for computer users on college campuses (those logging into Fox.com froma college-based .edu domain).
Fox content strategy senior VP Bill Bradford came up with the idea after noticing that .edu addresses were among Fox.com’s top visitors.

I love me some HBO programming: Producer Joel Silver has optioned “Fortune’s Children: The Fall of the House of Vanderbilt,” a history of the famous family’s decline by Arthur T. Vanderbilt II, for a possible series for HBO. Currently in script-development stage. Project will depict the Vanderbilt family saga at the turn of the 20th century as the clan grapples with a declining fortune, extravagances and social-climbing instincts. Sounds like a more sophisticated period take on Gossip Girl with a family that’s a zillion times richer. Knowing HBO, it should be a goodie.

Online movie download service Jaman.com, in a simliar deal with Paramount, First Look and Magnolia, has teamed with Lionsgate to offer select pics on demand. The download rental charge ranging from $2.99 to $3.99.

Sally Daws has been promoted to SVP (from VP) of marketing for FX Networks. She will report to EVP of marketing Stephanie Gibbons, and will oversee the cabler’s national media planning, consumer promotions and digital marketing. She will also participate in the strategic and creative relaunch of FXnetworks.com.

[via Variety 1 & 2]