DRG Brings Ovation's Finest to Sky Arts

MIPCOM, Tuesday 4 October 2011. Ovation, the only US multi-platform network dedicated to arts and culture, has closed its first licensing deal with Sky ARTS.  London-based distributor DRG represents Ovation’s original programming library and has licensed four of the network’s specials and a six-part series to the dedicated channel.  

“I have a great admiration for what BSkyB has done with their arts channel, so I’m particularly delighted to be completing our first deal with Sky Arts 1 here at MIPCOM.  I’m confident it will be the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship,” said Kris Slava, SVP, Programming, Ovation.  

Patrick Roberts, Senior VP – International Sales at DRG welcomed the deals, “Ovation’s originals  reflect the best of international contemporary culture.  The Sky Arts 1 deal is the latest in an impressive list of worldwide sales for  the Ovation catalogue confirming that there is still a commitment and demand for outstanding arts programming globally.”

The programs will air on Sky Arts 1 HD, which features contemporary arts programming, and include: Jeff Koons:  Beyond Heaven - This hour-long documentary explores the life and work of superstar artist Jeff Koons, reviewing his years of celebrated and controversial art.  The film provides a rare and personal tour of his studio and his installation at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago.  

Everything is Art - This program proves that art can be found everywhere we look.  We find art in the commonplace items we take for granted, as well as the fantastical painting and sculptures we see in galleries and museums.  This one-hour special covers extraordinary designers and design companies:  Jason Miller, Smart Design and John Maeda.

Close-Up:  Photographers at Work - The original special follows four acclaimed photographers -- Albert Maysles, Andrew Moore, Gregory Crewdson, Sylvia Plachy and Timothy Greenfield-Sanders -- as they work and discuss the impact their photography has on their lives and on culture as a whole.

Close-Up:  Portraits - Captured through the lens of Albert Maysles, legendary filmmaker and portrait photographer, this special gives viewers an insight into the philosophies and techniques of some of the most accomplished photographers today.

Art and the City - This six-part series features host David Keeps, travel and culture writer for the Los Angeles Times, as he takes viewers on a cultural tour of some of the world’s greatest cities, uncovering the art, architecture and design elements many miss on whirlwind tours.  Cities featured in the series include Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York and Paris.

DRG is previewing Ovation's catalogue of original productions for international buyers at this year’s MIPCOM. DRG is located at LR4.23