Cannes MIPCOM - 7 October 2003: Zone Vision, the global producer and distributor of digital channels, has signed a new programming deal with leading Australian independent Beyond Distribution. The agreement sees Zone Vision acquire 50 hours of gripping real–life programming for all of its localised hit Reality TV channels including Against All Odds, Choppers and When Women Kill.
Reality TV is now available to 35 million homes in over 125 territories worldwide following recent deals with Echostar in the U.S, NTL Ireland, Israel's Yes and Filipino digital platform Destiny Cable, which signals the start of expansion into the Asia Pacific region. Reality TV’s deal with Echostar represents a pioneering deal for European companies launching into the hugely competitive U.S. market.
Dramatised documentary series Against the Odds (12 x 30’) features extraordinary accounts from people who have survived horrific ordeals including being buried in earthquakes, lost at sea or injured in road accidents. Choppers (10 x 30’) follows experienced and highly-skilled helicopter crews on dangerous rescues. The investigative 60-minute special When Women Kill features the testimony of two convicted female murderers, who have spent the past 10 years in New Zealand prisons, describing their efforts to use their time inside to turn their lives around.
Steve Cole, Zone Vision’s Director of Programming and Scheduling for Reality TV, said: “Reality TV’s relationship with Beyond Distribution began back in 2001 and now accounts for much of the programming across the Reality TV channel feeds in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and the UK. Beyond’s real-life and documentary programming are a perfect fit for Reality TV, are consistently well-produced and generate keen viewer interest in terms of feedback and ratings. We look forward to more business with Beyond as our channel expands its presence world-wide.”
Emma Simpkins, Vice President International Sales at Beyond Distribution, added: “I am delighted to have concluded this multi-continent deal with Reality TV. Zone Vision is already a major broadcasting partner for Beyond’s real-life programming across Europe and these new acquisitions by this global brand demonstrate the international appeal of Beyond’s programming.”
About Zone Vision
For over ten years, the Zone Vision Group, managed from Zone Vision International Holdings B.V in Amsterdam, has developed a pre-eminent market position as a thematic channel broadcaster and distributor of international satellite channels. Zone Vision currently owns and operates the following channels: Reality TV, Romantica, Europa Europa and Showtime. Zone Vision currently manages and represents services available to 84.5 million homes in over 125 countries.
In addition to its international headquarters in Amsterdam and its operating group in London, Zone Vision also has 18 regional offices. With over 250 specialist personnel, the Company's commitment to understanding and addressing the unique business needs of international broadcasting is unparalleled. Activities conducted by the Group include channel creation and management, channel representation, programme sales and distribution, studio production services and Internet services.
Kate Hobbs, The Lippin Company (London)
T: +44 (0)20 7745 7189
khobbs@lippingroup.com
published: Tuesday, October 07, 2003 
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