Sony TV arm plots overseas growth

Sony's Andy Kaplan, second from right, with Imax's Rob Lister; left, 3net's Tom Cosgrove and Discovery's Bruce Campbell, celebrate 3net's launch.A 26-year-old government clerk from one of India's poorest regions made headlines worldwide last month as a "real-life 'Slumdog Millionaire'?" after he became the first contestant to win a $1 million jackpot on India's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."Nobody was happier to see Sushil Kumar's win generate so much attention as Andy Kaplan and other execs at Sony Pictures TV, because the incident illustrates the depth of Sony's growing investments in international TV networks and programming.India's edition of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" is carried on the Sony Entertainment Television (SET) channel that serves one of the world's most populous countries. The buzz around Kumar's win has boosted ratings for the channel significantly -- so much so that it has ranked as the No. 1 entertainment cable channel in the highly competitive marketplace this year. What's more, Sony Pictures TV owns the show and rights to the "Millionaire" format entirely through its acquisition in 2008 of Dutch production company 2waytraffic (which acquired the property from original "Millionaire" producer, Celador).Kaplan has been at the helm of that train for Sony Pictures TV for the past nine years. As prexy of worldwide networks, he spearheaded the push to plow new fields for Sony's key channel brands -- Sony Entertainment Television, AXN, Animax and Sony Spin. In the past decade, Sony has harnessed the vast expansion of TV platforms in Asia, Latin America and other regions and has 120 channels airing in 159 countries and 22 languages.The "Millionaire" windfall was an unpredictable turn of good fortune for SET, which already is one of India's most well-established entertainment channels. But the fact that Sony had all of the infrastructure in place to find itself in that position reflects Sony's commitment to investing in its portfolio of international channels. Just like the other Hollywood majors, Sony brass see international growth, particularly with their own proprietary channels, as a crucial engine of future studio profits.Kaplan, who is based in Culver City, recently signed a three-year extension of his contract with the studio. He began his career at Sony more than 20 years ago as a biz exec on the domestic production side. But when the opportunity to move into a job with a global purview came up, he didn't hesitate.Today, the channels wing employs about 1,500 people in offices around the world. Kaplan also oversees the studio's interest in 3net, the 3D cable channel that is a joint venture of Sony, Discovery Communications and Imax Corp."The great thing about this business is that the macroeconomic factors of each particular region and country are so different that it's always challenging to start and run these businesses," Kaplan says. "The fun part is figuring out how we run channels that have some (worldwide) similarities but are still different and specific to each territory."Sony's channels serve up a mix of U.S.-produced entertainment fare, whether Sony productions or shows from other studios, and locally produced programming."We acquire from everybody," Kaplan says. "Our job is to program our networks with the best available programming to get the largest audience."The flagship Sony Entertainment Television brand is designed as a general entertainment outlet (think USA Network) that tends to draw more women viewers. AXN, with its emphasis on action-adventure fare, leans more male. Animax is tailored to animation lovers while Spin is geared toward teens and young adults. At present, Kaplan's focus is on adding more channels in regions where it already has a big footprint, and extending its reach into key growth territories such as Turkey and the Middle East.Sony's channels arm has no shortage of competition from those run by Fox, Time Warner, Disney and Viacom, among others, and all of the majors have noticeably been turning up the volume and profile of original programming. Kaplan jumped at the chance to work with Canuck production giant eOne in developing a wholly original legal drama series for the AXN channels based on John Grisham's novel "The Firm" with writer-producer Lukas Reiter ("Law & Order") and other U.S.-based creatives onboard.The show turned the traditional domestic-to-international scripted series sales path on its ear when it landed a deal with NBC -- long after it was already greenlighted for production for AXN and other outlets. "Firm" is now set for a worldwide rollout in early January.For Kaplan, the experience with "Firm" is an example of how much the business landscape for programming is becoming increasingly more globally focused. And that puts Sony in a good position to prosper through the reach and diversity of channels in its arsenal."These are the kinds of things we're really excited about," Kaplan says. "?'The Firm' is a way of upping our game and having a much bigger creative presence in big-budget programming. Our channels will be first in line for these kind of events." Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com

Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.: Analyst Sees Stock as Buying Chance

NY - 's time to purchase Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.? Susquehanna Financial analyst Vasily Karasyov thinks so. The analyst on Tuesday upgraded his rating round the stock in the entertainment conglomerate to "positive" from "neutral" getting a $20 cost target and downside possibility of $14. The stock closed your entire day slightly greater at $16.41, still below its lots of $18.35, set just before the telephone hacking scandal reignited this summer season. Undertaking a current pullback inside the stock, "this really is really the entry way i had been trying to find,Inch Karasyov written in the report. "Although we acknowledge that elevated market unpredictability will most likely weigh round the multiple over the following several several days, our analysis suggests the good operating earnings growth structure indicates share price of $20 within 12 several days." High unpredictability will most likely limit upside over the following handful of several days, but that "should collapse to multiple expansion by mid-2012," the analyst contended. Karasyov referred to that News Corp. shares "have completed well previously" when operating profitability growth was concentrated in no more than two business segments. "We expect cable systems and the possible lack of Bebo deficits to operate a vehicle almost all rise in fiscal year 2012," he mentioned. Lately, Evercore Partners analyst Alan Gould selected News Corp., just behind Viacom, just like a favorite entertainment stock in the difficult market. Some experts have mentioned that even though telephone hacking scandal provides some near-term risks, it could provide a silver lining for traders and lead to corporate governance changes at News Corp. as time passes. A U.K. hedge fund has furthermore recently bought News Corp. shares in the sign it requires upside for your stock. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Subjects Rupert Murdoch News Corp. Phone Hacking Scandal

Bachelorette Ali Fedotowsky and Roberto Separate

Ali Fedowski and Roberto Martinez Bachelorette couple Ali Fedotowsky and Roberto Martinez are completed.The couple's repetition told People on Monday they "have ended their relationship."In a single Bachelorette to another: Ali suggests Ashley to produce good friendsThe couple met on Season 6. Round the show's finale, Martinez was given the best rose which he recommended right after.In August, Fedotowsky told TVGuide.com they and Martinez had postponed plans to acquire their wedding public, because of an injuries she experienced in the kayaking accident.Have a look at photos of Ali Fedotowsky"Sadly I'd knee surgery. It absolutely was a really hard decision to postpone ... but If only to bop within my wedding, If only just to walk lower the aisle, I'd rather not limp lower the aisle," she mentioned.Fedotowsky, 27, will be a contestant on Season 14 in the Bachelor where she walked written by michael Pavelka. She wound up being selected being The Bachelorette, which opened up in May 2010.

OWN Stretches Seasons for 'Our America With Lisa Ling,' 'Welcome to Sweetie Pie's'

The famous host the famous host oprah Winfrey's OWN Network is stretching the orders for just two series: Our America With Lisa Ling and Thank you for going to Sweetie Cake's.our editor recommendsOprah Winfrey's OWN Network Orders Supermodel Docu-SeriesOWN Renews 'Our America With Lisa Ling' The network has acquired eight more cases of Our America for just about any total of 16 episodes for your second season. Ten additional episodes are actually bought for the family members docu-series Thank you for going to Sweetie Cake's for just about any total of 18 episodes due to its rookie year. The announcement has come about as the two series released double-digit growth for just about any fifth straight week together with a following day of OWN acquired a Beverly Manley docu-series. "Everyone else is finding and responding to individuals programs, as well as the ratings still build, the great evidence of both shows," mentioned Eric Logan, co-leader of OWN. "Lisa fully immerses herself in every single subject she covers and challenges us to think about in different ways. Along with her team, she's created story-telling perfection," mentioned Sheri Salata, co-leader of OWN. "We've all fallen deeply deeply in love with the Montgomery family. You never know whatever they'll do or say next. We couldn't be pleased audiences are tuning straight into enjoy all the fun." Season so far, Our America, which takes care of challenging subjects, has averaged 405,000 audiences on Sunday nights at 10 p.m. Thank you for going to Sweetie Cake's, airing Saturdays at 9 p.m., earnings 388,000 audiences striking a collection towards the top of November. 12 among women 25-54 getting b .46 rating. It is also No. 2 among Black women inside the 25-54 demo. The completely new cases of Our America are presently in production and may air next spring. Production on Thank you for going to Sweetie Cake's additional episodes will begin in December to air in spring. Related Subjects The famous host the famous host oprah Winfrey

RAI cutbacks to hit Italo film biz

ROME -- Italy's film community is up in arms over prospected cutbacks in local cinema coin at pubcaster RAI, just as the country's new government is being installed to implement a draconian austerity plan. RAI general manager Lorenza Lei has warned of probable budget cuts at its RAI Cinema, prompting Italo motion picture association ANICA to cry out that they would cause a "collapse of our film industry system," at a time when local movies are thriving, ANICA said in a statement. On Wednesday respected economist Mario Monti replaced Silvio Berlusconi as the country's prime minister, with a mandate to act radically and rapidly to shore up Italy's spiralling national debt. RAI, which has a workforce of more than 11,000, and has an estimated Euros 200 million ($270 million) of debt, is trying to push through a plan comprising a reported 1,000 pink slips, extensive pay cuts and across-the-board budget slashes. RAI Cinema pumps more than Euros 45 million ($60 million) annually into the local film industry. Luckily, however, direct state film funding and Italy's generous tax incentives will not be affected by Monti's upcoming austerity measures. Italy's so-called FUS fund for the arts and also film production tax incentives are drawn from an automobile fuel tax, which is considered to be safeguarded. Monti on Wednesday appointed Lorenzo Ornaghi, a Catholic academic, as the country's new Culture Czar, replacing Giancarlo Galan who had been a staunch supporter of the film industry sector. Among top priorities on Ornaghi's agenda is appointing a new Venice Biennale topper who, in turn, will decide whether Marco Mueller will stay on as director of the Venice Film Festival. Contact Nick Vivarelli at nvivarelli@gmail.com

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Gives Birth to Young Girl

Aishwarya Rai Aishwarya Rai Bachchan can be a mother.Her husband, actor Abhishek Bachchan, needed to Twitter on Wednesday to ensure what is the news.Search the comfort of current day news"It's A GIRL!!!!!!" Bachchan tweeted. "Thanks all for that hopes and good wishes. Both Aishwarya as well as the baby do great along with a little necessary relaxation."It's the first child for Rai, the 38-year-old Bollywood celebrity and former Miss World. She and Bachchan married in 2007.

Miramax Joins Parade Of Studios Providing Movies To Netflix In UK And Ireland

This is the latest in a recent series of Netflix deals to secure movies to stream in the UK and Ireland. But this release doesn’t say that the Miramax agreement is exclusive, a contrast to the announcements with Lionsgate and MGM. BEVERLY HILLS and SANTA MONICA, CA November 16, 2011 Netflix Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX) and Miramax today announced a new multi-year digital licensing agreement that will bring a broad range of acclaimed Miramax films to Netflix members in the UK and Ireland. Beginning in early 2012, Miramax titles will be available for Netflix members to watch instantly in the UK and Ireland streamed over the Internet to connected TVs, tablets, game consoles, computers and mobile phones. Financial terms of the deal are not being disclosed. Netflix announced in October that it would launch its service in the UK and Ireland early in 2012. Netflix is proud to be able to offer the unmatched mix of award-winning, independent and commercially successful films Miramax is known for, said Ted Sarandos, Netflix Chief Content Officer. Miramax films are already favorites of Netflix members in the U.S. and Latin America and were sure theyll be incredibly popular in the UK and Ireland as well. “We are thrilled to grow our partnership with Netflix as they expand their platform into the UK and Ireland, said Mike Lang, CEO of Miramax. “This agreement further extends our broader international digital distribution strategy, as we continue to offer consumers around the world our extraordinary collection of Miramax films. Additional Miramax titles available to members of Netflix in the UK and Ireland will include The Aviator, Bad Santa, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Chocolat, Finding Neverland, Gangs of NY, The Hours, Kate & Leopold, Rounders, Sling Blade, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and several of the Scary Movie, Scream and Hellraiser films. An extensive selection of legendary Miramax titles is already available to Netflix consumers in the United States and Latin America.

Jerry Sandusky Denies Sexual Abuse Charges, Says He's "Horsed Around With Kids"

Jerry Sandusky Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky, who faces 40 counts of sexual abuse of young boys, denies that he committed any crimes, but acknowledges that he has "horsed around with kids.""I am innocent of those charges," Sandusky told Bob Costas in a phone interview on Monday night's Rock Center with Brian Williams. "I could say that I have done some of those things. I have horsed around with kids. I have showered after workouts. I have hugged them, and I have touched their legs without intent of sexual contact."Joe Paterno fired as sex scandal rocks Penn StateSandusky, 67, is charged with sexually abusing eight boys over a 15-year span. According to the 23-page grand jury report, assistant coach Mike McQueary witnessed Sandusky raping a young boy in a Penn State shower in 2002, but Sandusky denies any sexual misconduct."We were showering and horsing around and [the boy] actually turned all the showers on and was actually sliding across the floor and we were, as I recall, possibly like snapping a towel," he said.Asked if he were a pedophile, Sandusky answered "no.""Are you sexually attracted to young boys, to underage boys?" Costas followed up."Sexually attracted, you know, I enjoy young people," Sandusky said. "I love to be around them. But, no, I'm not sexually attracted to young boys."Check out the rest of today's newsSandusky's attorney, Joe Amendola, who appeared on the show, maintained his client's innocence and said that his team has identified several boys - including the child in question in McQueary's allegation - who will deny the accusations. The NY Times, however, reports that as many as 10 more alleged victims of Sandusky have come forward, according to police close to the investigation. Costas pointed out that while Sandusky's innocent until proven guilty by law, a majority of the public already considers him "some sort of monster.""I don't know what I can say or what I could say that would make anybody feel any different now," Sandusky said. "I would just say that if somehow people could hang out until my attorney has a chance to fight, you know, for my innocence. That's about all I could ask right now. And you know, obviously, it's a huge challenge."Watch the interview: Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Relativity Calls Its Snow Whitened Mirror Mirror

First Released: November 4, 2011 5:06 PM EDT Credit: Relativity Media Caption Lily Collins as Snow Whitened within the Siblings Grimm: Snow WhiteLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The very first of two live-action Snow Whitened movies looking for release the coming year gets a rather ironic title: Mirror Mirror. Thats the title Relativity Media has selected because of its comedy-action adventure starring Jennifer Aniston because the Evil Full and Lily Collins as Snow Whitened. The film is placed for release March 16. Under three several weeks later, on June 1, Comcast Corp.s Universal Pictures is placed release a its action flick starring Billy Burke and Chris Hemsworth within the title roles of Snow Whitened and also the Huntsman. Although both movies take advantage from the story book made famous through the Siblings Grimm, the galleries say theyre different enough and spread far enough apart to both succeed. Copyright 2011 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'MTV First: Breaking Dawn' Countdown: Bella And Edward's First Kiss, Your Favorite 'Twilight' Moment!

Edward Cullen and Bella Swan have gone through quite the journey over the course of the "Twilight" films, but no matter how far their relationship has gone, it's always sweetest at the start. That's exactly why our countdown of your top five favorite "Twilight" momentsall leading up to tonight's MTV First special with "Breaking Dawn" stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautnercomes down to one very special fan-favorite encounter Bella and Edward's very first kiss! The romance of it all aside, there's no doubt that the fan-favorite "Twilight" moment owes much of its success to the awkwardness of Bella and Edward's first kiss. Even the actors behind the scenes, Kristen and Rob, were working out the kinks with each other's dynamic on the set of that first movie, as a flashback to MTV News' first visit to the 2008 production will surely remind you. "Whenever we kiss I just try to kill her all the time," a clearly uneasy Pattinson remarked on the subject of kissing Stewart, who added: "And I love that. She's a total sadomasochist when you think about it." Our MTV First celebrating "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" kicks off on MTV tonight (November 3) at 7:56 PM EST. We'll be joined by Rob, Taylor and Kristen as they debut an exclusive "Breaking Dawn" clip, and afterward, be sure to head to MTV.com for an exclusive 30 minute interview with the trio, where they'll answer questions submitted by you. What do you think of Bella and Edward's very first kiss? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!

El Capitan to see 'Cars 2,' 'Winnie the Pooh'

Since "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is completed its limited run at Disney's El Capitan Theatre, in Hollywood, the studio is filling the screen with re-releases of "Cars 2" and "Winnie the Pooh" that will play November. 4-20. The tests can keep the venue's screen illuminated using the opening of "The Muppets," out Thanksgiving weekend. Naturally, Disney is wanting the tests of those two figures might help the studio put the films before Academy voters, thinking about the truth that the guild individuals will get around four free tix when showing their membership cards. "Winnie the Pooh" might have daily at 10:45 a.m., 1:20 p.m. and 4:10 p.m., while "Cars 2," in 3d, will screen at 7:00 p.m. In addition, each screening of "Cars 2" will probably be preceded with a brand new Pixar animated short, "La Luna," and each screening of "Winnie the Pooh" will probably be preceded with the Disney's short, "The Ballad of Nessie." Winnie the Pooh may even proceed and take stage to entertain families, because the El Capitan Theatre will exhibit art that went in to the building of both films. A "Winnie the Pooh" breakfast will occur at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday or sunday. Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

Will Ferrell Comedy 'Casa p mi Padre' Acquired By Pantelion Films

Christopher Polk/Getty Images Pantelion Films has acquired U.S. privileges to Casa p mi Padre, the NALA Films and Gary Sanchez Productions comedy starring Will Ferrell. The organization plans a March 16 release. PHOTOS: 'SNL' Stars Salute Kennedy Center Honoree Will Ferrell Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna, Genesis Rodriguez, Efren Ramirez, Adrian Martinez, Pedro Armendáriz Junior. and Nick Offerman also star within the The spanish language-language film, directed byMatt Piedmont. An homage towards the telenovela, Padre focuses on a Mexican ranchman who will get confused having a local drug the almighty and the brother's girlfriend his or her father's ranch dangles within the balance. STORY: Will Ferrell to become Granted Mark Twain Prize for American Humor "We can't make a better vehicle thanCasa p mi Padreto demonstrate the way a The spanish language language film can attract an extensive mainstream audience," stated Pantelion Boss Paul Presburger. "We're passionate about joining forces with NALA Films about this project and believe Will, Matt and Andrew have proven when it's funny, all of us laugh within the same language." Together with Lionsgate and Grupo Televisa,Pantelion Films concentrates on delivering entertainment for Hispanic audiences.NALA Films funded the project. Will Ferrell

Eddie Redmayne Lands Les Miserables

Tom Hooper finds his MariusHe'll be on our screens later this month in My Week With Marilyn, but Eddie Redmayne has scored an even higher profile role for his next film, landing the part of Marius in Tom Hooper's take on Les Miserables.Redmayne will star alongside Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway in the tale of romance, revolution and tragedy adapted from the stage musical version of Victor Hugo's novel.Jackman is playing Jean Valjean, a man looking for redemption after years in prison who gets his chance when he becomes wealthy and tajes charge of caring for young Cosette, daughter of the troubled Fantine (Hathaway). Years later, Cosette meets Marius, a student at the heart of a rebellion against the cruel Parisian government, and falls in love. Valjean, meanwhile, is constantly being hunted by obssessed lawman Javert (Crowe).Hooper is still looking for someone to play Cosette, though he does have Helena Bonham Carter as greedy innkeeper's wife Madame Thenardier, and King's Speech co-star Geoffrey Rush is rumoured as Thenardier himself.With a script by William Nicholson, Hooper will start the cameras cranking in February.