 |
Syndicate our news! |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
 
Webmasters can include Channel Canada's headlines to their website using this feature. Visitors can also include our headlines to their favorite RSS reader! Click here for more info about RSS. |
 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
|
| Shavick Entertainment Acquires OUTtv |
| Posted
on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 06:08 PM |
announced the acquisition of OUTtv, the world's longest running independent gay and lesbian television network, available to 87% of Canadian households.
OUTtv is a Canadian "Category 1" digital cable television channel, licensed by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) as a general entertainment channel for gay and lesbian audiences. Under the terms, Shavick acquired majority interest in 6166954 Canada Inc., the company that holds the license for OUTtv, previously controlled by Canadian broadcaster William Craig. Pink Triangle Press remains a minority shareholder and will be a Shavick business partner in the new operation. Additionally, seasoned producer Les Tomlin's production group Peace Point Entertainment will be a partner. Mr. Tomlin's company produces the acclaimed television series "Bump!," currently one of the most watched shows on OUTtv.
Shavick Entertainment will re-brand and rename the network, upgrade the technology infrastructure and fill the content pipeline with a variety of popular and acclaimed programming including originals, specials, independent films, comedy, news, dramas and PSAs. Shavick's Hollywood-based partner Regent Studios, LLC -- the world's largest independent provider of long form TV content -- will be a major content provider.
"OUTtv holds great value as one of Canada's longest running independent programming services and we look forward to expanding its boundaries to better serve gay and lesbian audiences," said James Shavick, president of Shavick Entertainment. "OUTtv's position as CRTC must-carry service presents an outstanding opportunity to build a major media destination that millions of viewers will come to depend on for authentic, relevant and premium gay and lesbian entertainment," he added.
James Shavick and his wife/partner Joy MacPhail are principals of Shavick Entertainment. Mr. Shavick is an internationally recognized and acclaimed film producer and screenwriter with numerous film, video and television credits. Ms. MacPhail is a prominent political figure in Canada, widely recognized for her leadership on human rights and for challenging public policy issues with landmark solutions that became the mark of her career.
"We're going to improve one of Canada's most widely distributed cable networks by making it a true destination and viewer-oriented service, filled with quality entertainment and user-friendly content, so our nation's LGBT audience finally gets the TV they want and deserve," said Joy MacPhail, Partner of Shavick Entertainment.
MacPhail will be involved in OUTtv while continuing vigorous advocacy on behalf of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community in Canada. She is a former Member of the Legislative Assembly who in 2001 was elected leader of the New Democratic Party of British Columbia and thus became Leader of the Opposition until her retirement in 2005. She served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from 1991 to 2005 and held several senior Cabinet posts including Minister of Finance, Minister of Health and Deputy Premier.
About James Shavick and Shavick Entertainment
One of Vancouver's largest production service companies, Shavick Entertainment employs up to 400 artists and craftspeople during peak production periods and is responsible for approximately 7% of Vancouver's annual film and television production volume.
James Shavick has produced over 250 hours of television programming including 69 feature length television movies and 6 television series. James is the only Canadian producer to have had 2 number 1 rated television shows in the United States. Since 1993, James has been one of the most well-known and respected producers in Canada with his company Shavick Entertainment. His experience in the industry has aligned him with many strategic partners including broadcasters, distributors, and other producers.
James is a producer, director, writer and businessman. His credits include the award-winning TV series, "The New Addams Family," the teen favorite, "Breaker High," holiday movie favorites such as "His and Her Christmas" (a Lifetime Network premier) and the ABC Family classic, "Chasing Christmas." Under Shavick Entertainment, James also produced over 20 titles in the Thriller/Action genre, over 50 titles catering to the female market segment and a selection of television movies and series for the GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) audience.
|
|
DISCUSS THIS ARTICLE
Print Version
2096
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Printer Friendly Page | Register | Log-in 
