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Amazon & Sky Announce 'Britannia' Starring Kelly Reilly & David Morrissey[teaser]The new series is coming to Amazon Prime next year. [/teaser] Amazon and Sky have announced their first co-production. Titled 'Britannia,' the show comes from multi-award winning writer Jez Butterworth ('Jerusalem,' 'Spectre') and is set to be filmed on location in Prague and Wales. "We're thrilled to be collaborating with Sky on this series entirely produced overseas," said Roy Price, Vice President, Digital Video and Amazon Studios. "Our customers will experience a cinematic world with bold characters anchored in a ruthless period of history." The 10-part drama is set in 43AD as the Roman Imperial Army – determined and terrified in equal measure - returns to crush the Celtic heart of Britannia - a mysterious land ruled by wild warrior women and powerful druids who can channel the powerful forces of the underworld. The show stars Kelly Reilly ('True Detective,' 'Sherlock Holmes'), David Morrissey ('The Walking Dead,' 'The Hollow Crown') and Zoe Wanamaker ('Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone,' 'My Family'). Executive producers include Vertigo Films' James Richardson ('Monsters,' 'Bronson') with Pippa Harris and Nicolas Brown from Neal Street Productions ('Penny Dreadful,' 'Call the Midwife') and Anne Thomopolous ('Rome,' 'Band of Brothers'). In addition, Rick McCallum ('Star Wars') is on board as producer, and the show is written by Jez and Tom Butterworth ('Fortitude,' 'Tin Star') with Richard McBrien ('Spooks,' 'Merlin'). "This is one of the most ambitious dramas we've ever made and one of the most exciting," said Anne Mensah, Sky’s Head of Drama. "Jez Butterworth has written an incredible drama that is entertaining and emotional but also asks important questions about what drives men and women to stand and fight; this is a battle for the heart of Britain like you've never seen before." An exact release date has not been announced yet, but 'Britannia' is expected to premiere in 2017 on Sky 1 in the UK and Ireland, and on Prime Video in the US. A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $99 per year or $11 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $8 per month. Sources: Amazon, SkyPosted Fri Aug 5, 2016 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
DISH Secures NFL Network & NFL RedZone for Satellite & Sling TV Platforms[teaser]The NFL stations will be available as options for DISH and Sling TV customers. [/teaser] DISH and the NFL have announced a new carriage agreement for NFL Network and NFL Redzone. As part of the deal, both channels will now be offered through DISH satellite and Sling TV platforms. "We are pleased to see NFL Network and NFL RedZone back on DISH," said Hans Schroeder, Senior Vice President, Media Strategy, Business Development & Sales for the NFL. "This has been a thoughtful negotiation that resulted in a great outcome for our fans. DISH is an important distributor of NFL Network and NFL RedZone, and we are excited to expand our distribution to new fans on the fast-growing Sling TV platform." With NFL Network, football fans can watch Thursday Night Football games, and popular shows like 'NFL GameDay Morning,' 'A Football Life,' and 'Timeline,' along with news and fantasy coverage. Meanwhile, NFL RedZone allows viewers to watch the big moments from NFL games on Sunday afternoons with cuts to major plays from stadium to stadium as they happen. An exact launch date and pricing for the NFL Network and NFL RedZone through Sling TV have not been announced yet, but the channels will be available to Sling TV users starting with the upcoming 2016 season. In addition, DISH and Sling TV subscribers who sign up for the NFL stations will also be able to watch them through Watch NFL Network and the NFL app. "These networks will give DISH and Sling TV customers the inside look at a favorite American pastime as we approach the NFL season," said Warren Schlichting, DISH's executive vice president of programming. Sling TV plans currently start at $20 and new users can receive a 7-day free trial. In addition to Sling TV, Sony recently announced the addition of NFL Network and NFL Redzone to its own streaming TV service, PlayStation Vue. Source: NFLPosted Fri Aug 5, 2016 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
NHK Launches 8K Super Hi-Vision Test Broadcasts in Japan[teaser]Forget 4K, Japan is already testing 8K TV broadcasts. [/teaser] Earlier this week, NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corp.) began its first 8K test broadcasts in Japan through its BS satellite channels. The company hopes to use the tests in preparation for full public 8K coverage of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics The test transmissions feature 8K Super Hi-Vision material with a resolution of 7680 x 4320 and 22.2 channel immersive audio. Unfortunately, the test material is not being broadcast directly to the public, but Japanese citizens can watch the footage on 8K displays at NHK's broadcasting centers nationwide. Likewise, designated 8K viewing events for test broadcasts are also planned for six venues, including Tokyo and Osaka. 8K footage will consist of pretaped clips, including 8K material recorded during the 2012 Olympics, and an actual live broadcast of the Rio Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies. In addition, recorded and partly live coverage for several Rio events (swimming, judo, athletics, basketball and football) will also be broadcast. 8K content for the events is being displayed on projection screens (as big as 520-inches) and 8K TVs (55-inch and 85-inch models). There is currently only one 8K display available in Japan, the Sharp LV-85001, but the country hopes to use the Rio 8K broadcasts as a test for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020, with public 8K broadcasting set to launch in 2018. Outside of 8K test broadcasting, NBC recently announced details for its own public 4K Ultra HD broadcasts of the Rio Olympics. The 4K footage will be broadcast with a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160, and the Opening Ceremony will also include HDR (high dynamic range) and Dolby Atmos immersive object based audio. The Ultra HD content will be available through Comcast, DirecTV, DISH, and EPB in the US. Sources: Engadget, Japan Times, NHKPosted Thu Aug 4, 2016 at 12:15 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Renews 'Chelsea,' 'Lady Dynamite' and 'Real Rob' for Second Seasons[teaser]Three series will return for new seasons. [/teaser] Netflix has announced second season renewals for three of its original shows, including 'Chelsea,' 'Lady Dynamite,' and Real Rob.' Exact release dates have not been announced yet, but the series are expected to return in 2017. 'Chelsea' - Will return for a 90-Episode Second Season in 2017 Chelsea Handler is back with a freshly stamped passport and new global outlook as she tackles today’s tough issues with the same acerbic wit and fearless curiosity you know and love. Join her as she travels around the world – from Russia, Japan, and Mexico City, across the U.S. and back again, to explore the subjects that matter most to you. Chelsea features celebrities, dignitaries, and surprise guests engaging in thought-provoking, yet hilarious conversations about topics like international cultures, alternative lifestyles, education, health, sports, parenting, politics, and more. Season 1 of Chelsea is currently streaming three times a week exclusively on Netflix. 'Lady Dynamite' - Will return for a Second Season in 2017 Lady Dynamite is a single-camera comedy series based on what actor/comedian Maria Bamford has accepted to be “her life.” The occasionally surreal episodes, refracted across multiple time periods inspired by Bamford’s life, tell the story of a woman who loses- and then finds- her s**t. Lady Dynamite also stars Fred Melamed as Bamford’s manager and close friend Bruce Ben-Bacharach, and Mary Kay Place plays Bamford’s mother. Guest stars include Patton Oswalt, Ana Gasteyer, Jon Cryer, Mira Sorvino, Brandon Routh, June Diane Raphael, Adam Pally, Dean Cain, Sarah Silverman, Tig Notaro and Jenny Slate. Pam Brady, Mitch Hurwitz and Maria Bamford are executive producers on the Netflix production. 'Real Rob' - Will return for a Second Season in 2017 Rob Schneider's comedy series, Real Rob, is an exaggerated yet brutally honest depiction of the comedian’s real life, interspersed with his stand-up comedy performances. Managing the ups and downs of a Hollywood career and it’s celebrity treatment (with his younger Mexican wife, a new baby, an ever-present stalker and a completely incompetent assistant), this comedy series is as close to the bone’ real life of the internationally famous comedian. The 8-episode second season, now a Netflix original series, stars and is produced and directed by Schneider. Patricia Schneider and Jamie Lissow also appear in the series. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Thu Aug 4, 2016 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
NBC Readies 2016 Rio Olympics Coverage in 4K HDR With Dolby Atmos Through Comcast, DirecTV, DISH, and EPB[teaser]Select cable and satellite providers will offer Ultra HD coverage of the games. [/teaser] As previously reported, NBC is set to offer 4K Ultra HD coverage of the upcoming Rio Olympics with HDR and Dolby Atmos, and now specific cable and satellite partners have been announced. The Ultra HD content will be available through Comcast, DirecTV, DISH, and EPB. The 4K footage will be broadcast with a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160, and the Opening Ceremony will also include HDR (high dynamic range) and Dolby Atmos immersive object based audio. Ultra HD coverage will be presented on a one-day delay. Events set to be covered in 4K include the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, swimming, track and field, basketball, men’s soccer final, judo, and Rio scenics. At least one event from the previous day's competition will be broadcast daily from August 6. Here's a full rundown of cable and satellite participants along with details on how to watch their 4K Ultra HD broadcasts: Comcast – Xfinity app on Samsung 4K smart TVsDIRECTV – linear channel #106DISH – linear channel #146 and VOD (non-HDR). Please note: Dish will not have the Opening Ceremonies during its initial 4K HDR playout.EPB – linear channel #803 Outside of 4K Ultra HD coverage, the Olympic Broadcasting Services also announced plans to offer select 8K and virtual reality coverage as well. 8K Super Hi-Vision broadcasts with a resolution of 7680 x 4320 and 22.2 channel immersive audio will be available in Japan only for select events, including swimming, judo, athletics, basketball, and football, along with live coverage of the opening and closing ceremonies. Meanwhile, VR content from the games will be available around the world. Users with compatible headsets will be able to enjoy select footage in immersive VR, including the opening and closing ceremonies and one key event per day. VR broadcasts will be available live and on-demand, and highlights will even be viewable to users without a headset. The Rio Olympics will kick off on August 5 and conclude on August 21. Source: NBC OlympicsPosted Wed Aug 3, 2016 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
Hulu Set to Carry Turner Networks on Upcoming Live Streaming TV Service[teaser]The new live streaming platform will include channels from Turner. [/teaser] Time Warner and Hulu have announced a new deal that will make Time Warner a 10% owner of Hulu. In addition to the equity purchase, the companies have also signed a new affiliate agreement which will allow Hulu's new live streaming service to carry Turner's lineup of popular channels. Jeff Bewkes, Chairman and CEO of Time Warner said, "Our investment in Hulu underscores Time Warner's commitment to supporting and developing new platforms for the delivery of high-quality content and great consumer experiences to audiences around the globe.” Mr. Bewkes continued, "We're also excited to join Hulu’s other owners in launching a new consumer-friendly package featuring leading networks that will deliver more value to audiences and complement Hulu's core SVOD offerings. The inclusion of Turner's networks in Hulu's new streaming service furthers our efforts to allow consumers to engage with and enjoy our brands across a wide range of platforms and services." As previously reported, exact details have not been revealed yet, but Hulu live streaming will feature content from broadcast and cable brands, including live sports, news, and events. Likewise, subscribers will be able to tune into the live programming without a traditional cable or satellite plan. The new Time Warner deal secures live and on-demand content from Turner's networks, including TNT, TBS, CNN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, truTV, Boomerang and Turner Classic Movies. Additional channels have not been confirmed, but a report from The Wall Street Journal indicates that Fox, ABC, ESPN, FX, and the Disney Channel are in negotiations with Hulu. In addition to its upcoming live streaming platform, Hulu will continue to offer its ad-supported and ad-free subscription video on demand options with popular TV shows like 'Empire,' 'Homeland,' 'Seinfeld,' 'Curious George,' 'South Park' and 'Fear The Walking Dead,' along with original series such as 'The Mindy Project,' 'The Path,' 'Difficult People,' '11.22.63' and the Golden Globe-nominated 'Casual.' Mike Hopkins, CEO of Hulu, said, "This investment from Time Warner marks a major step for Hulu as we continue to redefine television for both consumers and advertisers. Our two companies have long enjoyed a productive relationship – which includes the availability of past seasons of popular Turner shows on our current SVOD offerings – and we are very proud that Turner's networks will be included in our planned live streaming service." An exact release date and pricing for Hulu's new live streaming service have not been announced yet, but the platform is expected to launch in early 2017. A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. Source: Time WarnerPosted Wed Aug 3, 2016 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Christopher Guest's 'Mascots' Heads to Netflix in October[teaser]The director's latest comedy will premiere on Netflix in October. [/teaser] Netflix has released a teaser for its latest original movie, 'Mascots.' The comedy comes from director Christopher Guest ('Waiting for Guffman,' 'Best in Show,' 'A Mighty Wind'). This Netflix original film takes place in the ultra-competitive world of sports mascots where a group of "unusual" big-headed and furry-suited men and women compete for the most prestigious award in their field. The ensemble cast includes Jim Piddock, Jane Lynch, Parker Posey, Fred Willard, Ed Begley, Jr., Christopher Moynihan, Don Lake, Brad Williams, Zach Woods, Chris O’Dowd, Susan Yeagley, Sarah Baker, Tom Bennett, Kerry Godliman, Bob Balaban, Jennifer Coolidge, Michael Hitchcock, Maria Blasucci, and John Michael Higgins. Check out the date announcement teaser below! 'Mascots' is set to premiere through Netflix on October 13. The film is written by Christopher Guest and Jim Paddock ('Family Tree), and is being produced by Karen Murphy ('This is Spinal Tap,' 'For Your Consideration'). Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'The Little Prince' on August 5, 'Project Mc2' season two on August 12, 'XOXO' on August 12, 'Easy' on September 22, 'The Ranch' on October 7, 'Black Mirror' on October 21, 'The Crown' on November 4, 'Lovesick' on November 17, and 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' on November 25. Likewise, the streaming platform is also prepping a new sci-fi series called 'Travelers' from writer Brad Wright, the third season of 'Bloodline' for 2017, new episodes of the documentary series 'Making a Murderer,' and a feature film adaptation of the manga 'Death Note.' A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: Netflix, Entertainment WeeklyPosted Tue Aug 2, 2016 at 05:15 PM PDT by: -
Apple Releases New iPhone Remote Control App with Siri Support for Apple TV[teaser]The new app lets customers control their Apple TVs with their iOS smartphones. [/teaser] Apple has announced the release of their new Apple TV Remote app for iPhones. In addition to standard navigation and playback controls, the app also includes support for Siri voice searches. The new Apple TV remote app is supported by iOS devices using iOS 9.3.2 or later. After downloading the app, users simply need a Wi-Fi connection to connect their iPhones to their Apple TV set-top boxes. From there, customers can start controlling their players directly from their mobile devices. Control is supported for Apple TV 4th generation models using tvOS 9.2.1 or later, Apple TV 3rd generation models using Apple TV Software 7.2.1, and Apple TV 2nd generation models using Apple TV Software 6.2.1. Siri support is only included for 4th generation Apple TV models. Here's a full rundown of app features per the iTunes Store: • Navigate Apple TV with touch gestures• Quickly enter text, email addresses, and passwords using the keyboard• Ask Siri to find something great to watch, listen to, or play• Control the movie, TV show, or song that’s currently playing• Play games using the accelerometer and gyroscope• Turn on Game Mode for simplified game controls The fourth generation Apple TV uses the company's new tvOS designed specifically for the living room with access to a wide array of apps and games. Under the hood, the player is powered by a 64-bit A8 chip with Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi. Likewise, the set-top box is capable of full HD playback at 60 frames per second. In addition, the device comes with an advanced remote with Bluetooth 4.0, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a glass touch surface for intuitive navigation, and a Siri voice search feature for comprehensive voice search results. Source: iTunes via EngadgetPosted Tue Aug 2, 2016 at 03:45 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Details Galaxy Note7 Smartphone & New Gear VR Headset[teaser]The company's latest large-screen smartphone has been revealed. [/teaser] Samsung has announced the upcoming launch of its new Galaxy Note7 smartphone. Likewise, the company also revealed an updated version of its Gear VR headset. "The Galaxy Note7 combines productivity, entertainment with strong security features. Powering a robust ecosystem, it is the ideal device for those who want to achieve more in life," said DJ Koh, President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. "Life now moves faster than ever, so we created the Galaxy Note7 to help users get things done more easily wherever, whenever." The smartphone includes a new enhanced S Pen and features a 5.7 inch Quad HD Dual edge Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 and 518ppi. Under the hood, the device is powered by a Quad Core (2.15GHz Dual + 1.6GHz Dual), 64 bit, 14 nm processor, 4GB of RAM (LPDDR4), and a 3,500mAh fast charging (wired and wireless) battery, all running Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow). A Rear Dual Pixel 12MP OIS (F1.7) camera and a front 5MP (F1.7) camera are integrated as well. In addition, the smartphone is water resistant (IP68), and uses the Samsung Knox security platform with biometric authentication including iris scanning. Meanwhile, Samsung also announced an updated version of its Gear VR headset with support for both USB Type-C and Micro USB connectors. The new black model features an improved 101° Field of View and a more comfortable design. Supported smartphones include the Galaxy Note7, S7, S7 edge, Note5, S6, S6 edge, and S6 edge+. Pre-orders for the Galaxy Note7 and new Gear VR headset will begin on August 3. Both devices are then set to hit stores on August 19. Pricing options will be announced by individual carriers. Source: SamsungPosted Tue Aug 2, 2016 at 11:45 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Unveils Premiere Dates for Upcoming Shows, Lineup Includes 'Black Mirror' & 'The Ranch'[teaser]The streaming platform has revealed premiere dates for several series. [/teaser] Netflix has announced details and release dates for its upcoming slate of shows, including 'Chef's Table: France,' 'Joe Swanberg's Easy,' 'The Ranch,' 'Lovesick (fka Scrotal Recall),' 'Captive,' 'Beat Bugs (S2),' 'One Day at a Time,' and 'Black Mirror.' Here's a complete rundown of the upcoming series and premiere dates: 'Chef’s Table: France' - The third installment premieres globally September 2, 2016 at 12:01am PT Audiences are invited back to take another globe trot in Chef’s Table: France where the series will showcase the crème de la crème of French chefs; talking about what inspires them and how it translates into their individual styles. The filmmakers embark on a personal look into the daily lives of these carefully curated chefs, from their diverse backgrounds to the evolution and craft of their chosen cuisine as well as their quests for sensory perfection. 'Easy' - Premieres globally Thursday September 22, 2016 at 12:01am PT Easy is an anthology series from creator Joe Swanberg that explores diverse Chicago characters as they fumble through the modern maze of love, sex, technology and culture. The eight-episode series, written and directed by Swanberg, features Orlando Bloom, Malin Akerman, Jake Johnson, Marc Maron, Dave Franco, Hannibal Buress, Emily Ratajkowski, Michael Chernus, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Aya Cash, Jane Adams, Elizabeth Reaser, Evan Jonigkeit and more. 'The Ranch' - Part 2 of Season One premieres globally October 7, 2016 at 12:01am PT Set in present day on a Colorado ranch, this half-hour multi-camera comedy series stars Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson, Sam Elliott and Debra Winger. Life on The Ranch is never easy and things get even more complicated in part 2 of season one. It seems like ex-football star Colt Bennett (Kutcher) has finally accepted his place on the family ranch, but he and his brother Rooster (Masterson) will have to prove themselves to their father Beau (Elliot) if they ever hope to become partners. Maggie (Winger) has hopes of her own and they may no longer involve her on-again/off-again husband and after finally saving his ranch, Beau might be losing his family. And if life weren’t complicated enough, when Colt’s high school sweetheart Abby (Elisha Cuthbert) expresses doubts about her fiancé, Colt must choose between his current girlfriend and his first love. Dysfunctional doesn’t even cover this family. The Ranch is executive produced by Don Reo (Two and Half Men, My Wife and Kids) and Jim Patterson (Two and a Half Men,Mike and Molly). Kutcher and Masterson also serve as executive producers. 'Black Mirror' - Premieres globally October 21, 2016 at 12:01am PT Black Mirror is an anthology series that taps into our collective unease with the modern world, with each stand-alone episode a sharp, suspenseful tale exploring themes of contemporary techno-paranoia. Without questioning it, technology has transformed all aspects of our lives; in every home; on every desk; in every palm - a plasma screen; a monitor; a Smartphone – a Black Mirror reflecting our 21st Century existence back at us. The series is created and written by Charlie Brooker, and executive produced by Brooker and Annabel Jones. Its third season, comprising six episodes: San Junipero features Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Mackenzie Davis in an episode directed by Owen Harris; Shut Up and Dance features Jerome Flynn and Alex Lawther in an episode directed by James Watkins; Nosedive features Bryce Dallas Howard, Alice Eve and James Norton in an episode directed by Joe Wright; Men Against Fire stars Michael Kelly, Malachi Kirby and Madeline Brewer in an episode directed by Jakob Verbruggen; Hated in the Nation features Kelly MacDonald in an episode directed by James Hawes; and Wyatt Russell and Hannah John-Kamen star in Playtest, an episode directed by Dan Trachtenberg. 'Lovesick' - Premieres globally November 17, 2016 at 12:01am PT The second season of Lovesick, the series formerly known as Scrotal Recall, stars Johnny Flynn, Antonia Thomas and Daniel Ings, all returning for more fun in this delightful, romantic comedy. Season two will consist of eight episodes. Series creator Tom Edge returns as writer for season two and serves as Executive Producer along with Murray Ferguson, Andy Baker and Ed Macdonald. Lovesick is produced by Clerkenwell Films. 'Beat Bugs' - Season two premieres November 18, 2016 at 12:01am PT Inspired by the songs of The Beatles, Beat Bugs tells uplifting and life-affirming stories filled with hope and melody. The animated show follows five best friends who together discover life’s most important lessons in an overgrown suburban backyard. The Beat Bugs live out these childhood adventures to the words and music of The Beatles. 'Captive' - Premieres globally December 9, 2016 at 12:01am PT From the highest profile cases to those kept hidden from the public, comes a new docu-series from acclaimed executive producer Doug Liman and producers Simon and Jonathan Chinn. The producers of Captive have gained privileged access to the most challenging negotiations of our time -- revealing how hostage-taking, and the efforts to resolve it, have evolved to address an escalating international trend. The episodes look at a wide range of situations from the viewpoint of everyone involved: the victims and their families back home, the experienced negotiators, business leaders, government officials and the kidnappers themselves. 'One Day at a Time' - Premieres globally January 6, 2017 at 12:01am PT A reimagining of the Norman Lear classic, centering on a Cuban-American family. Our heroine is a recently separated, former military mom (Justina Machado) navigating a new single life while raising her radical teenaged daughter and socially adept tween son, with the “help” of her old school Cuban-born mom (Rita Moreno) and a friends- without-benefits building manager named Schneider. The 13-episode first season of One Day at a Time is produced by Act III Productions, Inc., Snowpants Productions and Small Fish Studios in association with Sony Pictures Television. Norman Lear, Mike Royce, Gloria Calderón Kellett and Michael Garcia are executive producers. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Mon Aug 1, 2016 at 04:25 PM PDT by:
