News
| Thu Mar 24, 2005 Program Partners Announces Da Vinci's Inquest Cleared In More Than 70% Of US For Fall 2005 | |
| Lineup Includes CBS Affiliates in New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Boston, Miami and Minneapolis LOS ANGELES, CA --- March 24, 2005 --- In only eight short weeks since announcing at NATPE the availability of Da Vinci's Inquest for broadcast syndication, Program Partners announced the acclaimed series is cleared in more than 70% of the country. The fast growing roster of Da Vinci's Inquest stations includes WCBS (New York), KCBS (Los Angeles), KYW (Philadelphia), KPIX (San Francisco), WBZ (Boston), WSB (Atlanta), WWJ (Detroit), KOMO (Seattle), WFOR (Miami), WCCO (Minneapolis), KWBP (Portland), WWL (New Orleans), KMBC (Kansas City) KOCO (Oklahoma City), WKRG (Mobile) and more. Participating groups include Belo, Cox, Emmis, Hearst-Argyle, Media General, Meredith, Raycom, Tribune and Viacom. "We are gratified by the exceptional response to Da Vinci's Inquest and the quality of our station lineup," said Josh Raphaelson of Program Partners. "The feedback we're getting is that Da Vinci's high production values and proven track record are a unique combination in this market, so stations aren't shy about committing critical time-periods, from late-news adjacencies to primetime and prime access." According to Ritch Colbert, from Program Partners, "More than half of our stations in the top 100 markets will be pairing Da Vinci's Inquest with CSI, 24 or Alias. Research indicates that procedural dramas perform particularly well when programmed in tandem. In addition, there's a whole universe of stations for which Da Vinci's Inquest will provide an opportunity to be in the "Procedural Game," which is currently the number one format on television." Da Vinci's Inquest is a critically acclaimed weekly prime-time procedural drama in the mold of the CSI and Law and Order franchises. Dominic Da Vinci (Nicholas Campbell) is the controversial coroner who -- with the help of a compelling ensemble cast of forensic investigators, pathologists and homicide detectives -- "speaks for the dead to protect the living." This is one of the most honored series in the history of Canadian television and is produced by Haddock Entertainment and Barna-Alper Productions. Now in its seventh award-winning season, Da Vinci's Inquest will be available for broadcast in the U.S. for the first time beginning in September 2005. Program Partners is offering the series on a barter basis, with Program Partners holding back seven minutes of commercial time and giving another seven minutes to its affiliates. In an offering similar to the highly successful "CSI Weekend" model, Program Partners is providing two unique episodes each week over two years. Program Partners is marketing the series as an outgrowth of its worldwide distribution agreement with Thunderbird Films. The parties have already enjoyed success with their joint distribution of Animal Miracles (Animal Planet) and their recent completion of the feature film, Desolation Sound, with Jennifer Beals, Ed Begley, Jr. and Lothaire Bluteau. About Program Partners, Inc. Program Partners, Inc. is an innovative television company that collaborates with networks, sponsors and audiences on original programming. Led by a core group of entertainment executives, including founders Ritch Colbert and Josh Raphaelson, who are accomplished in series development, delivery and distribution, Program Partners provides distinctive programs with high production values, while fostering new creative alliances with advertisers, broadcasters and global co-production entities. For more info about Program Partners, Inc., visit www.programpartners.com. About Thunderbird Films, Inc. Vancouver-based Thunderbird Films, Inc. is recognized around the globe as a producer, distributor and financier of high quality television and films. Thunderbird Films' founding partners Tim Gamble and Michael Shepard have been responsible for internationally acclaimed scripted drama and action series, award winning theatrical features and movies-of-the-week produced for and aired on every major U.S. network as well as on major broadcast and cable outlets around the globe. Thunderbird Films' commitment to high production values and its unique focus on global, high-value territories for distribution as well as the economical benefits of its British Columbian location have distinguished the company among its competitors in the world marketplace. For more information on Thunderbird Films, visit www.thunderbirdfilms.net. # # # Media Contact: Kristien Brada-Thompson/Pryor & Associates -- Los Angeles (818) 338-3555; kristien@pryorpr.com | |
