3 April, 2006
Ellis Releasing and Fireworks International have entered into an agreement for Ellis to handle distribution of Fireworks’ extensive factual library where available outside Canada and the U.S. The announcement was announced jointly today by Greg Phillips, President of Fireworks International, and Stephen Ellis, President of Ellis Entertainment. “As a long time distributor of factual entertainment, we’re delighted with the opportunity to bring our focus to the many non-fiction gems in Fireworks’ impressive international catalogue,” said Mr. Ellis. Added Mr. Phillips, “This new strategic relationship with Ellis will extend our reach into the specialized world of fact-based entertainment. We’re delighted to be working with Stephen and his team, who have a terrific presence and reputation in the distribution of this genre around the world.” ER will begin distributing these cultural, lifestyle, natural history, science and travel programs and series for adults and children at MIP-TV in Cannes this week. Some of the titles that will be initially offered to the international marketplace include:
The Aquanauts (46 x 30′) – The Aquanauts are young, athletic people who venture deep into Earth’s inner space, in search of the unknown, the dangerous and the endangered, including swimming with Great White sharks and searching for the giant Anaconda.
Beyond with James Van Praagh (147 x 30′) – World-renowned psychic medium, author and TV personality James Van Praagh does spontaneous audience readings and an in-depth one-on-one segment with a random audience member in each episode of this series.
Great Souls (6 x 60′) – Former Time Magazine correspondent David Aikman profiles six influential individuals who helped shape the modern world: Billy Graham, Pope John Paul II, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela and Elie Wiesel.
Pet Connection (65 x 30′) – Upbeat veterinary authority Dr. Berney Pukay takes a fun and informative look at the world of pets and their owners, covering conventional animals like dogs and cats as well as the unusual varieties like spiders, snakes and bats.
Real Kids, Real Adventures (39 x 30′) – Profiles of real kids who’ve taken bold action to save themselves or others… who’ve used their wits to survive life-and-death situations… who’ve faced the unexpected with courage and determination.
The True Intrepid: Sir William Stephenson Declassified (1 x 60′) – The riveting story of Sir William (Samuel) Stephenson, the Canadian-born man who became England’s WWII spymaster, whose espionage exploits were legendary, and who was pivotal to the Allies winning the war.
About Fireworks International:
Fireworks International, a division of the UK’s ContentFilm plc, acquires and distributes an extensive slate of television programs and feature films throughout the world. Fireworks’ library of over 2000 hours of programming includes the new comedy drama The Jane Show, the mystery drama series Whistler, drama series Zoe Busiek: Wild Card, action/adventure series Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda, Mutant X, Relic Hunter, and The Collector; children’s programs Black Hole High, 100 Deeds for Eddie McDowd, Caitlin’s Way and Streetsmartz, plus over 200 US network miniseries and TV movies of the week including Blonde for CBS and A Wrinkle in Time for ABC, along with some 100 feature films.
About Ellis Entertainment:
Ellis Entertainment (www.ellisent.com) is one of the world’s leading program providers in the global television marketplace. For over four decades, the company has been a leader in production and distribution for the world market, as well as an influential voice in the Canadian broadcasting system. Through its Ellis Vision production subsidiary, Ellis Entertainment is responsible for developing and producing high quality non-fiction and documentary programming that spans several genres including, nature, science, history and reality. The Company also operates VisionTV International, a joint venture with VisionTV, specializing in faith-based entertainment. Ellis Releasing, the company’s distribution arm currently represents more than 300 hours of original programming produced or co-produced by Ellis Vision, as well over 1,000 hours of acquired programming. Recognized for the quality of its programming, the company has been honored with numerous awards and at film and television festivals.
Press Contacts:
For Ellis Entertainment: Don Ciaramella / Dina Blau The Lippin Group/NY Tel: 212-986-7080
Email: [email protected]
[email protected] For Fireworks International: Sam Witters Content Film Tel: +44 (0)20 7851 6518
Email: [email protected]
