Ovation will be offering all seven episodes of its forthcoming original dance competition series A Chance to Dance on multiple platforms, with a linear broadcast debut in August in SD and HD and availability on free VOD, authenticated TV Everywhere platforms and as a rental on Facebook.
The channel is billing the move as the first time a U.S. cable network series will premiere on that array of outlets.
"This summer, Ovation will have a very exciting and unique opportunity to connect with viewers in a new way, provide consumers with the viewing flexibility they desire and win over some new fans," Ovation COO Chad Gutstein said in a release. "With the digital rental offer, we will be able to provide Facebook users, who are fans of Nigel and Simon Lythgoe shows, but may be unfamiliar with our channel, an opportunity to sample the type of incredible programming they could be seeing on a regular basis on Ovation's linear, VOD and TV Everywhere channels."
On Facebook viewers will be able to pay for and stream single episodes of A Chance to Dance or rent the entire series as a package. Details on rental costs and the rental period are expected to be announced in early August. The linear series debuts on Aug. 17.
Each episode will be available on Facebook, VOD and the TV Everywhere platforms of operations one hour following its linear premiere.
As part of the effort, Ovation has partnered with social entertainment specialist Milyoni to help attract new viewers. When consumers rent episodes on Facebook, Ovation will use the Milyoni's Social Cinema platform to provide consumers with information on how they can get Ovation's programming via their cable, satellite or telcom provider.
"This technology allows us to reinforce the value of receiving Ovation through the MVPD video subscription," Brad Samuels, executive VP of content distribution at Ovation, said in the release. "In the process of renting the content, consumers will receive information on how they can get this series and all of Ovation's other programming, without paying a rental fee, as part of their pay TV package that includes the channel. Whether they are already a cable subscriber and simply need information on where to find us on the dial, on VOD or on TVE [TV Everywhere], or they just want to check out our show, this strategy is aimed at winning over new viewers, gaining new subscribers and promoting the value of the MVPD package."
A Chance to Dance, a co-production between Nigel Lythgoe Productions (NLP) and Legacy Productions, is a competition series in which dancers, recruited by executive producers including Simon Lythgoe and renowned London Royal Ballet dancers Michael Nunn and William Trevitt, vie for the chance to be in the So You Think You Can Dance national tour. It debuts on Aug. 17.
