Television
July 6, 2005
LIVINGtv Picks Up Major Programming From Warner Bros. International Television Distribution Post LA Screenings
(July 6, 2005 - London) - LIVINGtv, Flextech Television owned entertainment channel, has announced its biggest acquisitions deal to date with Warner Bros. International Television Distribution. The multi-million pound deal saw LIVINGtv beating off fierce competition for four key shows out of this year’s LA Screenings and will be a key part of the channel’s acquisitions offering for 2006.
LIVINGtv has bought up all UK rights for multi-seasons of "Too Close to Home," the powerful legal drama from "CSI" producer Jerry Bruckenheim. Prosecutor Annabeth returns to work after having her first and is ready to take on the most difficult cases, fuelled by her passion to protect her community and her family. "Too Close to Home" premieres on CBS in the US this Autumn.
"Veronica Mars," UPN’s break-out hit about a High School student by day, Private Investigator by night is the second drama of the deal. Starring Kristen Bell, the show is now on its third season in the US and has increased its audience by 40%. "Veronica Mars" was nominated for ‘Outstanding New Programmes of the Year’ at the annual Television Critics Association Awards this year.
All UK, multi-season rights were negotiated for "Four Kings" from the award winning "Will and Grace" and "Wonder Years" writing team Max Mutchnik and David Kohan. The show is tipped as one of the hot comedies of the year and explores the life-long friendships of four male bosom buddies sharing an apartment and their transition into adulthood. "Four Kings" launches mid season on NBC in the US and stars Seth Green. The show will partner "Will and Grace" to strengthen LIVINGtv’s comedy line up.
As the home of the highly successful "America’s Next Top Model," LIVINGtv has also picked up "The Tyra Banks Show." After her appearances on "Oprah," Tyra Banks was so popular that Fox owned-and-operated stations decided to commission her own syndicated talk show and now she tries on a new hat as host of her own talk show. The multitalented Banks also serves as executive producer for the show.
Hannah Barnes, Deputy Controller, LIVINGtv said "LIVINGtv has a reputation for bringing the best US imports to the UK and we’re confident that the mix of new comedy, powerful drama and the fabulous "Tyra" talk show will continue to make us the number one destination for great acquisitions."
Jeffrey R. Schlesinger, President, Warner Bros. International Television said: ‘“LIVINGtv is fast becoming a destination channel for quality drama and comedy from the US and we’re delighted it will become the home for three of our most high profile shows.”
Flextech Television
Flextech is the content division of Telewest, the broadband communications and media group. Its core business is the supply of entertainment, information and interactive content and services to the UK multi-channel television and online markets. Flextech is the BBC's partner in UKTV. Together they are the largest supplier of basic channels to the UK pay-TV market with a portfolio that combines wholly owned and managed channels, including the eleven joint venture channels with the BBC.
Flextech's branded content, coupled with Telewest's broadband network, allows the combined group to capture the expanding market for broadband products, including voice, video and interactive services, across multiple platforms.
About Flextech
LIVINGtv is part of Flextech Television. Flextech is the content division of Telewest, the broadband communications and media group. Its core business is the supply of entertainment, information and interactive content and services to the UK multi-channel television and online markets. Flextech is the BBC's partner in UKTV. Together they are the largest supplier of basic channels to the UK pay-TV market with a portfolio that combines wholly owned and managed channels, including the fourteen joint venture channels with the BBC.
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