First Family of Reality Television Returns for Season Four of Showtime´s Hit, Late Night Series FAMILY BUSINESS
FAMILY BUSINESS, Showtime´s hit late night reality series about an average American family trying to make a living in the adult entertainment industry, will premiere its fourth season on Friday, April 21 at 11:30 PM ET/PT. The half-hour series offers a hilarious blend of real-life absurdity and eccentric characters while focusing on the charismatic Adam Glasser and his alter ego, "Seymore Butts," his meddling, but well-meaning mother Lila, his cantankerous cousin Stevie and his fun-loving girlfriend, Mirna.
Coming up in season four, Adam and the family take their act on the road with raucous sojourns to a Las Vegas swingers´ convention and an adult-film shoot on the Caribbean island of St. Martin. Adam and Mirna continue their unique and rocky relationship, as Cousin Stevie carries on his quest to become an adult industry mover and shaker, all the while, Lila, the matriarch, tries to hold it all together.
FAMILY BUSINESS originally premiered in February 2003 at which time the San Francisco Chronicle remarked: "what makes FAMILY BUSINESS a fine example of single subject reality programming is that Glasser seems like a smart, good-looking guy who has a sense of humor about his place in the world. Juxtapose alter ego Seymour Butts with Lila...toss in Cousin Stevie...and you´ve got a winner."
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
HGTV Enters Reality TV With New Series DESIGN STAR - New Home Makever Show
Reality Competition Genre Gets Makeover with HGTV DESIGN STAR
Eight-Week Series, Hosted by Clive Pearse of Designed to Sell, Premieres Sunday, July 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT and runs through Sunday, September 10
Designers Cynthia Rowley and Vern Yip Join In Style´s Martha McCully on the Judging Panel
Suspense, excitement and incredible challenges will be on tap when 10 aspiring designers seek to impress home viewers and an expert judging panel with their design expertise, ingenuity, creativity and "it" factor during the reality competition, HGTV DESIGN STAR. Hosted by Clive Pearse, who also hosts the network´s top-rated real estate series DESIGNED TO SELL, the eight-week event will premiere Sunday, July 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. and will air weekly through September 10.
As the HGTV DESIGN STAR finalists navigate a gauntlet of clever design challenges for the chance to win the ultimate prize - their own show on HGTV - their efforts will be critiqued by renowned designer Cynthia Rowley; one of America´s favorite television designers, Vern Yip; and In Style executive editor Martha McCully.
HGTV DESIGN STAR´s contestants already have overcome significant odds for the chance to participate in HGTV´s on-air quest to find its newest star. More than 1,500 designers submitted essays, portfolios and videos during last fall´s call for entries. Nine designers were selected by the show´s producers and network executives, while the 10th candidate was selected by viewers and online users during a week-long February vote on HGTV.com. During the competition, the finalists will be pushed to their emotional, mental and creative limits as they attempt to fulfill unique design challenges in extremely tight deadlines. On each show participating candidates will be eliminated until only two remain for a final over-the-top challenge.
"Who wouldn´t want to win their own TV show?" said James Bolosh, vice president, original programming. "It´s unlike anything we´ve ever done on our network, but our viewers are definitely ready for it. They will get the information and ideas they want, but they also will love seeing how this story unfolds each week. Everyone loves a cliffhanger and our viewers are in for a great ride."
The series´ judging panel is the talented trifecta of McCully, Rowley and Yip. Ms. McCully is In Style´s executive editor as well as a trend watcher and style maker whose knowledge, keen insights and interest in all things home- related is second only to her expertise in beauty and fashion. Ms. Rowley is an award-winning international designer whose collection includes clothing lines for women, men and children, shoes, eyewear, jewelry, umbrellas, handbags, dishes and a signature fragrance. She also is co-creator of the bestselling line of Swell books and home products at Target. Mr. Yip is an award-winning architectural and interior designer who gained national acclaim for his expertise in transforming homes and restaurants in his private design practice and on primetime cable and network television series. He also has his own line of top-quality products and found time to write a book, Designing Spaces.
HGTV also will feature four lucky homeowners from across the country on HGTV DESIGN STAR. The network solicited and received hundreds of applications from homeowners who have a room that is in dire need of makeover. Viewers and online users voted in March to determine the last of four homeowner finalists who will get "matched up" with HGTV DESIGN STAR finalists for makeovers during the show. In addition, viewers will have the opportunity to vote on HGTV.com for their favorite designer finalist during the series´ seventh episode. They also can text-in their choice via cell phone to HGTV1 or 44881. After the final viewer vote, one talented designer will catapult to fame as HGTV´s next design star.
"This is our first venture into reality competition events, so we wanted whatever we did to be reflective of the spirit of the network and its evolution," said Michael Dingley, senior vice president, programming and content strategy. "HGTV DESIGN STAR will not only capture the best of this genre, with lots of human drama, and fun, entertaining elements, but it also will be true to the HGTV brand by emphasizing the finalists´ expertise -- giving viewers great ideas and takeaways that they can put to use in their own homes."
Eight-Week Series, Hosted by Clive Pearse of Designed to Sell, Premieres Sunday, July 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT and runs through Sunday, September 10
Designers Cynthia Rowley and Vern Yip Join In Style´s Martha McCully on the Judging Panel
Suspense, excitement and incredible challenges will be on tap when 10 aspiring designers seek to impress home viewers and an expert judging panel with their design expertise, ingenuity, creativity and "it" factor during the reality competition, HGTV DESIGN STAR. Hosted by Clive Pearse, who also hosts the network´s top-rated real estate series DESIGNED TO SELL, the eight-week event will premiere Sunday, July 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. and will air weekly through September 10.
As the HGTV DESIGN STAR finalists navigate a gauntlet of clever design challenges for the chance to win the ultimate prize - their own show on HGTV - their efforts will be critiqued by renowned designer Cynthia Rowley; one of America´s favorite television designers, Vern Yip; and In Style executive editor Martha McCully.
HGTV DESIGN STAR´s contestants already have overcome significant odds for the chance to participate in HGTV´s on-air quest to find its newest star. More than 1,500 designers submitted essays, portfolios and videos during last fall´s call for entries. Nine designers were selected by the show´s producers and network executives, while the 10th candidate was selected by viewers and online users during a week-long February vote on HGTV.com. During the competition, the finalists will be pushed to their emotional, mental and creative limits as they attempt to fulfill unique design challenges in extremely tight deadlines. On each show participating candidates will be eliminated until only two remain for a final over-the-top challenge.
"Who wouldn´t want to win their own TV show?" said James Bolosh, vice president, original programming. "It´s unlike anything we´ve ever done on our network, but our viewers are definitely ready for it. They will get the information and ideas they want, but they also will love seeing how this story unfolds each week. Everyone loves a cliffhanger and our viewers are in for a great ride."
The series´ judging panel is the talented trifecta of McCully, Rowley and Yip. Ms. McCully is In Style´s executive editor as well as a trend watcher and style maker whose knowledge, keen insights and interest in all things home- related is second only to her expertise in beauty and fashion. Ms. Rowley is an award-winning international designer whose collection includes clothing lines for women, men and children, shoes, eyewear, jewelry, umbrellas, handbags, dishes and a signature fragrance. She also is co-creator of the bestselling line of Swell books and home products at Target. Mr. Yip is an award-winning architectural and interior designer who gained national acclaim for his expertise in transforming homes and restaurants in his private design practice and on primetime cable and network television series. He also has his own line of top-quality products and found time to write a book, Designing Spaces.
HGTV also will feature four lucky homeowners from across the country on HGTV DESIGN STAR. The network solicited and received hundreds of applications from homeowners who have a room that is in dire need of makeover. Viewers and online users voted in March to determine the last of four homeowner finalists who will get "matched up" with HGTV DESIGN STAR finalists for makeovers during the show. In addition, viewers will have the opportunity to vote on HGTV.com for their favorite designer finalist during the series´ seventh episode. They also can text-in their choice via cell phone to HGTV1 or 44881. After the final viewer vote, one talented designer will catapult to fame as HGTV´s next design star.
"This is our first venture into reality competition events, so we wanted whatever we did to be reflective of the spirit of the network and its evolution," said Michael Dingley, senior vice president, programming and content strategy. "HGTV DESIGN STAR will not only capture the best of this genre, with lots of human drama, and fun, entertaining elements, but it also will be true to the HGTV brand by emphasizing the finalists´ expertise -- giving viewers great ideas and takeaways that they can put to use in their own homes."
Brave Announces MILLION DOLLAR LISTING - Homes For Sale In Hollywood And Malibu And Their Agents
From Open Houses To Final Offers, Top Real Estate Agents In Hollywood And Malibu Work To Sell The Next Hot Listing
Bravo will pull back the curtain on yet another familiar world to watch what happens when ten top agents in California´s tough real estate market stop at nothing to close the deal on the next MILLION DOLLAR LISTING. The six-episode, one-hour series will look at the high-stakes, cutthroat world of real estate in the high-priced fantasy lands of Malibu and Hollywood and introduce an array of colorful personalities including high-powered agents, sellers and buyers as their riveting lives intersect. MILLION DOLLAR LISTING premieres on Monday, June 12, 2006 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT).
There is an abundance of intense emotions when agents, homeowners and potential buyers lose their patience and their minds, as they all attempt to get the most out of their MILLION DOLLAR LISTING. The players range from a rookie agent just learning the ropes, to an agent who calls herself the "condo queen," as well as a violinist selling his multi-million dollar estate and a seller in Hollywood whose wife is urging him to unload his beloved dream house complete with a stripper pole.
"Whether you own property, aspire to own it or aspire to trade it, it´s part of our culture and it´s what everyone´s talking about," said Frances Berwick, Senior Vice President of Production and Programming for Bravo. "Everyone who has ever bought or sold a home knows that it is the ultimate in real drama and in MILLION DOLLAR LISTING, we get to watch the drama unfold through the eyes of a handful of charismatic realtors in Hollywood and Malibu."
MILLION DOLLAR LISTING will follow the trials and tribulations of two real estate companies, one in Hollywood and one in Malibu, to expose the intense work and competition that it takes to move the hot listing of the week. Each episode will showcase a real estate listing from Hollywood and a listing from Malibu, starting from the beginning of the selling process and hopefully to the coveted close. Over the course of the series, viewers will see the ups and downs as a dozen of California´s biggest and best homes go up for sale. The storylines range from a woman who is a hysterical divorcee forced to sell her multi-million dollar home, to an agent whose personal ties to the seller (her ex-fiance) get in the way of a potential sale. Each and every dramatic moment that unfolds will be revealed during these testing, high dollar negotiations.
* "THE SCHMOOZER" - Scotty Brown, Malibu agent, is a smooth talking former club promoter and rock and roll manager. He got into real estate because he likes people and he has a knack for getting people to like him. Scotty will attempt to sell a southern socialite´s mountaintop abode and a beautifully renovated home in an exclusive community, although the seller´s wife would rather stay behind the gates.
* "TOP AGENT" - Carol Bird is one of Malibu´s top producing agents. She sells millions of dollars worth of homes, but stays grounded by finding time each day to focus on herself. Carol attempts to sell a multi-acre, multi-million dollar horse estate of a quirky world-renowned violinist.
* "THE CONDO QUEEN" - Lydia Simon says she´s known as the "Condo Queen of Malibu." She does sell some homes, but her bread and butter are in beachfront condominiums. Lydia will try to set a new record high for a beachfront multi-million dollar condo, all while planning and hosting her wedding.
* "THE ROOKIE" - Madison Hildebrand is new on the real estate scene, but he´s quickly finding his footing on the sandy shores of Malibu. In his first six months, Madison has earned more than $200,000 in commissions. Madison discovers office politics as he tries to sell his first multi-million dollar listing.
* "THE MOGUL" - Chris Cortazzo has been selling real estate in Malibu for eleven years and is the third highest grossing Coldwell Banker agent in the world, with sales over $100 million each year for the past five years. Chris Cortazzo is asking top dollar for an exclusive beachfront bungalow.
* "THE DIVA" AND "MR. NICE GUY" - Dia and Ray Schuldenfrei are in the top 1% of ReMax agents nationwide and have more than thirty years of experience selling homes in the Hollywood Hills. They´ve just come off one of their biggest years ever, selling millions of dollars in property. In the series, they will deal with a desperate divorcee forced to sell the home she loves.
* "MR. HOLLYWOOD" - Chase Campen, a new Hollywood agent, is married to Ray and Dia´s only daughter. When his wife gave birth to twins, he decided to take up selling real estate in order to have a more flexible schedule. During the series, he´ll have to navigate the tough line between a seller who refuses to negotiate and a hard-line buyer.
* "MR. MOM" - Michael Wegmann, Hollywood agent, made his fortune in the dot-com industry, now he sells real estate as a hobby. During the series, he will try to sell the ultra modern home of a former record producer. He and his partner try to have a child during the series.
* "THE BOMBSHELL" - Shannon McLeod is brand new agent in the Hollywood ReMax office. In the series, she´ll attempt to sell her ex-fiancee´s $2.3 million house.
Bravo will pull back the curtain on yet another familiar world to watch what happens when ten top agents in California´s tough real estate market stop at nothing to close the deal on the next MILLION DOLLAR LISTING. The six-episode, one-hour series will look at the high-stakes, cutthroat world of real estate in the high-priced fantasy lands of Malibu and Hollywood and introduce an array of colorful personalities including high-powered agents, sellers and buyers as their riveting lives intersect. MILLION DOLLAR LISTING premieres on Monday, June 12, 2006 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT).
There is an abundance of intense emotions when agents, homeowners and potential buyers lose their patience and their minds, as they all attempt to get the most out of their MILLION DOLLAR LISTING. The players range from a rookie agent just learning the ropes, to an agent who calls herself the "condo queen," as well as a violinist selling his multi-million dollar estate and a seller in Hollywood whose wife is urging him to unload his beloved dream house complete with a stripper pole.
"Whether you own property, aspire to own it or aspire to trade it, it´s part of our culture and it´s what everyone´s talking about," said Frances Berwick, Senior Vice President of Production and Programming for Bravo. "Everyone who has ever bought or sold a home knows that it is the ultimate in real drama and in MILLION DOLLAR LISTING, we get to watch the drama unfold through the eyes of a handful of charismatic realtors in Hollywood and Malibu."
MILLION DOLLAR LISTING will follow the trials and tribulations of two real estate companies, one in Hollywood and one in Malibu, to expose the intense work and competition that it takes to move the hot listing of the week. Each episode will showcase a real estate listing from Hollywood and a listing from Malibu, starting from the beginning of the selling process and hopefully to the coveted close. Over the course of the series, viewers will see the ups and downs as a dozen of California´s biggest and best homes go up for sale. The storylines range from a woman who is a hysterical divorcee forced to sell her multi-million dollar home, to an agent whose personal ties to the seller (her ex-fiance) get in the way of a potential sale. Each and every dramatic moment that unfolds will be revealed during these testing, high dollar negotiations.
* "THE SCHMOOZER" - Scotty Brown, Malibu agent, is a smooth talking former club promoter and rock and roll manager. He got into real estate because he likes people and he has a knack for getting people to like him. Scotty will attempt to sell a southern socialite´s mountaintop abode and a beautifully renovated home in an exclusive community, although the seller´s wife would rather stay behind the gates.
* "TOP AGENT" - Carol Bird is one of Malibu´s top producing agents. She sells millions of dollars worth of homes, but stays grounded by finding time each day to focus on herself. Carol attempts to sell a multi-acre, multi-million dollar horse estate of a quirky world-renowned violinist.
* "THE CONDO QUEEN" - Lydia Simon says she´s known as the "Condo Queen of Malibu." She does sell some homes, but her bread and butter are in beachfront condominiums. Lydia will try to set a new record high for a beachfront multi-million dollar condo, all while planning and hosting her wedding.
* "THE ROOKIE" - Madison Hildebrand is new on the real estate scene, but he´s quickly finding his footing on the sandy shores of Malibu. In his first six months, Madison has earned more than $200,000 in commissions. Madison discovers office politics as he tries to sell his first multi-million dollar listing.
* "THE MOGUL" - Chris Cortazzo has been selling real estate in Malibu for eleven years and is the third highest grossing Coldwell Banker agent in the world, with sales over $100 million each year for the past five years. Chris Cortazzo is asking top dollar for an exclusive beachfront bungalow.
* "THE DIVA" AND "MR. NICE GUY" - Dia and Ray Schuldenfrei are in the top 1% of ReMax agents nationwide and have more than thirty years of experience selling homes in the Hollywood Hills. They´ve just come off one of their biggest years ever, selling millions of dollars in property. In the series, they will deal with a desperate divorcee forced to sell the home she loves.
* "MR. HOLLYWOOD" - Chase Campen, a new Hollywood agent, is married to Ray and Dia´s only daughter. When his wife gave birth to twins, he decided to take up selling real estate in order to have a more flexible schedule. During the series, he´ll have to navigate the tough line between a seller who refuses to negotiate and a hard-line buyer.
* "MR. MOM" - Michael Wegmann, Hollywood agent, made his fortune in the dot-com industry, now he sells real estate as a hobby. During the series, he will try to sell the ultra modern home of a former record producer. He and his partner try to have a child during the series.
* "THE BOMBSHELL" - Shannon McLeod is brand new agent in the Hollywood ReMax office. In the series, she´ll attempt to sell her ex-fiancee´s $2.3 million house.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
GSN Announces ANYTHING TO WIN: SOAP OPERAS WARS - Behind Scene Of Daytime Soap Operas
GSN´s Documentary Series ANYTHING TO WIN Features the Fiercely Competitive World of the Daytime Soap Operas
On Sunday, April 16, GSN, the network for games presents ANYTHING TO WIN: SOAP OPERAS WARS. The signature documentary series, which looks at some of the most interesting competitions of all time, airs weekly on Sundays from 8:00 - 9:00 PM, EST.
Soap operas are legendary for going to extremes and creating the most outlandish storylines with their characters, doing anything from afflicting them with amnesia to bringing them back from the dead. This is never more evident than during "Sweeps" when, in an effort to boost ratings, soap producers pull out all the stops. ANYTHING TO WIN gives viewers a glimpse into this competitive world, focusing specifically on a ground breaking stunt orchestrated by the producers and writers of DAYS OF OUR LIVES where they unleashed a serial killer on to the town of Salem and, when it was all over, half of the beloved cast was dead.
"Soap operas are misunderstood and underappreciated. As any actor who has joined a soap after doing prime time or films will tell you, there isn´t a more demanding job in the business. Daytime is filled with talented performers whose fans are fiercely loyal, and storylines that are complicated and compelling. It´s no wonder so many prime time shows draw talent and plots from the genre," said Stephanie Sloane, Editor of SOAP OPERA DIGEST.
On Sunday, April 16, GSN, the network for games presents ANYTHING TO WIN: SOAP OPERAS WARS. The signature documentary series, which looks at some of the most interesting competitions of all time, airs weekly on Sundays from 8:00 - 9:00 PM, EST.
Soap operas are legendary for going to extremes and creating the most outlandish storylines with their characters, doing anything from afflicting them with amnesia to bringing them back from the dead. This is never more evident than during "Sweeps" when, in an effort to boost ratings, soap producers pull out all the stops. ANYTHING TO WIN gives viewers a glimpse into this competitive world, focusing specifically on a ground breaking stunt orchestrated by the producers and writers of DAYS OF OUR LIVES where they unleashed a serial killer on to the town of Salem and, when it was all over, half of the beloved cast was dead.
"Soap operas are misunderstood and underappreciated. As any actor who has joined a soap after doing prime time or films will tell you, there isn´t a more demanding job in the business. Daytime is filled with talented performers whose fans are fiercely loyal, and storylines that are complicated and compelling. It´s no wonder so many prime time shows draw talent and plots from the genre," said Stephanie Sloane, Editor of SOAP OPERA DIGEST.
Premiere Of THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER 3 Breaks Ratings Record for Spike TV
THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER 3 on Spike TV: A Knockout Premiere With 2.4 Million Viewers
The Most Watched Original Series Premiere in Spike TV History
The Season 3 premiere of Spike TV´s THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER(TM) on Thursday, April 6 (10:00 - 11:30 PM, ET/PT) drew record ratings for the network and out-delivered anything else in television in its timeslot in the hard-to-reach demographic of Men 18-34. The 90-minute premiere also out-delivered major competition on cable including the NBA on TNT (Pistons vs. Heat and Lakers vs. Nuggets) and USA Network´s coverage of The Masters.
Among the notable ratings achievements for the premiere of Spike TV´s THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER 3 include:
* #1 among Men 18-34 (3.71, 971,000) in its timeslot out delivering everything on broadcast, cable, or pay cable.
* #1 in HH rating (1.95), average audience (2.4 million), Men 25-34 (5.03, 758,000), Men 18-49 (2.70, 1,411,000), Persons 18-49 (1.67, 1,794,000) (Ad-supported cable only)
* Highest household ratings for an original series premiere in Spike TV history (1.95)
* Defeated TNT's NBA doubleheader featuring the league´s marquee teams including Pistons vs. Heat/Lakers vs. Nuggets in household rating (1.95 to 1.68), average audience (2.4 million to 1.8 million), and Men 18-34 (3.61 to 1.41).
* Defeated USA Network's coverage of golf´s biggest tournament, The Masters, in average audience (2.4 to 2.2 million), Men 18-34 (3.61 to 0.72), and Men 18-49 (2.70 to 1.01).
* Highest delivery of Men 18-34 in network history for an original series
* Versus last year in the timeslot (MXC), up +236% in households, +429% in Men 18-49, +395% in Men 18-34, and +262% in average audience.
* Earlier in the evening, Spike TV simulcasted the first-ever LIVE network sporting event (Ultimate Fight Night Live) to a mobile device via Amp´d mobile.
"It´s a great start to Season 3 which promises to be the best one yet with the intense rivalry between Ken and Tito and an incredible crop of fearless athletes," remarked Kevin Kay, General Manager, Spike TV.
"The momentum continues to build which is really exciting for us. We were confident people would respond to the sport of mixed martial arts once they got to know the professional athletes who participate in it. Stay tuned, it´s going to be a great season," said Dana White, President of the ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP(R) organization.
About THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER 3:
Sixteen of the best up-and-coming mixed martial artists from around the world have convened in Las Vegas in pursuit of one goal -- to be named the "ULTIMATE FIGHTER" and to be given a contract in the Ultimate Fighting Championship(R) organization. UFC legends and bitter rivals Ken Shamrock "The World´s Most Dangerous Man" and Tito Ortiz, "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy," train and coach the participating light-heavyweights and middleweights. THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER 3 is hosted by Dana White, UFC President. The premiere episode of the thirteen-part series culminated in a first round victory by Team Shamrock´s Kalib Starnes (Vancouver, British Columbia) over Team Ortiz´s Mike Stine (Hicksville, Long Island).
The Most Watched Original Series Premiere in Spike TV History
The Season 3 premiere of Spike TV´s THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER(TM) on Thursday, April 6 (10:00 - 11:30 PM, ET/PT) drew record ratings for the network and out-delivered anything else in television in its timeslot in the hard-to-reach demographic of Men 18-34. The 90-minute premiere also out-delivered major competition on cable including the NBA on TNT (Pistons vs. Heat and Lakers vs. Nuggets) and USA Network´s coverage of The Masters.
Among the notable ratings achievements for the premiere of Spike TV´s THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER 3 include:
* #1 among Men 18-34 (3.71, 971,000) in its timeslot out delivering everything on broadcast, cable, or pay cable.
* #1 in HH rating (1.95), average audience (2.4 million), Men 25-34 (5.03, 758,000), Men 18-49 (2.70, 1,411,000), Persons 18-49 (1.67, 1,794,000) (Ad-supported cable only)
* Highest household ratings for an original series premiere in Spike TV history (1.95)
* Defeated TNT's NBA doubleheader featuring the league´s marquee teams including Pistons vs. Heat/Lakers vs. Nuggets in household rating (1.95 to 1.68), average audience (2.4 million to 1.8 million), and Men 18-34 (3.61 to 1.41).
* Defeated USA Network's coverage of golf´s biggest tournament, The Masters, in average audience (2.4 to 2.2 million), Men 18-34 (3.61 to 0.72), and Men 18-49 (2.70 to 1.01).
* Highest delivery of Men 18-34 in network history for an original series
* Versus last year in the timeslot (MXC), up +236% in households, +429% in Men 18-49, +395% in Men 18-34, and +262% in average audience.
* Earlier in the evening, Spike TV simulcasted the first-ever LIVE network sporting event (Ultimate Fight Night Live) to a mobile device via Amp´d mobile.
"It´s a great start to Season 3 which promises to be the best one yet with the intense rivalry between Ken and Tito and an incredible crop of fearless athletes," remarked Kevin Kay, General Manager, Spike TV.
"The momentum continues to build which is really exciting for us. We were confident people would respond to the sport of mixed martial arts once they got to know the professional athletes who participate in it. Stay tuned, it´s going to be a great season," said Dana White, President of the ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP(R) organization.
About THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER 3:
Sixteen of the best up-and-coming mixed martial artists from around the world have convened in Las Vegas in pursuit of one goal -- to be named the "ULTIMATE FIGHTER" and to be given a contract in the Ultimate Fighting Championship(R) organization. UFC legends and bitter rivals Ken Shamrock "The World´s Most Dangerous Man" and Tito Ortiz, "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy," train and coach the participating light-heavyweights and middleweights. THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER 3 is hosted by Dana White, UFC President. The premiere episode of the thirteen-part series culminated in a first round victory by Team Shamrock´s Kalib Starnes (Vancouver, British Columbia) over Team Ortiz´s Mike Stine (Hicksville, Long Island).
Animal Plant Explores CORWIN´S QUEST: REALM OF THE YETI - Search For Abominable Snowman
In CORWIN´S QUEST: REALM OF THE YETI, Animal Planet´s Jeff Corwin joins an elite team of top scientists on an adventurous mission to search out new animal species in one of the most mysterious regions on earth.
This region of Nepal is a remote and unexplored area of the Himalayas, in the shadow of the highest mountains in the world. Under Mount EverestÕs looming presence, Jeff encounters the area´s diverse and exotic wildlife much of which has never been captured on film.
Jeff also meets the locals, hears their stories and sees evidence of the creature called "the protector of the mountains." Real or imagined, the Yeti has a profound conservation influence where huge swathes of land are left untouched because the locals believe the Yeti resides in their depths.
CORWIN´S QUEST: REALM OF THE YETI Premieres Saturday, April 15 at 8:00 pm (ET/PT) On Animal Planet.
This region of Nepal is a remote and unexplored area of the Himalayas, in the shadow of the highest mountains in the world. Under Mount EverestÕs looming presence, Jeff encounters the area´s diverse and exotic wildlife much of which has never been captured on film.
Jeff also meets the locals, hears their stories and sees evidence of the creature called "the protector of the mountains." Real or imagined, the Yeti has a profound conservation influence where huge swathes of land are left untouched because the locals believe the Yeti resides in their depths.
CORWIN´S QUEST: REALM OF THE YETI Premieres Saturday, April 15 at 8:00 pm (ET/PT) On Animal Planet.
Former BLOW OUT Hairstylist Brandon Martinez In A New Special - SALON DIARIES on Bravo
Bravo Presents SALON DIARIES - One-Hour Special Featuring Former BLOW OUT Hairstylist Brandon Martinez On His Personal And Professional Journey At The Trendy Warren-Tricomi Salon In Los Angeles
Bravo´s one-hour special,SALON DIARIES, will follow Brandon Martinez, previously one of Jonathan Antin´s talented stylists servicing Beverly Hills´ elite at Jonathan Salon, as he finds the perfect new venue to grow his career at the new Warren-Tricomi Salon in Los Angeles. SALON DIARIES will chronicle the start of a new chapter in this motorcycle riding, nightclub hopping, and tattoo-sporting bad boy´s life and reveal the man behind the shears as his career unfolds after being fired from Jonathan Salon. Viewers will catch up with Brandon as he struggles to prove he has the hairstyling skills to survive in his new high-pressure gig. He´ll find out what it takes to be welcomed into the exclusive Warren-Tricomi family...or not. SALON DIARIES premieres on Tuesday, May 9 at 9:00 PM ET/PT.
"Bravo takes character development to new heights as viewers are reunited with the brash and abrasive, yet lovable and charismatic charmer Brandon Martinez in this look inside the competitive world of high-end hair," said Frances Berwick, Senior Vice President of Programming and Production for Bravo. "It´s the ultimate collision of art and commerce, and will determine whether an independent spirit can help grow an established business."
Brandon is on a mission to skyrocket his career after the disappointment of being fired by Jonathan Antin. Throughout the special, viewers will see the rejuvenated Brandon strive to create a name for himself. His new mentors are Edward and Joel, the owners of the Warren-Tricomi Salon, who are legendary and unique in their own right. The endless stream of high-end celebrities who parade through their salon include George Clooney, Tom Cruise, Ashley Judd, Sharon Stone, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ivanka Trump, and Rachel Hunter. Viewers will have the best seat in the salon as the Warren-Tricomi hairstylists prepare for their big Oscar week event, an opportunity for Brandon to really impress Edward and Joel. This is Brandon´s golden ticket into a beauty empire that includes high-end celebrity photo shoots, runway shows, and print campaigns that could eventually gain him a solid foothold in this cutthroat business.
Bravo´s one-hour special,SALON DIARIES, will follow Brandon Martinez, previously one of Jonathan Antin´s talented stylists servicing Beverly Hills´ elite at Jonathan Salon, as he finds the perfect new venue to grow his career at the new Warren-Tricomi Salon in Los Angeles. SALON DIARIES will chronicle the start of a new chapter in this motorcycle riding, nightclub hopping, and tattoo-sporting bad boy´s life and reveal the man behind the shears as his career unfolds after being fired from Jonathan Salon. Viewers will catch up with Brandon as he struggles to prove he has the hairstyling skills to survive in his new high-pressure gig. He´ll find out what it takes to be welcomed into the exclusive Warren-Tricomi family...or not. SALON DIARIES premieres on Tuesday, May 9 at 9:00 PM ET/PT.
"Bravo takes character development to new heights as viewers are reunited with the brash and abrasive, yet lovable and charismatic charmer Brandon Martinez in this look inside the competitive world of high-end hair," said Frances Berwick, Senior Vice President of Programming and Production for Bravo. "It´s the ultimate collision of art and commerce, and will determine whether an independent spirit can help grow an established business."
Brandon is on a mission to skyrocket his career after the disappointment of being fired by Jonathan Antin. Throughout the special, viewers will see the rejuvenated Brandon strive to create a name for himself. His new mentors are Edward and Joel, the owners of the Warren-Tricomi Salon, who are legendary and unique in their own right. The endless stream of high-end celebrities who parade through their salon include George Clooney, Tom Cruise, Ashley Judd, Sharon Stone, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ivanka Trump, and Rachel Hunter. Viewers will have the best seat in the salon as the Warren-Tricomi hairstylists prepare for their big Oscar week event, an opportunity for Brandon to really impress Edward and Joel. This is Brandon´s golden ticket into a beauty empire that includes high-end celebrity photo shoots, runway shows, and print campaigns that could eventually gain him a solid foothold in this cutthroat business.
Monday, April 10, 2006
NBC Announces Premiere Dates of TREASURE HUNTERS AND AMERICA´S GOT TALENT And The Return Of LAST COMIC STANDING
NBC Chills Out Summer 2006 With Premieres Of New Original Alternative Series TREASURE HUNTERS AND AMERICA´S GOT TALENT And The Return Of LAST COMIC STANDING
NBC announced premiere dates for its bold summer 2006 alternative programming including new original series TREASURE HUNTERS (Sunday, June 18) and AMERICA´S GOT TALENT (Wednesday, June 21) -- plus the return of the standup comedy competition series LAST COMIC STANDING (Tuesday, May 30). The announcement was made today by Craig Plestis, Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming and Development, NBC Entertainment.
"This summer´s alternative lineup represents all the high-energy and fun-filled programming viewers crave," said Plestis. "We purposely intended to showcase these promising projects during these months to allow them to cultivate a dedicated audience."
Following are format descriptions for NBC´s summer alternative series in order of premiere dates.
LAST COMIC STANDING (two-hour premiere Tuesday, May 30, 8-10 p.m. ET; regular time Tuesdays, 9-10 p.m. ET) -- The Emmy-nominated series LAST COMIC STANDING serves up a new season of laughs and surprises as the innovative comedy showcase searches for the funniest people in America. Anthony Clark (YES, DEAR) hosts the lively laughfest, which begins with a nationwide talent search for professional and aspiring comedians. Then once the selection is narrowed down to 12, the series will follow the comedians - both male and female - as they live together and compete for the ultimate prize - an exclusive talent contract with NBC and a comedy special on Bravo.
TREASURE HUNTERS (special two-hour premiere Sunday, June 18, 8-10 p.m. ET following the U.S. Open - regular time period Mondays, 9-10 p.m. ET) - TREASURE HUNTERS is a fast-paced adventure/mystery reality series where multi-player teams try to stay one step ahead of each other as they are mentally and physically challenged in their quest of a promised hidden treasure. The teams must avoid elimination as they travel to historically significant locations where they must decipher cryptic codes and puzzles, each with a clue leading them closer to solving the ultimate puzzle, and obtaining the coveted grand prize.
AMERICA´S GOT TALENT (two-hour premiere Wednesday, June 21, 8-10 p.m. ET; regular time Wednesdays, 9-10 p.m. ET; 30-minute results shows Thursdays beginning July 13, 8:30-9 p.m. ET) - Simon Cowell (AMERICAN IDOL) and FremantleMedia (AMERICAN IDOL) will bring the hottest performers from across the country to TV audiences in a new talent competition series that allows viewers to determine who will walk away with a $1 million cash prize. The series features a colorful array of hopeful future stars who possess widely varying levels of talent. Singers, dancers, comedic performers and unique novelty acts of all ages will have a chance to strut and perform in front of a panel of celebrity judges who will determine which acts advance to the final rounds.
NBC announced premiere dates for its bold summer 2006 alternative programming including new original series TREASURE HUNTERS (Sunday, June 18) and AMERICA´S GOT TALENT (Wednesday, June 21) -- plus the return of the standup comedy competition series LAST COMIC STANDING (Tuesday, May 30). The announcement was made today by Craig Plestis, Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming and Development, NBC Entertainment.
"This summer´s alternative lineup represents all the high-energy and fun-filled programming viewers crave," said Plestis. "We purposely intended to showcase these promising projects during these months to allow them to cultivate a dedicated audience."
Following are format descriptions for NBC´s summer alternative series in order of premiere dates.
LAST COMIC STANDING (two-hour premiere Tuesday, May 30, 8-10 p.m. ET; regular time Tuesdays, 9-10 p.m. ET) -- The Emmy-nominated series LAST COMIC STANDING serves up a new season of laughs and surprises as the innovative comedy showcase searches for the funniest people in America. Anthony Clark (YES, DEAR) hosts the lively laughfest, which begins with a nationwide talent search for professional and aspiring comedians. Then once the selection is narrowed down to 12, the series will follow the comedians - both male and female - as they live together and compete for the ultimate prize - an exclusive talent contract with NBC and a comedy special on Bravo.
TREASURE HUNTERS (special two-hour premiere Sunday, June 18, 8-10 p.m. ET following the U.S. Open - regular time period Mondays, 9-10 p.m. ET) - TREASURE HUNTERS is a fast-paced adventure/mystery reality series where multi-player teams try to stay one step ahead of each other as they are mentally and physically challenged in their quest of a promised hidden treasure. The teams must avoid elimination as they travel to historically significant locations where they must decipher cryptic codes and puzzles, each with a clue leading them closer to solving the ultimate puzzle, and obtaining the coveted grand prize.
AMERICA´S GOT TALENT (two-hour premiere Wednesday, June 21, 8-10 p.m. ET; regular time Wednesdays, 9-10 p.m. ET; 30-minute results shows Thursdays beginning July 13, 8:30-9 p.m. ET) - Simon Cowell (AMERICAN IDOL) and FremantleMedia (AMERICAN IDOL) will bring the hottest performers from across the country to TV audiences in a new talent competition series that allows viewers to determine who will walk away with a $1 million cash prize. The series features a colorful array of hopeful future stars who possess widely varying levels of talent. Singers, dancers, comedic performers and unique novelty acts of all ages will have a chance to strut and perform in front of a panel of celebrity judges who will determine which acts advance to the final rounds.
National Geographic Investigates World of Surveillance, Eavesdropping And Privacy - EXPLORER: SCIENCE OF SURVEILLANCE
National Geographic Channel´s EXPLORER Examines High-Tech Surveillance in the 21st Century - It´s not Science Fiction. It´s Reality.
Go Behind Security Doors of the Secret, Often Disturbing World of Surveillance Technology
Invisible eyes are searching for criminals and terrorists. But at what price? Is eavesdropping on private calls without a warrant a brazen violation of civil liberties? Or is it a vital and justifiable protection of the American public´s safety? Today, political controversy rages over the recently revealed wiretapping of U.S. citizens without warrants. But for the average citizen, the underlying question remains: Are we quickly entering a world of total surveillance? Will surveillance technology eventually invade our bodies and our homes and pervade our daily lives?
National Geographic Channel´s EXPLORER takes us behind security doors and deep inside the intricate surveillance networks, exposing the invisible eyes and electronic trails that can spy on what we do and where we´ve been. Premiering Wednesday, April 19, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, EXPLORER: SCIENCE OF SURVEILLANCE shows viewers the secret, often disturbing world of surveillance, and the newly developed technology that may lead to a future with nowhere to hide.
On street corners in London, thousands of mechanical lenses loom, following nearly every move of its citizens. At casinos in Las Vegas, high- tech surveillance systems hidden 40 feet above zoom in on the dial on a wristwatch. In Dubai´s airport, a mandatory iris scan identifies an attempted illegal entrant. And in New York City, helicopters equipped with infrared technology prowl the night sky, searching for criminal behavior from above, but also capturing the private lives of citizens on tape. All over the globe, surveillance technologies abound.
EXPLORER takes viewers inside these surveillance technologies at work -- from the failures of elaborate systems in preventing attacks, to current struggles over the intrusion of biometrics, to the promising technologies of the future, where the goal is to identify one person anywhere in the world.
Viewers will learn about advancements made in facial and iris recognition; implanted electronic I.D. chips and backscatter technology, which can see through metal and show organic compounds, such as plastic explosives. Viewers will also witness the possibilities of 3-D imagery tied to global satellite tracking at a high-tech laboratory of the future. It´s not science fiction. These technologies are becoming reality.
Drawing from a wide range of sources, including interviews with leading scientists, top law and legal professors, security directors, surveillance inspectors and venturesome embracers of the technology, EXPLORER presents a comprehensive and compelling look at this ubiquitous, yet often elusive technology.
Hanspeter Pfister, a senior research scientist at Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories (MERL) in Cambridge, Mass., is among those leading the way in facial recognition. With 2-D technology, even disguised suspects -- with eyeglasses, a mustache, strange hair and a beard -- can still be identified. Now, 3-D technology is under way to create a composite image of a face, recognizable from all angles. What does this technology hold for the future?
At this same laboratory, EXPLORER also takes viewers on a fictional hunt for a criminal. In this 3-D, high-tech control room of tomorrow, a global hunt begins for the FBI-wanted man "Thomas O´Connor." Scientists enter a composite image of O´Connor´s face into a recognition database. Facial recognition software tied to millions of webcams placed on streets and buildings around the world and in the United States seeks a match. In New York City, a sensor goes off, revealing the man in the hallway of a bank building. Patrol units are then dispatched to the scene to make an arrest. It´s an amazing display of what´s possible. And the fact is all these technologies already exist.
"We have devices and payment systems, which leave behind little trails like contrails behind jet planes," says Eben Moglen, professor of law and legal history at Columbia Law School. "And surveillance in the 21st century now means picking up those trails and following right behind us in our footprints, or even leaping ahead and predicting where we´re going to be before we get there."
EXPLORER: SCIENCE OF SURVEILLANCE shows how millions of us expose ourselves everyday to a wired, digital world, where our lives can be watched, tracked and shared. For better or worse, we are living in a surveillance society. And in the future world of total surveillance, there may be nowhere to hide. As surveillance technology becomes ever more amazing -- the ongoing controversy is sure to continue.
Go Behind Security Doors of the Secret, Often Disturbing World of Surveillance Technology
Invisible eyes are searching for criminals and terrorists. But at what price? Is eavesdropping on private calls without a warrant a brazen violation of civil liberties? Or is it a vital and justifiable protection of the American public´s safety? Today, political controversy rages over the recently revealed wiretapping of U.S. citizens without warrants. But for the average citizen, the underlying question remains: Are we quickly entering a world of total surveillance? Will surveillance technology eventually invade our bodies and our homes and pervade our daily lives?
National Geographic Channel´s EXPLORER takes us behind security doors and deep inside the intricate surveillance networks, exposing the invisible eyes and electronic trails that can spy on what we do and where we´ve been. Premiering Wednesday, April 19, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, EXPLORER: SCIENCE OF SURVEILLANCE shows viewers the secret, often disturbing world of surveillance, and the newly developed technology that may lead to a future with nowhere to hide.
On street corners in London, thousands of mechanical lenses loom, following nearly every move of its citizens. At casinos in Las Vegas, high- tech surveillance systems hidden 40 feet above zoom in on the dial on a wristwatch. In Dubai´s airport, a mandatory iris scan identifies an attempted illegal entrant. And in New York City, helicopters equipped with infrared technology prowl the night sky, searching for criminal behavior from above, but also capturing the private lives of citizens on tape. All over the globe, surveillance technologies abound.
EXPLORER takes viewers inside these surveillance technologies at work -- from the failures of elaborate systems in preventing attacks, to current struggles over the intrusion of biometrics, to the promising technologies of the future, where the goal is to identify one person anywhere in the world.
Viewers will learn about advancements made in facial and iris recognition; implanted electronic I.D. chips and backscatter technology, which can see through metal and show organic compounds, such as plastic explosives. Viewers will also witness the possibilities of 3-D imagery tied to global satellite tracking at a high-tech laboratory of the future. It´s not science fiction. These technologies are becoming reality.
Drawing from a wide range of sources, including interviews with leading scientists, top law and legal professors, security directors, surveillance inspectors and venturesome embracers of the technology, EXPLORER presents a comprehensive and compelling look at this ubiquitous, yet often elusive technology.
Hanspeter Pfister, a senior research scientist at Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories (MERL) in Cambridge, Mass., is among those leading the way in facial recognition. With 2-D technology, even disguised suspects -- with eyeglasses, a mustache, strange hair and a beard -- can still be identified. Now, 3-D technology is under way to create a composite image of a face, recognizable from all angles. What does this technology hold for the future?
At this same laboratory, EXPLORER also takes viewers on a fictional hunt for a criminal. In this 3-D, high-tech control room of tomorrow, a global hunt begins for the FBI-wanted man "Thomas O´Connor." Scientists enter a composite image of O´Connor´s face into a recognition database. Facial recognition software tied to millions of webcams placed on streets and buildings around the world and in the United States seeks a match. In New York City, a sensor goes off, revealing the man in the hallway of a bank building. Patrol units are then dispatched to the scene to make an arrest. It´s an amazing display of what´s possible. And the fact is all these technologies already exist.
"We have devices and payment systems, which leave behind little trails like contrails behind jet planes," says Eben Moglen, professor of law and legal history at Columbia Law School. "And surveillance in the 21st century now means picking up those trails and following right behind us in our footprints, or even leaping ahead and predicting where we´re going to be before we get there."
EXPLORER: SCIENCE OF SURVEILLANCE shows how millions of us expose ourselves everyday to a wired, digital world, where our lives can be watched, tracked and shared. For better or worse, we are living in a surveillance society. And in the future world of total surveillance, there may be nowhere to hide. As surveillance technology becomes ever more amazing -- the ongoing controversy is sure to continue.
ABC And eBay Announces Casting Call For DREAM PROJECT - A New Show To Fulfill A Personal Dream
Do you know someone who is looking to fulfill a personal dream, but does not have the financial means to attain it?
Do they have a closet, attic or basement full of "hidden treasures", items that they are willing to place for sale on eBay?
If so, then Madison Road Entertainment, eBay and the American viewers may literally be able to make these dreams come true.
For more information go to: http://www.nationalfamilysearch.com/
Do they have a closet, attic or basement full of "hidden treasures", items that they are willing to place for sale on eBay?
If so, then Madison Road Entertainment, eBay and the American viewers may literally be able to make these dreams come true.
For more information go to: http://www.nationalfamilysearch.com/
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