MTV, VH1 GO TO DVD.Byline: Greg Hernandez Staff Writer Viacom Inc. is using corporate synergy to try and grab a bigger portion of the lucrative DVD DVD: see digital versatile disc. DVD in full digital video disc or digital versatile disc Type of optical disc. The DVD represents the second generation of compact-disc (CD) technology. market. The conglomerate announced Monday that its MTV Networks MTV Networks is a division of media conglomerate Viacom that oversees the operation of many TV network and Internet brands, including the first MTV channel. The company was established in 1984 after Warner Communications and American Express decided to divest the basic cable Music, Logo Enterprise Group and Paramount Home Entertainment Paramount Home Entertainment (formerly Paramount Home Video) and (Paramount Video) is a home video company founded in 1976. It is a division of Paramount Pictures, which in turn is owned by Viacom. are banding together to produce and release dramas, comedies, documentaries and music-based films on DVD. ``It's really what Viacom can and does really well which is utilize our platforms to change the business model,'' said Jeff Yapp, executive vice president of MTV Networks Music and Logo Enterprise Group. ``All the titles will premiere on the networks with full support and programming behind it and will go right to DVD.'' But some films will be targeted for limited theatrical release to test the box office waters. If they take root, their release will be widened. But no films are slated to begin with a wide release, Yapp said. The first release under the MTV MTV in full Music Television U.S. cable television network, established in 1980 to present videos of musicians and singers performing new rock music. MTV won a wide following among rock-music fans worldwide and greatly affected the popular-music business. brand will be the sports comedy ``Rumble'' starring Faizon Love Faizon Love (born Langston Faizon Santisima June 14, 1968) is an American actor of Afro-Cuban descent.[1]. Most of Love's publicity materials state that he was born in Newark, New Jersey[2][3] (``Animal'') and singer Ciara. The VH1 brand's first film will be ``Totally Awesome,'' an homage to '80s movies written by ``Chappelle's Show'' co-creator Neal Brennan and Michael Schur Michael Schur is a television producer and writer. He wrote for six seasons on NBC's Saturday Night Live until 2004. Soon after, he became producer and writer for The Office on NBC, for which he has written ten episodes so far. He is a graduate of William H. of ``Saturday Night Live'' and NBC's ``The Office.'' Additional projects under the MTV, VH1, CMT CMT Certified Medical Transcriptionist. CMT abbr. Certified Medical Transcriptionist CMT California mastitis test. and Logo brands are due to be announced To be announced (TBA) A contract for the purchase or sale of an MBS to be delivered at an agreed-upon future date but does not include a specified pool number and number of pools or precise amount to be delivered. soon. The projects will be marketed on the various channels, through online sites and wireless technology, among others. The titles will feature on-camera and behind-the-scenes talent from MTV's various networks including MTV, VH1, CMT and Logo. Yapp would not say which specific personalities were being lined up for films but did expect to cast plenty of them. ``We will use channel talent that our audience loves and supports,'' he said. In addition to the original content, the new DVD division also will distribute films acquired in conjunction with Paramount Home Entertainment. The goal is to use all of the company's various platforms to serve key niche audiences with a variety of film genres. ``The experience of our team combined with MTV Networks' unique relationship with its audience gives us a great opportunity to produce original DVD content that is directly targeted at the MTV, CMT, VH1 and Logo audiences,'' stated Thomas Lesinski, president of Paramount Pictures, Worldwide Home Entertainment. Greg Hernandez, (818) 713-3758 greg.hernandez(at)dailynews.com |
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