WASHINGTON, March 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Smithsonian Networks has launched
an international distribution arrangement with leading indie producer and
distributor Off the Fence to represent their catalogue of High Definition
programming in all international territories excluding North America.
Off the Fence will also be collaborating with the Smithsonian Networks
on packaging co-productions for future Smithsonian Networks projects.
The deal covers 50 titles including "Stories from the Vaults", "Sound
Revolution: The Electric Guitar", "Ghost Cat: Saving the Clouded Leopard"
and "Hunt for the Double Eagle". The catalogue will be presented by Off the
Fence at MIP in Cannes in April.
The Smithsonian Channel(TM) is distributed in the United States by
satellite, cable and telecom companies. Its award winning programming
features innovative and groundbreaking non-fiction programs in categories
including: history, pop culture, art, natural history, children's
programming, science, aviation and space exploration.
In commenting on the deal, Ellen Windemuth, Managing Director and
founder of Off the Fence says: "Smithsonian Networks has launched one of
the most exciting new HD channels and has built a reputation for
outstanding visual storytelling. They have an excellent reputation for high
quality content and commitment to the arts, science, history and culture
genres. With our vast experience in distribution, we look forward to
furthering their success and building their value in the international
market".
"We have chosen a distributor with a stellar track record in the global
marketplace. We are delighted that Off the Fence is going to represent our
fast growing catalogue. We have already forged strong relationships with
many of the best-known international co-producers, and believe that our
programming will appeal to broadcasters worldwide," said Tom Hayden,
Executive Vice President and General Manager, Smithsonian Networks.
ABOUT SMITHSONIAN NETWORKS:
Smithsonian Networks (SN) is a joint venture between Showtime Networks
Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution. It was formed to create new channels
to showcase scientific, cultural and historical programming based largely
upon the assets of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum
complex. Smithsonian Channel features original documentaries, short-subject
explorations and innovative and groundbreaking programs highlighting
America's historical, cultural and scientific heritage. Visit Smithsonian
Networks on the internet at http://www.smithsonianchannel.com
Off the Fence:
Established in 1994, Off the Fence is an independent production and
distribution company specialising in non-fiction programming for the
international marketplace.
Off the Fence creates and markets programming with a focus on high
quality, integrity and innovation. The OTF catalogue contains over 1200
hours of natural history, science, health, adventure, history and social
documentaries.
In addition to this, they develop, finance, produce and co-produce
international non-fiction programmes, resulting in over 200 hours of
produced and co-produced programmes in the past four years. As well as
developing films in house, OTF work hands-on with established production
companies and talented newcomers to create internationally marketable
specials and series.
March 2005 saw the launch of OTF's UK production outfit based in
Bristol, home to many of the world's best production talent. Production
offices were also recently opened in Cape Town and Singapore, as an
increasing part of the company's co-production output is created by
production companies and independent filmmakers in these regions.
The company co-produces with broadcasters such as Animal Planet,
National Geographic, BBC, Discovery, Voom, NHK, France 5, France 3, Arte,
Canal Plus, BR, ZDF and NDR.
Press contacts:
Smithsonian Networks
Stuart Zakim
Stuart.zakim@showtime.net
212-708-1590
Franklin Rae Communications
+44 (0) 20 7317 5400
Teresa Hunt teresa@franklinrae.com
Richard Ware richard@franklinrae.com
Belinda Thomas belinda@franklinrae.com
SOURCE Smithsonian Networks
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Related links:
http://www.smithsonianchannel.com
CONTACT:
Stuart Zakim of Smithsonian Networks,
+1-212-708-1590, Stuart.zakim@showtime.net; or Teresa Hunt,
teresa@franklinrae.com, or Richard Ware, richard@franklinrae.com,
or Belinda Thomas, belinda@franklinrae.com, all of Franklin Rae
Communications, +44(0)20-7317-5400
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