SILVER Spring, Md.--The 3DTV
network coming from Sony,
Discovery Communications and
IMAX has identified its first wave
of original and acquired content.
Series set to debut on the new
24/7 service when it launches in
2011 include: Abandoned Planet,
exploring places devoid of humanity;
Africa in 3D, showcasing
the richness of the continent;
China, giving a behind-thescenes
look at the world’s most
populous nation; and Jewels of
the World, transporting viewers
to UNESCO World Heritage sites
where natural and cultural gems
are catalogued and protected.
Exclusive 3D premieres include
theatrical releases such
as Imax’s Into the Deep 3D,
Sony’s animated Cloudy With a
Chance of Meatballs and Monster
House; and the documentaries
Attack of the Giant Jellyfish
and Magnificent Desolation:
Walking on the Moon 3D.
While the programming announcement
includes a mix of
original and acquired content,
Tom Cosgrove, president and
CEO of the joint venture told
Multichannel News the network
will focus mostly on originallyproduced
content.
“As we go forward the emphasis
on the channel is building
the best made for 3D TV
library in the world,” Cosgrove
said. “You’re going to see a
greater emphasis on original
content made for the channel.”
Cosgrove said the network’s
launch is still slated for early
2011, but would not disclose
a specific debut date nor an
official name. Cosgrove also
added a pair of top lieutenants:
Tim Pastore is vice president of
development and production,
and Rod Riegel is vice president
of marketing and communications.
Pastore was director of
production and development at
Discovery Channel, and Riegel
was director of communications
at The Hub, another Discovery
joint-venture network.
Earlier, Discovery veteran Julia
Rao was named chief financial
officer, and Mark Ringwald,
previously with AmericanLife TV
Network, was named director of
scheduling and acquisitions.
