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Development of TV division

1st Apr 2010 07:30

RNS Number : 5851J
Works Media Group (The) PLC
01 April 2010
 



1 April 2010

The Works Media Group Plc

(the "Group")

Development of TV Division

The Group is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Works International Limited ("The Works"), which is already established as a strong player in the theatrical sales market for over 20 years is now looking to build its presence in the TV sector.

The Works has appointed Michael Oesterlin, a specialist in international TV sales, as a consultant to develop the recently formed TV division. Mr Oesterlin boasts a resumé of studio and independent experience ranging from business development to sales at 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros, Alchemy and RHI and brings a nuanced approach to sales. He will have oversight of acquisitions, strategy and the sale of new and library titles for television and home entertainment. Additionally, Balvinder Gill, most recently an Alchemy TV sales executive, has been appointed to the team.

Carl Clifton, MD of The Works, stated that;

"Working with Michael Oesterlin has added another dimension to our team. Michael coming on board allows us to be more strategic in the exploitation of our rights and to maximise the revenues of our films, which benefits our filmmakers. We can sell to 'all rights buyers' or go direct to the broadcaster or end user. Balvinder has excellent experience in distribution but also in the legal and film financing fields which makes her a real asset.

"In addition to our recent Oscar winners, 'The Cove' (2010) and 'Man On Wire' (2009), The Works has a broad catalogue of titles including real stand-outs like 'Bend it Like Beckham', 'Whale Rider', and films by notable directors such as Michael Winterbottom, Shane Meadows, Nanni Moretti and Ken Loach amongst others. The fragmentation of distribution methods and new technology provide additional sales opportunities that we are focused on capturing and we are keen to grow the catalogue and take advantage of these opportunities by acquiring new films - whether single titles or libraries".

In its first two direct international TV acquisitions, The Works is pleased to announce that it has been appointed international sales agent for 'THE CANYON' and 'STARSUCKERS'.

'THE CANYON' has already been released in the US by Magnolia Pictures and stars Yvonne Strahovski (NBC's Chuck), Eion Bailey (NBC's ER) and Will Patton (A Mighty Heart). Chris Atkins' fame-game exposé, 'STARSUCKERS', enjoyed a theatrical run in the UK where it received rave reviews after a premiere at the London Film Festival. It has been licensed by Channel 4 for broadcast in the UK, RTVE in Spain and DR in Denmark.

For further information, please contact:

The Works Media Group plc

Costa Theo, Chairman

Andy Ordonez

 

020 7612 0030

www.theworksmediagroup.com

 

 

Notes to Editors:

The Works International

Established in 1986, The Works International is one of Europe's leading sales agents and has cemented its position in the marketplace with a string of commercial and artistic successes. The company is owned by The Works Media Group PLC. The company recently scored its second best Documentary in a row with THE COVE coming after MAN ON WIRE (2009).

Other successes over the years have included Oscar winners The Crying Game, No Mans Land, Antonias Line and Six Shooter; Oscar nominees Venus and Whale Rider; Golden Globe nominee and worldwide smash hit Bend It Like Beckham; In This World and The Road To Guantanamo, winner of the Berlin Golden Bear and Silver Bear respectively; and Cannes Competition award winner Sweet Sixteen.

"THE CANYON"

The film follows young newlyweds Nick (Bailey) and Lori (Strahovski) as they embark on a trek on horseback through the wild, wide expanse of the Grand Canyon. But their wedded bliss is cut brutally short. They lose their horses and with them their provisions, and most importantly their water. As wolves begin to circle their dream honeymoon turns into a gripping fight for survival. The film is produced by Mark Williams, directed by Richard Harrah and written by Steve Allrich. 

Mark Williams, producer of The Canyon said, "I went to The Works International as they are capable of selling a movie with a slightly twisted ending. This is the type of intense movie that makes you stop and think, "what would I do in that situation...and the answer may not be what your loved one might think..."

"STARSUCKERS"

The film is a highly entertaining and controversial film about something that fascinates us all, even if some of us are loath to admit it: Fame. Funny, and informative, shocking and inventive the film explores the psychology behind the unstoppable rise of celebrity, and the media's apparently insatiable appetite for it. STARSUCKERS is directed and produced by Chris Atkins.

Chris Atkins, BAFTA nominated for Taking Liberties and the producer of Starsuckers, said, "The Works are at the top of the premiere league of Sales Agents and we are delighted that they are looking after our precious film. Their slate includes all my favourite documentaries and it's an honour to be up there with such fantastic titles".

Carl Clifton stated,

"We're delighted to be working with Mark and Chris on THE CANYON and STARSUCKERS respectively. These titles really complement and enhance our slate."

Michael Oesterlin added,

"These are well-crafted, versatile films that we thought would be suitable for both DVD and Television, male and female viewers for daytime and night-time and public and commercial broadcasters alike".

 

 

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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