09.05.02
BBC
programmes to be presented in high definition in US museums and
schools
In
a new deal with BBC Worldwide, CineMuse, the leading hi-definition
production and distribution company in the US, will present a range
of BBC landmark programmes to audiences in the U.S. and Canada.
The programmes will be distributed through the CineMuse Network
of hi-def sites located at museums, universities and other cultural
and educational institutions. The collaboration represents the first
agreement by the BBC to bring hi-def programmes in science, nature
and history to international audiences in this way.
"The
CineMuse Network has helped to bring outstanding hi-def programmes
to museum and school audiences throughout the U.S. and Canada. This
new collaboration will bring exceptional programmes from BBC Worldwide
to audiences who also want to experience the world's highest quality
in visual entertainment," said Ted Geier, president and CEO
of CineMuse.
Among
the first BBC programmes to be available to North American museum
and school audiences are the award-winning Walking with Dinosaurs
(a BBC/Discovery Channel/TV & BS Asahi/ProSieben co-production),Walking
with Beasts (a BBC/Discovery Channel/TV & BS Asahi/ProSieben
co-production) and The Blue Planet (A BBC/Discovery Channel co-production).
Other programming includes Ancient Apocalypse, Great Natural Wonders
of the World, Hotel Heliconia; The Life of Birds, The Planets and
Space.
"These
programmes have already had a major impact with television audiences
around the world. We are constantly looking for ways to reach new
audiences and the CineMuse Network deal is an ideal way to start,
giving people an opportunity to experience these landmark programmes
in a dramatic and sophisticated way," said Alix Tidmarsh, director
of IPM Factual, the factual marketing arm of BBC Worldwide.
The
programmes were converted to hi-definition from both film and video
masters using a special process developed by BBC Resources. The
technique creates visual images that offer superior clarity and
colour.
The
BBC Worldwide/CineMuse collaboration begins with a premiere showing
of Hotel Heliconia at the Canadian Museum of Nature. "For adults
and children who want to experience the brilliant colours and fascinating
life forms found in the ocean, or who want to see dinosaurs and
prehistoric mammals up close, these BBC programmes are nothing short
of spectacular. The BBC Technology creates hi-def programmes that
will absolutely amaze audiences, and CineMuse is thrilled to be
bringing this experience here now," Geier added.
CineMuse
is headquartered at Robert DeNiro's Tribeca Film Center in New York
City. On May 11, 2002, the programmes The Blue Planet (Seas of Life)
and Walking with Beasts will also be shown at the Tribeca Film Festival
presented by American Express. The BBC programmes will be available
to cultural institutions that are members of the CineMuse Network
beginning in May.
Notes
to Editors:
Intellectual Property Management (IPM) is the factual marketing
division of BBC Worldwide. It was created to develop key BBC factual
properties with genuine cross-media potential for development into
global brands and properties. The IPM team works closely with the
other divisions of BBC Worldwide and with BBC Television.
BBC
Worldwide Limited is the main commercial arm, and a wholly owned
subsidiary, of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The company
was formed in 1994 to develop a coordinated approach to the BBC's
commercial activities: television, publishing, product licensing,
internet and interactive. BBC Worldwide exists to maximize the value
of the BBC's programme and publishing assets for the benefit of
the license payer, and re-invest in public service programming.
In 2000/2001 BBC Worldwide returned £96m to the BBC.
CineMuse
is a US leader in hi-def production, distribution, and exhibition.
The CineMuse Library offers the largest catalogue of hi-def originated
programming in the United States. Through an alliance of cultural
and educational institutions being developed by CineMuse, the Pittsburgh
Center for the Arts, and the Canadian Museum of Nature, CineMuse
has established the CineMuse Network, the first e-cinema network
offering a regular series of hi-def programming to audiences in
cities throughout North America. For more information about CineMuse
or the CineMuse Network, call (212) 965-4660 or visit
the web-site at www.cinemuse.com.
The
BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
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