FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CINEMA ENTERTAINMENT
GROUP (CEG) PARTNERS WITH NEW LINE CINEMA
CEG Also
Collaborating With Potential iTV Technology Partners
LOS ANGELES, NOV. 27, 2000 - In support of its efforts to launch
a new interactive television channel, Cinema Entertainment Group
(CEG), an entertainment media company, announces its strategic
alliance with New Line Cinema. The announcement was made today
by James J. Meyers, co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO),
CEG.
CEG signed its first content agreement with New Line Cinema.
The agreement gives CEG access to New Line’s film library
for use in its product demonstration and it plans for further
access negotiations. Jim Rosenthal, president, New Line Media,
said, “We are happy to be the first studio involved in
CEG’s exciting new interactive television channel and we
look forward to expanding our relationship in the future.”
Meyers said, "CEG is proud to have the support of a well-respected
content partner and we expect the formation of other key alliances
in content and technology to strengthen CEG's new channel venture."
CEG plans to disclose additional alliances for content, and
further launch details later this year.
CEG is in negotiations with several potential partners for the
creation of key infrastructure components in pursuit of the
company's aggressive channel launch schedule. In a related statement,
CEG announced that the company is also working closely with
Liberate Technologies (NASDAQ: LBRT) and Microsoft TV (NASDAQ:
MSFT).
CEG is a member of Liberate’s “Pop TV Program,”
a partner program designed for content, device and infrastructure
partners. Liberate Technologies has already co- produced interactive
television applications for CEG's channel. Liberate will continue
to provide technology support in the development of middleware
for the interactive elements of the channel. They also expect
to support the channel with co-marketing efforts as part of
their "Pop TV Program,” by jointly pitching potential
customers, and in trade marketing efforts, such as at the Western
Cable Show.
"CEG's television channel offers exciting interactive capabilities
and has one of the best programming concepts for a new network
that we've seen," said Erik Smith, director of developer
relations, Liberate Technologies.
Meyers said, "CEG's network exemplifies a very real marriage
of content and technology, as represented by our collaboration
with New Line and Liberate, two leaders in their respective
fields.
CEG is also working
closely with Microsoft and is officially a member of their interactive
TV content developers program. “CEG’s interactive
television channel will drive advanced digital TV subscriptions
and cable subscribers’ transition to advanced set top TV
boxes,” said Paul Mitchell, Microsoft senior director of
interactive TV.
Commenting on these
developments, Sunder S. Aaron, co-founder and chief operating
officer, added, "CEG’s new channel anticipates the
evolution of the television industry. This “Televolution”
has inspired a new cinema-oriented programming format that capitalizes
on new television technologies to satisfy changing viewing habits.
Consumers want more than just the Net on TV. They expect an
enhanced programming experience and with the support of our
new partners, CEG's new channel promises to deliver that entertainment
service.”
About
New Line Cinema
Founded in 1967, New Line Cinema is the entertainment industry's
leading independent producer and distributor of theatrical motion
pictures. New Line licenses its films to ancillary markets including
cable and broadcast television as well as to international venues.
The company, which is a subsidiary of Time Warner Inc., operates
several divisions including in-house theatrical distribution,
marketing, home video, television, acquisitions, production,
licensing and merchandising units.
About Cinema Entertainment
Group
Cinema Entertainment
Group (CEG) is an entertainment company that is launching a
new interactive television channel especially suited for delivery
via upgraded digital platforms. CEG's new service, unparalleled
in the industry, will honor film and celebrate cinema. Capitalizing
on new and advanced technologies, CEG's new basic tier digital
channel is positioned as one of the first to change the traditional
model for subscription and cable television networks. Inspired
by an anticipation of the future of television and television
viewing, the new programming format of CEG's channel is designed
to fit easily into the ever evolving T-commerce, Internet TV
and personal television functions that digital system operators
will offer. CEG was formed by partners who have more than four
decades combined experience in launching television networks,
interactive services and platforms world wide.
CONTACT:
Patricia Firth
Patricia Firth Marketing
Tel: (310) 440-4803
Fax: (310) 440-4801
Email: patricia@pfmarketing.com
