News & Deals
DIRECTV Brings Highly Anticipated Paul Abbott Drama Series to Audience Network™
Chloë Sevigny Stars in New Series to Premiere in 2012
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(Oct 20, 2011) -- DIRECTV brings Hit and Miss to its Audience Network™, which will be the exclusive U.S. broadcaster of this highly anticipated new series, created by Emmy and BAFTA Award winner Paul Abbott (State of Play, Shameless), for Sky Atlantic in the UK, and starring Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner Chloë Sevigny (Big Love, Boys Don’t Cry)
High concept and ambitious, Hit and Miss follows Sevingy’s Mia, a contract killer with a secret: she’s a pre-op transsexual. Mia’s life is sent into a tailspin when she receives a letter from an ex-girlfriend dying from cancer revealing that Mia fathered a son eleven years ago. Faced with a difficult decision, Mia becomes the guardian to a new family, a choice that forces her to mix her killer instincts with her newly acquired maternal ones. Hit and Miss tells the story of a lethal killer at the heart of a troubled family and how all of their lives will be dramatically changed forever.
“DIRECTV is incredibly proud that Hit and Miss will be airing exclusively on Audience Network™,” said Chris Long, SVP Entertainment and Production, DIRECTV. “We are always looking for unique, compelling, character driven programming to bring to our viewers and Hit and Miss certainly fits the bill. We have long been admirers of Paul Abbott’s work and are thrilled to be able to work with him on this project.”
“Since the launch of our global drama strategy two years ago we have delivered a range of high-quality scripted content to audiences around the world, and are delighted to be taking Hit and Miss to the 19 million-plus DIRECTV customers across the U.S.,” said David Ellender, Global CEO of FremantleMedia Enterprises. “FME’s collaborations with leading talent such as Paul Abbott have resulted in compelling, cutting-edge programming that underlines our reputation as leading developers, co-producers and distributors of globally popular content.”
Hit and Miss is the first original series commissioned by Sky Atlantic in the UK and is a co-production made by Abbott’s development company AbbottVision and Red Production Company. Written by Sean Conway (Kings of London, Brilliant Love), the series is executive produced by Paul Abbott (AbbottVision), Nicola Shindler (Red Production Company) and Huw Kennair-Jones (Sky Atlantic), produced by Juliet Charlesworth and directed by Hettie Macdonald and Sheree Folkson.
Hit and Miss is the latest project to come out of the development relationship between FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME), the commercial division of FremantleMedia, and AbbottVision, Paul Abbott’s development company. FME provides development funding to AbbottVision and distributes its programs around the world. FME launched the first AbbottVision title Exile in April this year as part of their wider portfolio of high-quality, compelling drama from around the world.
Lisa Honig, SVP Program Distribution, North America for FremantleMedia Enterprises brokered the deal with Kristi Felton, Senior Manager Entertainment, DIRECTV.
DIRECTV and PBR Deliver First-Ever Professional Bull Riding 3D Broadcast to Homes Nationwide
On Oct. 30, DIRECTV’s n3D™ Delivers 3D Access to the World’s Best Bull Riders as They Compete for the Championship Title and $1 Million Prize at the 2011 PBR World Finals
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., and PUEBLO, Colo., --(Oct 14, 2011) -- This month, DIRECTV 3D fans will need to hold on tight as DIRECTV, one of the world’s leading providers of digital television services, and the Professional Bull Riders, the world’s premier bull riding organization, bring the final day of the richest bull riding event in the world to homes across the country in 3D for the first time. The 3D broadcast of the 2011 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals will air on Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. ET on DIRECTV’s 3D channel, n3D™ (channel 103).
The Professional Bull Riders season will conclude in Las Vegas with the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals, and the crowning of the 2011 PBR World Champion. The winner will receive the World Championship PBR Buckle and a $1 million bonus. The 2011 PBR World Champion will be the rider with the most Built Ford Tough Series points accumulated during the regular season and the World Finals. Top bull riders who will be competing at the event include Silvano Alves, Luke Snyder and Robson Palermo.
“There is some programming that looks good in 3D and then there is programming that is made for 3D,” said Chris Long, senior vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. “Watching a 1,500-pound bull do a full body-roll while a rider holds on couldn’t be a more perfect example of why everyone should have a 3D TV in their home. We are turning the living room into a steel bull riding arena complete with the most powerful bulls on earth and a lineup of the best bull riders in the world ready to take the championship title. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with the PBR on this event, and will continue to provide our customers with compelling 3D programming that they can’t see anywhere else.”
“PBR has always embraced cutting-edge media to present our sport to the world, and 3D television was built for bull riding,” said Sean Gleason, PBR president and COO. “We’re thrilled to be working with DIRECTV, and look forward to this new way to bring fans even closer to the action, or in this case, the action closer to the fans.”
DIRECTV offers more 3D programming than any other television provider in the country. n3D (Ch.103), the nation’s first 24/7 3D network, is available at no additional programming cost to millions of DIRECTV HD customers*. n3D offers customers access to exclusive, original 3D programming such as DIRECTV’s award-winning series Guitar Center Sessions; the DIRECTV Celebrity Beach Bowl; On Deck With Jamie and Mike; and Fast Lane For Fun. DIRECTV also offers 3net and ESPN 3D as part of its 3D programming platform. For more information on n3D™, please visit www.DIRECTV.com/3D.
*3DTV and equipment required.
DIRECTV’s New Nick and Artie Show Coming to a Radio (and TV) Near You
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(Oct 5, 2011) -- Sports talk radio has been turned on its ear with the DIRECTV launch of the Nick and Artie Show, a manic, late-night look at the world of sports and entertainment from the perspective of two fans, who also happen to be hilarious stand-up comedians.
The new, nationally syndicated radio show, produced by DIRECTV and distributed through Premiere Networks, Inc., will feature Artie Lange, best known for his work on MADtv and the Howard Stern Show; and Nick DiPaolo, who has made frequent appearances on the Stern show and Comedy Central.
The Nick and Artie Show currently airs Monday through Friday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET and is streamed live on the show’s website, www.NickandArtie.com. Next year, DIRECTV plans to simulcast the radio program on its Audience Network™, joining the popular The Dan Patrick Show, which began its simulcast on DIRECTV in 2009.
Nick and Artie Show listeners will be treated to a totally different type of sports show. Instead of the usual commentary from former players, coaches, and slick sports broadcasters so common on sports talk radio, fans will get an earful of the most outrageous observational humor to be found anywhere on the radio.
The Nick and Artie Show will be a hilarious, man-tacular departure from the standard sports talk radio format,” said Chris Long, senior vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment and Production. “Assuming they don’t get arrested, we’re looking forward to simulcasting the show on our Audience Network™ this spring.”
“I’m excited to be doing a show with Nick DiPaolo, who is one of my favorite comedians of all time,” said Lange. The Nick and Artie Show will bring a fan’s perspective to the world of sports, which isn’t often represented on the radio or TV sports shows. Add in a little entertainment and basically you have the perfect example of what happens when two comedians can’t get a sitcom!”
“I’m looking forward to doing this show with my pal Artie and I’m confident we’re going to do for sports talk radio what hydrogen did for the Hindenburg,” said DiPaolo. “I just hope we’re not mathematically eliminated by Halloween.”
Comedian and radio personality Artie Lange is best known for his tenure with The Howard Stern Show and the comedy sketch series MADtv. Lange has released recordings of comedy performances – It’s the Whiskey Talkin’ (2004) and Jack and Coke (2009). He co-wrote, produced and starred in his film Artie Lange’s Beer League in 2006, and published his book Too Fat to Fish in 2008, which entered The New York Times Best Seller list at number one.
Best known for his seething, sarcastic style, Nick DiPaolo has performed on a wide range of shows, including The Tonight Show, HBO’s Young Comedians Special, Late Night with David Letterman and Conan O’ Brien. An accomplished writer, he was twice nominated for an Emmy for his writing on The Chris Rock Show. Nick is a permanent fixture on Comedy Central, having had three half-hour stand up specials on the network and is often featured on the hilarious Comedy Central Roasts. His strong political opinions have been heard on Fox News Channel’s Hannity, Red Eye, Fox and Friends, as well as CNN’s Joy Behar. Nick’s one hour comedy special for Showtime, entitled Raw Nerve debuted this year to rave reviews.
DIRECTV’S The 101 Network Becomes The Audience Network on June 1
New Name, New Look, New Logo on Tap For DIRECTV’s Original Programming Network
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(May 16, 2011) -- Beginning June 1, DIRECTV’s The 101 Network will transform itself into the AUDIENCE Network and become the new home for DIRECTV’s exclusive programming, which includes some of the smartest, most daring entertainment on television. The Audience Network will be accessible in 19.4 million homes on channel number 239.
The newly-branded network will focus on maintaining DIRECTV’s growing commitment to providing subscribers with premium programming that can’t be seen anywhere else. The name change and new look unveils shortly before the new season of Damages and will include a new on-air presence and will be supported by a robust marketing campaign that includes broadcast, print and online media.
“We’ve spent the last six years building this network into something very special,” said Derek Chang, executive vice president of Content Strategy and Development at DIRECTV. “DIRECTV is the only television operator who provides customers with a premium quality entertainment channel for free and the new name perfectly captures who we are doing this for, specifically our demographic, the DIRECTV audience.
In 2006, DIRECTV entered into the original programming arena with CD USA, a weekly, one-hour music performance series featuring the hottest music artists of the day based on the UK hit CD UK. In 2007, DIRECTV adopted the NBC daytime drama Passions and produced exclusive, original episodes of the eclectic soap opera. And, in 2008, DIRECTV changed the television landscape by partnering with NBC to produce and air three additional seasons of the Emmy Award-winning series Friday Night Lights.
Throughout the years, the network would become known for a television version of the nationally syndicated sports radio hit The Dan Patrick Show, giving new life to respected, critically acclaimed programming (Friday Night Lights, Damages), turning American audiences on to quality programming from other countries (Underbelly from Australia, Mutual Friends and No Heroics from the United Kingdom, Call Me Fitz from Canada) and revisiting highly respected shows that deserved another look (complete season runs of Wonderland, Smith, The Nine, Eyes, The Wire, Oz and Brotherhood).
In the coming months The Audience Network will announce a number of unique, high-profile series and specials from well-known producers.
Get More Details
3D Pioneers, DIRECTV and Panasonic, To Host Inaugural 3D Film Invitational
Six Filmmakers to Train with Technicolor and Panasonic; Films to be Showcased on DIRECTV and at Premiere Screening Event at the Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Furthering their commitment to the 3D category, DIRECTV and Panasonic will host the inaugural 2011 DIRECTV n3D™ Film Invitational Presented by Panasonic.
The Invitational will give six filmmakers the opportunity to train on the latest 3D equipment and create a short film that is funded by DIRECTV and Panasonic. All six films will premiere on DIRECTV's 3D channel, n3D™, powered by Panasonic, and will be screened at a premiere event, which will be held at the Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles this summer. The winner of the Invitational's n3D Excellence Award will receive a $25,000 grand prize. In addition, Technicolor will also present a 3D Technical Achievement Award and $5,000 prize.
"As a leader in 3D entertainment, DIRECTV aims to foster and encourage a new generation of film and television makers whose vision will drive the technology forward," said Chris Long, senior vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "Our goal is to give these filmmakers an opportunity to work with the latest 3D equipment and receive training from world renowned 3D technology companies, without having to worry about the costs associated with filming in this format. We are excited to see the final lineup of 3D shorts and to cultivate a new group of filmmakers who will continue contributing their talents to the 3D category in the future."
"Panasonic is very pleased to see the enthusiasm among filmmakers for the creation of 3D short films," said Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, vice president and chief technology officer of Panasonic Corporation of North America. "As the pioneer in 3D TV technology, we are especially proud that much of today's newest and most compelling 3D content is being created using Panasonic 3D tools, including professional quality 3D video cameras and 3D reference monitors. We are delighted that the 3D content that will be created in the 2011 DIRECTV n3D™ Film Invitational Presented by Panason iwcill further accelerate the growth of interest in 3D entertainment in the home and cinema."
"Technicolor is pleased to be supporting our partner, DIRECTV, and to be part of this 3D film making event," said Gary Donnan, executive vice president - Strategy, Technology, & Research at Technicolor. "We believe that 3D film making requires specific production values and we are honored to be contributing both our 3D Master Class and our Technicolor Certifi3D service to ensure the highest quality experience for the end consumer."
DIRECTV recently worked with programming partners to identify a select pool of talented individuals as ideal candidates to join in this event and had them participate in a pitch session where they presented an original, live action short film concept that follows this year's Invitational theme of "Anything is Possible," to a panel of distinguished judges, which included representatives from DIRECTV, Panasonic and Technicolor. From this group of candidates, six finalists were selected to move forward.
Over the next couple of months, the six finalists will be allowed to select up to two members of their production team to attend Technicolor's renowned 3D Master Class and experience hands-on training from Panasonic on its 3D camera at DIRECTV's Los Angeles Broadcast Center. In addition, each filmmaker will receive the following to create their short film:
- Use of one Panasonic 3D camera with digi-cards
- Use of one 3D monitor and one hard drive
- Access to DIRECTV's post-production facilities
- Production budget
- 3D content certification (Technicolor's Certifi3D) ensuring 3D films conform to highest quality 3D production values to
deliver a comfortable 3D viewing experience for consumers.
All of the films will be included in a 3D broadcast special, which will feature the "making of" the short films. The special, along with the films themselves, will air on DIRECTV's 3D Channel, n3D™ powered by Panasonic.
DIRECTV offers more 3D programming than any other television provider in the country. n3D, powered by Panasonic (Ch. 103), the nation's first 24/7 3D network, is available at no additional cost to millions of DIRECTV HD customers. In addition to exclusive 3D coverage of special events such as the 2010 MLB All-Star Game and the 2010 U.S. Open Tennis Championship, the n3D channel also gives customers access to exclusive, original 3D programming such as DIRECTV's award-winning series Guitar Center Sessions; the 2011 DIRECTV Celebrity Beach Bowl and Guy's Big Bite in 3D. The 3D programming available both on n3D and DIRECTV CINEMA™ are all powered by PanasonicD.I RECTV also offers 3net and ESPN 3D as part of its 3D programming platform. For more information on n3D™, powered by Panasonic, please visit www.DIRECTV.com/3D.
Starcom MediaVest Group and DIRECTV Form Relationship to Launch Addressable,
National Television Ads
Chicago -- Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG) and DIRECTV, the world's most popular video service, have an agreement in principle for SMG to assist DIRECTV in delivering scaled, household-addressable advertising to customer households with DVRs.
The deal, the first of its kind on a national level, will allow SMG to be the first agency network to provide its clients with the ability to address highly relevant advertising messages, including the right to be the first to identify the audiences that best fit their clients' needs for addressability. The agency will also serve as an advisor to DIRECTV to help enhance and refine the service, a role SMG has played for many early trials.
"This is a glimpse into our industry's future. Up until now, we've only been able to test the power of addressability in local markets. We proved its value beyond a shadow of doubt, but hadn't yet conquered scale until now," said Laura Desmond, CEO of SMG, whose clients include some of the world's most influential marketers including Procter and Gamble, Coca-Cola, and General Motors. "As a result of this partnership with DIRECTV, we can now invest our clients' dollars in addressable messaging at the national level. We believe this is the tipping point, an entirely new marketplace is being created and shaped that will increase marketing effectiveness."
According to Tracey Scheppach, SVP/Innovations Director at SMGx, "At SMG, we've run the numbers and feel confident that the creation of a viable national addressable platform can infuse $10 billion in incremental revenue into the television marketplace as its appeal is universal and has the ability to bring a whole new class of marketers to the medium. It's taken years of hard work to get this far, but we've got light at the end of the tunnel and we're ready to put our money on the table."
"This partnership with SMG will create a whole new revenue stream for DIRECTV and ensure that our viewers are being served up with ads that are relevant to their lifestyles," said Bob Riordan, senior vice president, DIRECTV Advertising Sales. "It's a win for DIRECTV, advertisers, and our viewers."
As part of the advertising deal brokered by SMGx, the trading and innovation arm of SMG, media agency's clients will be able to segment their ads on a national level to selected consumers based on multiple factors including geography and customer segmentations, as well as third-party sources and the marketers' consumer databases.
The consulting segment of the SMG/DIRECTV relationship begins immediately, with the addressable ad technology set to begin testing in 2011. After testing is complete, DIRECTV will deploy household addressable advertising capability to the nearly 10
million customers expected to have DVRs, with 25 of the top-rated cable networks.
A Broadcast First: DIRECTV's The Dan Patrick Show On The 101® Network Syndicated to More Than 85 Million Homes
Fox Sports Net Will Distribute the Popular Sports Talk TV Series Beginning Oct. 25
El Segundo, CA (Oct 4, 2010) -- DIRECTV, the nation's most popular video service, and Fox Sports Net (FSN), are making broadcast history through a syndication deal that enables FSN to distribute DIRECTV's popular The Dan Patrick Show - seen on DIRECTV's The 101(R) Network - to its regional sports networks (RSNs) and affiliates, including DIRECTV's RSNs, reaching more than 85 million homes and marking the first time that a programming distributor has sold its original content into national syndication.
The innovative TV show, based on the nationally syndicated weekday radio program, The Dan Patrick Show, will be launched on FSN's network of regional sports networks including DIRECTV's three regional sports networks beginning Monday, Oct. 25. The show airs live, from 9 a.m. to noon ET, Monday through Friday.
"I think this is an incredible opportunity for Dan and the Danettes to showcase their talents to a larger audience," said Chris Long, senior vice president, Entertainment, DIRECTV. "Dan is one of the most talented broadcasters in the business and in the past year we have created a truly unique TV experience for our loyal customers."
"I'm proud that the show we've developed will be seen by even more fans," said Patrick. "DIRECTV took a radio show and seamlessly developed it into a hybrid of radio and television in one show. And it's not stagnant. It's not us doing a radio show with two cameras showing us talking. We will show you the good and bad of what goes on during a show and during the breaks. If we screw up, we can't hide it."
Jeff Krolik, executive vice president, FSN, added, "This show will create water cooler talk. Dan is a unique talent who has a razor-sharp wit and a piercing insight into the world of sports. The show consistently delivers great, timely guests, smart conversation, and an unpredictable cast of characters that will connect with our viewers."
The Dan Patrick Show began airing exclusively on DIRECTV's The 101 Network, DIRECTV's original programming channel, Aug. 3, 2009, and expanded on the radio show format using Patrick's trademark humor and interaction with his production staff that includes Paul Pabst, Patrick O'Connor, Andrew Perloff and Todd Fritz, known as "The Danettes."
Amid the revealing behind-the-scenes antics and interstitial videos, the series is known for its unique blend of situational comedy, breaking sports news, unparalleled insider access and pop culture commentary. By allowing viewers to see the true comedy that surrounds Patrick and his team, The Dan Patrick Show reveals the humor in sports broadcasting while opening the locker room doors to the world of sports. Patrick's on-air guests include many high profile athletes and celebrities.
The Dan Patrick Show will be carried by DIRECTV Sports Networks - FSN Rocky Mountain, FSN Northwest and FSN Pittsburg; Fox RSNs and affiliates - FS Florida, FS Ohio, FS Arizona, FS Detroit, FS Midwest, FS Indiana, FS Kansas City, FS North, FS Wisconsin, Prime Ticket, FS South, FS Carolinas, FS Tennessee, FS Southwest, FS Oklahoma, FS Houston, FS West, SportSouth, SunSports, MSG Plus, CSN Chicago, CSN Mid Atlantic and CSN New England.
Farm Aid 25: Growing Hope for America Concert to be Broadcast Live in HD and
Commercial Free Exclusively on DIRECTV's The 101 Network
October 2 Event to Feature Performances by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp,
Kenny Chesney, Norah Jones and More
Selection of Eco-Themed Series and Specials from Planet Green and Documentary Channel Will
Complement the Broadcast
New York, (Sep 15, 2010) -- For the third consecutive year, DIRECTV, the world's most popular video service, will be the exclusive television broadcaster of Farm Aid's annual benefit concert to be presented live and in HD on October 2 at 6 p.m. EST on The 101 Network. Farm Aid 25: Growing Hope for America, celebrates twenty-five years of inspiring music, supporting farmers and strengthening America. In addition to broadcasting the event, DIRECTV has pledged to match all customer donations up to $50,000 made during the months of September and October to support Farm Aid's mission to keep family farmers on the land, growing healthy food for all.
Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews will headline the event, to be hosted by award-winning broadcaster Tavis Smiley, at Miller Park in Milwaukee, WI. Recently announced acts including Kenny Chesney, Norah Jones, Jason Mraz, Jeff Tweedy, Band of Horses, The BoDeans, Amos Lee, Robert Francis, Lukas Nelson and The Promise of the Real, The Blackwood Quartet and Randy Rogers Band will join the lineup.
Since its first concert on September 22, 1985, Farm Aid has been a tireless champion of family farmers, raising more than $37 million to promote a strong and resilient family farm system of agriculture. The non-profit organization also fosters connections between farmers and consumers by growing and strengthening local and regional markets and working to get family farm food in urban neighborhoods, grocery stores, restaurants, schools and other public institutions. In order to call attention to Farm Aid's mission and promote good food from family farms, The 101 Network will air a selection of green-themed series, specials and documentaries from Planet Green and Documentary Channel leading up to the October 2 live broadcast. Beginning
Monday, September 20, a two hour Planet Green programming block, featuring the series Operation Wild, The Fabulous Beekman Boys, Future Food and Living with Ed, will air daily at 3 p.m. ET. Two Documentary Channel films, Life Running Out of Control and Revolution Green, will air on September 18 and 25 respectively at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
"DIRECTV is honored to be airing Farm Aid's annual concert for the third consecutive year," said Patty Ishimoto, vice president of DIRECTV Entertainment and General Manager of The 101 Network. "In addition to providing our customers with a truly spectacular concert experience, we wanted to mark the event's 25th anniversary by further emphasizing Farm Aid's fundamental messaging by showcasing a number of series and specials from Planet Green and Documentary Channel that promote the importance of ecology, sustainability and family farming."
The six hour broadcast will be filmed entirely in HD and air in 5.1 surround sound. As in years past, DIRECTV will create original one-hour specials featuring performances from Farm Aid 25: Growing Hope for America, which will air on The 101 Network as part of the DIRECTV Concert Series.
DIRECTV and Google Enter into Ad Sales Partnership
Advertisers Will Be Able To Reach Eleven DIRECTV Channels Through Google TV Ads
New York, (Aug 11, 2010) -- DIRECTV, the world's most popular video service, and Google announced today a strategic partnership in which Google will become the sales representative for a broad selection of advertising inventory on several cable networks carried on DIRECTV.
As a result of this partnership with DIRECTV national satellite inventory on Bloomberg, Fox Business, Centric, Fuel, G4, Current, Ovation, Fit, Sleuth, Chiller and TV Guide will be available through the Google TV Ads system across all dayparts, including primetime. Google TV Ads customers will now be able to reach up to 30 million satellite households through both DIRECTV and existing partnerships.
"We are delighted to partner with Google and embark on this initiative together," said Bob Riordan, Senior Vice President, DIRECTV Advertising Sales. "Google TV Ads is an excellent advertising tool and will be a tremendous complement to DIRECTV's existing suite of innovative assets."
DIRECTV reaches 18.7 million TV households, which will allow Google TV Ads advertisers to reach a wide variety of engaged TV viewers, depending on the needs of any given ad campaign.
Damages To Air Brand New Episodes Exclusively On DIRECTV’s 101 Network
DIRECTV Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television Partner to Produce 20 New Episodes To Air Over Two Consecutive Seasons in 2011 and 2012
CULVER CITY & EL SEGUNDO, Calif., (Jul 19, 2010) -- DIRECTV and Sony Pictures Television will team up to bring the award-winning DAMAGES, starring Glenn Close and Rose Byrne, back with brand new episodes to be produced early next year and debuting exclusively on DIRECTV. Emmy winner Glenn Close, Emmy nominee Rose Byrne and other principal cast members will return for the new episodes.
Unlike DIRECTV's current deal for Friday Night Lights, whereby the show airs first on DIRECTV and then on NBC, the new episodes of DAMAGES will air only on DIRECTV. Additionally, DIRECTV will have the rights to air previously produced seasons 1 through 3.
"We're excited to partner with Sony Pictures Television as we breathe new life into this outstanding drama," said Patty Ishimoto, general manager of The 101 Network and vice president of entertainment for DIRECTV. "It's a win for our customers because only they will be able to see these new episodes and another great step forward for DIRECTV as we continue to build our growing portfolio of exclusive, award winning programming."
"DAMAGES is simply one of the best shows on television, and we're grateful to DIRECTV for the opportunity to produce more episodes of this groundbreaking show," said Jamie Erlicht, president, programming and production, Sony Pictures Television.
"We're thrilled to have a new home for the show and our team of award-winning writers, producers and actors will not only maintain that standard of excellence, but deliver our best seasons yet," added Zack Van Amburg, president, programming and production, Sony Pictures Television.
"FX was very proud to have developed one of the best scripted series on television, but, in order to have a future, the show needed DIRECTV and we are thrilled they stepped in," said John Landgraf, President & General Manager, FX Networks, who also heads FX Productions. "Sony Pictures Television is a great production partner and we at FX Productions are excited for these next two seasons."
Over its first three seasons on television, DAMAGES has featured what is arguably the most impressive cast and guest stars of any series on television - Glenn Close, Rose Byrne, Tate Donovan, Ted Danson, Zeljko Ivanek, Anastasia Griffith, Noah Bean, Tom Aldrege, Philip Bosco, Nichael Nouri, Peter Facinelli, Peter Reigert, Mario Van Peebles, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Timothy Olyphant, John Doman, Clarke Peters, Kevin Corrigan, Paige Turco, Tom Noonan, Garret Dillahunt, Campbell Scott, Martin Short, Lily Tomlin, Keith Carradine, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Michael Gaston, Darren Goldstein, Sarah Wynter and Reiko Aylesworth.
DAMAGES recently received five Emmy Award nominations for its critically acclaimed third season, Glenn Close for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, Rose Byrne for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, Zeljko Ivanek for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, Ted Danson for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series and Lily Tomlin for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series.
The series earned seven Emmy Award nominations in each of its first two seasons and Close became the first actress from a basic cable series to win the Emmy for Lead Actress in a Drama; Zeljko Ivanek became the first actor from a basic cable series to win the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor for a Drama Series, and DAMAGES was the first basic cable series to take home the Emmy for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series. DAMAGES and AMC's Mad Men were the first basic cable series to be nominated in for Outstanding Drama Series. In its first season, DAMAGES earned the most Golden Globes nominations of any series in television with Glenn Close winning for Best Actress in a TV Series - Drama.
The show was created and is executive produced by Todd A. Kessler, Glenn Kessler and Daniel Zelman.
DAMAGES is produced by Sony Pictures Television in association with FX Productions.
DIRECTV Partnership With NCC Media Will Greatly Impact TV Advertising Industry
Innovative Venture Between Satellite and Cable Companies Will Greatly Benefit Spot TV Advertiser
NEW YORK, NY. (Jun 15, 2010) -- DIRECTV, The world's largest satellite television service, and NCC Media, the fast-growing advertising sales company that represents America's cable operators and works with advertisers in every US market, have today announced the formation of a groundbreaking partnership that will have a wide-ranging impact on the TV advertising industry. The new agreement will allow for one-stop access to locally place ads on a wide selection of networks in the vast majority of multichannel satellite and cable homes through NCC.
The arrangement brings DIRECTV to the spot advertising market for the first time, augments NCC Media's portfolio of offerings to marketers, and creates a golden opportunity for DIRECTV and the cable MSO's to grow ad revenues together. DIRECTV's newly developed targeted ad system will be integrated with existing local market cable advertising platforms, called 'interconnects', greatly increasing an ad's coverage in 25 select markets.
DIRECTV's unique addressable technology enables zone-targeted ads to be stored within DVR enabled set top boxes, allowing for the insertion of ads in local breaks across multiple cable networks. Testing efforts are underway and the platform will be operational in the second half of 2011.
"This is a powerful and exciting partnership combining DIRECTV's technological prowess in delivering nationally targeted advanced television services with NCC's experienced leadership in spot sales," says Bob Riordan, Senior Vice President, DIRECTV Advertising Sales.
"Combining DIRECTV's ad impressions with those of our cable market interconnects will deliver a tremendous advantage to advertisers - greater local reach and penetration against targeted consumers in the best programming on television," said NCC Media President & CEO Greg Schaefer. "And this powerful ad platform will be made available to advertisers via NCC's sales force in 16 offices across the country - and to regional and local marketers via the local interconnect sales teams of Comcast, Cox and Time Warner Cable."
The operation will be serviced by NCC's vaunted E-business applications, which will seamlessly integrate the new DIRECTV subscribers into the buying and stewardship systems used by virtually every US ad agency. This integration means there will be no additional effort needed for media planners and buyers to place local ads in satellite homes via NCC or their local cable interconnect partners.
The partnership between NCC Media and DIRECTV has its roots in a proven, successful collaboration between the two organizations in the sale of advertising in regional sports networks. This working relationship has given NCC Media hands-on experience with DIRECTV's engineering, operations and sales departments, and this ability will be fully utilized going forward.
DIRECTV HD DVR Customers Can Now Record And Watch Shows, From Any Room of the House - All With A Single DVR
The DIRECTV® Whole-Home DVR Service Gives Customers the Power to Share Recorded Programs with up to 15 Televisions
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (Jun 07, 2010) -- DIRECTV, the world's most popular video service, is giving customers a virtual HD DVR in any room of the home with the launch of its new DIRECTV® Whole-Home DVR service, which is currently available to DIRECTV customers nationwide. In addition, beginning today, DIRECTV is launching a national print, broadcast and online advertising campaign to coincide with the launch of the new service.
With the new multi-room service, customers have even more control over their television viewing experience by being able to share recorded programs on any TV in the home, begin a program in one room and finish it in another, and access DIRECTV's DVR technology on non-DVR HD receivers.
The DIRECTV® Whole-Home DVR service eliminates the need for multiple HD DVRs by allowing customers to record and watch their favorite shows in up to 15 rooms in their home with a single HD DVR.
"We've created a connected whole-home service that is perfectly attuned to our customers viewing habits and lifestyles, delivering a DVR experience with maximum convenience and control," said Romulo Pontual, CTO of DIRECTV. "The DIRECTV® Whole-Home DVR service truly enables customers to watch what they want, where they want and when they want it, by simply using a single HD DVR."
The DIRECTV® Whole-Home DVR service is available for $3 per month and provides customers with features such as:
- Access to a single, combined playlist of all of their recorded programs on any connected television in the home,
- DVR controls in every room, including record, delete, pause and rewind functionality,
- Stop a recorded show in one room and continue watching in a different room,
- Manage DVR playlist from any connected room
- Set separate parental controls for each TV
- Watch recorded shows in HD in any connected room
For more information on the DIRECTV® Whole-Home DVR service please visit
www.directv.com/wholehome or call 1-800-DIRECTV.
DIRECTV Group and DISH Network Launch Advanced Satellite Advertising Platform
National Advertisers Will be Able to Reach Nearly One-Third of U.S. Pay-TV Households
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. & ENGLEWOOD, Colo., (Apr 26, 2010) -- DIRECTV Group and DISH Network L.L.C., the leading digital television service providers in the United States, today announced the launch of the Advanced Satellite Advertising Platform (ASAP), a new interactive advertising platform giving national television advertisers unprecedented reach to nearly 30 million U.S. households.
The acronym ASAP is both a play on advertisers’ current needs for a more efficient, nationally-scaled interactive television platform and the platform’s immediate ability to deliver this interactive opportunity to the marketplace.
Advertisers will benefit from a turn-key, one-stop-shop approach with respect to the process of creating, planning, buying and implementing a national interactive advertising campaign. ASAP’s core opportunity will offer advertisers the ability to showcase long-form advertorial content on an exclusive, dedicated channel coupled with interactive opportunities to further engage the consumer. These interactive opportunities include additional product information, photo galleries, simple gaming, regional locators and requests-for-information (RFIs). RFIs enable consumers at home to enter a sweepstakes or request a product sample, informational brochure or coupon directly from the television using their remote control.
“Separately, our satellite companies already bring advanced media functionality to every DMA in the country; together, we bring the scale, ease of use and analytics that we believe will power interactive TV into the mainstream among clients,” said Michael Finn, Vice President of Advertising Sales for DISH Network.
“Both DIRECTV and DISH Network have offered advertisers a proven and mature interactive platform that dates back to 2004,” said Bob Riordan, Senior Vice President of Advertising Sales for DIRECTV. “Our combined advanced television efforts will bring the marketplace unmatched expertise and an unrivaled nationally scaled experience.”
ASAP will be a fully measured advertising platform utilizing third-party research services. Advertisers will receive in-depth post report metrics upon the completion of a campaign.
America's Funniest Comedians Tackle the Courtroom in Season Three of DIRECTV's
Original Series Supreme Court of Comedy on The 101 Network
Featured Comics Include Tom Arnold, Kevin Nealon, Jamie Kennedy, Jeff Garlin, Paul Rodriguez, Louie
Anderson, Bobby Lee, Carol Leifer, Paul Mooney Season Three Premieres Thursday, June 17 at 10 p.m.
ET/PT
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., (Apr 07, 2010) -- America's funniest comedians return to The World Famous Laugh Factory courtroom when the third season of DIRECTV's original series, Supreme Court of Comedy, premieres Thursday, June 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on The 101(R) Network. Comedians Kevin Nealon and Jamie Kennedy kick off the third installment of the hilarious series when they take opposing sides in a dispute over designer D-cup bras. The half-hour, unscripted series, executive produced by, The Laugh Factory and True Entertainment an Endemol Company, will air commercial-free and in HD.
The thirteen-episode series is The People's Court with a twist, as everyday citizens with real-life small claims disputes forgo the traditional legal system to have their cases tried by America's top comedians inside the World Famous Laugh Factory in Los Angeles, California. Veteran comic Dom Irrera returns as presiding "Chief Justice," delivering verdicts that are not only hilarious, but surprisingly just. On the other end of the gavel, comedians Tom Arnold, Kevin Nealon, Jamie Kennedy, Jeff Garlin, Paul Rodriguez, Louie Anderson, Bobby Lee, Paul Mooney, Daniel Tosh, Russell Peters, Tony Rock, Harland Williams, Maz Jobrani, Andy Kindler, Aries Spears and Bryan Callen, tackle the legal system as the court's "counselors."
Season three's docket promises to be even funnier - and stranger - than ever with the featured comedians representing real life litigants in cases such as "Her D Cup Runneth Over," "Body Slammed and Backstabbed," "Couching Tiger, Hidden Moocher," and "Burned by Rubber," among others. From opening statements to closing arguments (with a few wardrobe malfunctions in between) and surprise star witnesses including legendary comedienne Phyllis Diller, the series proves to be the most hilarious and unpredictable courtroom in America.
DIRECTV and VERSUS Reach Carriage Agreement; Sports Net Returns to DIRECTV Lineup Today
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. & PHILADELPHIA, (Mar 15, 2010) -- DIRECTV and Comcast have reached an agreement to return VERSUS to the DIRECTV programming lineup today. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
VERSUS will return to the same DIRECTV programming packages it was in at the end of August 2009.
"We are pleased that both sides were able to work out a satisfactory deal to bring this programming back to our customers," said Derek Chang, executive vice president, Content Strategy and Development, DIRECTV.
"We're excited that we were able to come to a fair agreement that puts VERSUS back in millions of homes with DIRECTV in time for our busy spring programming schedule," said Jamie Davis, president of VERSUS. "We look forward to super-serving these fans with NHL regular-season and playoff coverage, our first live UFC event and much more."
DIRECTV's "NASCAR Head-2-Head Knockout" Brings First-Ever Bracket Competition For
Charity to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series(TM), Intensifying Driver Rivalries With A 'Race Within
A Race'
Drivers Battle it Out For Their Favorite Charity;
Fans Get a Chance to win $1 Million for Picking the Perfect Bracket
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., (Feb 16, 2010) -- DIRECTV, the exclusive provider of the NASCAR HOTPASS(TM) broadcast, teams up with FOX Sports and NASCAR(R) to announce the inaugural DIRECTV's NASCAR(R) Head-2-Head Knockout competition - an innovative new bracket-format competition that will showcase existing and new rivalries amongst 32 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series(TM) drivers in a high-stakes contest over the course of four races during the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series(TM) schedule.
The unique DIRECTV bracket-format competition breaks new promotional ground for NASCAR(R) racing as it will be the first time in the sport's history that drivers will compete in a bracket, head-to-head fashion, for charity.
The stakes are high for both drivers and spectators alike as winning drivers will build up cash prizes each week, with a total of $500,000 donated to charity during the course of the program. Consumers participating in the bracket have a chance to win a new car and the ultimate prize, a check for $1 million dollars to the person who picks a perfect bracket. Fans can get more information now by visiting www.directv.com/nascar and can begin entering their brackets on April 11. The program will also be promoted at NASCAR.COM.
The competition divides 32 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series(TM) drivers into four regional brackets, with each driver going head-tohead against a new competitor each week in a single elimination format. Participating drivers advance to subsequent rounds by finishing higher than the driver they're matched up against each week. In classic "tournament" fashion, rounds one through three will narrow the field down to "The Fastest Four" who will trade paint for DIRECTV's NASCAR(R) Head 2 Head Knockout Championship at Darlington Raceway.
The initial 32 drivers will be comprised of the 12 drivers who participated in the 2009 Sprint Cup Chase and the winners of the first seven races of the 2010 Sprint Cup Series. The 13 remaining bids will be determined by a selection committee to round out the 32-man field.
Following is a schedule for DIRECTV's NASCAR(R) Head-2-Head Knockout competition in 2010:
Round One on April 18 (Samsung Mobile 500 at Texas Motor Speedway)
Round Two on April 25 (Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway)
Round Three on May 1 (Crown Royal presents "The Heath Calhoun 400", Richmond International Raceway)
"The Fastest Four" on May 8 (Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway)
"Given DIRECTV's passion for absolutely anything sports related, we're excited to partner with NASCAR(R) and FOX to showcase some of the intense rivalries that we all know exist within the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series(TM)," said Jon Gieselman, senior vice president of Advertising and Public Relations for DIRECTV. "It will be exciting to watch the mano-a-mano match-ups unfold, creating a whole new competitive dynamic for our customers to enjoy on four Sundays this spring."
"DIRECTV's NASCAR(R) Head-2-Head Knockout competition is another example of DIRECTV's commitment to NASCAR(R) and our fans," said Jim O'Connell, NASCAR's Vice President of Corporate Marketing and International Development. "We are thrilled to have DIRECTV as a long time partner and look forward to our fans following the match ups on the NASCAR HOTPASS(R) broadcast."
NASCAR HOTPASS(R), DIRECTV's exclusive broadcast that allows you to experience the race from the driver's vantage point, will transform into the ultimate way to track your brackets during the four-week competition and will be the best way to follow along.
DIRECTV and Panasonic Bring 3D Home
DIRECTV - First Television Provider to Launch 3D in the Home -Will Soon Deliver Three Dedicated 3D
Channels Presented by Panasonic
LAS VEGAS., (Jan 06, 2010) -- DIRECTV, the world's most popular television service, and Panasonic, a world leader in HDTV and digital electronics, announced today a strategic relationship that, for the first time, will bring 3D TV, the next frontier of television entertainment, to the largest audience nationwide. Beginning in June 2010, millions of DIRECTV HD customers will receive a free software upgrade enabling them to have access to three dedicated 3D channels through their 3D television sets, such as Panasonic's VIERA Full HD 3D TVs.
Panasonic will be the exclusive presenting sponsor of DIRECTV's new HD 3D channels, which will deliver movies, sports and entertainment content from some of the world's most renowned 3D producers. DIRECTV and Panasonic will leverage current relationships with programming partners and movie studios to obtain new and existing 3D content. DIRECTV is currently working with AEG/AEG Digital Media, CBS, Fox Sports/FSN, Golden Boy Promotions, HDNet, MTV, NBC Universal and Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., to develop additional 3D programming that will debut in 2010-2011. The sponsorship will feature Panasonic branding on all DIRECTV 3D channels for a one-year period.
"We led the way with HD and we are excited to do the same with 3D," said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "Adding the most HD channels to our lineup gave customers a viewing experience that was incredibly lifelike; adding 3D to the mix will take that one step further allowing them to become part of the cast as the picture comes to life in their
living rooms. We are taking a technology that at one time could only be seen in a theater and bringing it into the living rooms of the largest audience in the United States. By partnering with Panasonic, we are bringing together two industry leaders to deliver the most advanced television technology available today and together we are continuing to set the standard for the best television viewing experience available."
"Panasonic has been developing 3D standards for television for several years, and we believe it represents a fundamentally new experience in home entertainment because it adds the immersive nature of real life," said Yoshi Yamada, chairman & CEO of Panasonic Corporation of North America. "Our relationship with DIRECTV is a core component of our 'end-to-end' strategy of
building out an entire 3D entertainment ecosystem. From leading the development of the Full HD 3D standard for Blu-ray Disc to launching Full HD 3D stereoscopic prosumer camcorders; to now supporting broadcast of 3D content by DIRECTV; to introducing a broad line of Full HD 3D VIERA televisions and a Full HD 3D Blu-ray player in 2010; our commitment to 3D is unquestioned in the industry."
At launch, the new DIRECTV HD 3D programming platform, powered by Panasonic, will offer a 24/7 3D pay per view channel focused on movies, documentaries and other programming, a 24/7 3D DIRECTV on Demand channel and a free 3D sampler demo channel featuring event programming such as sports, music and other content.
In addition, Panasonic is working to make available 3D production tools, such as Full HD 3D camcorders, professional monitors and related production technology assistance.
Panasonic will showcase its suite of Full HD 3D VIERA televisions and home theater system products tuned to a dedicated DIRECTV 3D channel with exclusive content from the motion picture, "AVATAR" and other sports, entertainment, documentary and music footage at its booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, Central Hall, #9405) at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
For more information on Panasonic's Full HD 3D Technology, visit www.panasonic.com/3D.