Rethinking TV: KCET & Eyetronics Media & Studios Partner
Don't toss your television in the dumpster just yet. KCET - the nation's largest independent public television station - and Dominique Bigle - CEO of Eyetronics Media and Studios - announced an innovative partnership today to produce and acquire original series that are distinctive to SoCal.
Eyetronics intends to fund the venture, providing up to $50 million in financing to cover original productions, acquisitions and distribution during the five-year initial partnership term.
KCET is slated to produce and broadcast the series; Eyetronics is onboard for packaging plus domestic and international distribution across all media platforms.
The new shows will celebrate the vibrancy of Southern California’s people, places, and culture, as well as its history. The initial slate includes programs that explore everything from the glitz of Hollywood entertainment and multi-cultural eateries to groundbreaking academic research and technological innovation. The new venture’s programs will also utilize assets in Eyetronics’ “Classic Cool Library,” which includes more than 3,000 classic titles, rare footage, newsreels, cartoons, serials, documentaries, TV movies and series.
Both Bigle and KCET speak admirably of the partnership and future of quality programming.
“I am impressed with KCET’s vision for being an independent public broadcaster, as well as its widely recognized tradition as a producer of distinguished television and online content," Bigle said. " KCET has the ability to function seamlessly as a producer, broadcaster and distributor in the nation’s second largest marketplace and will provide unique, distinctive content that I am confident will be well-received internationally, as well as in the United States. I am looking forward to tapping into our combined strengths to share the dynamism of the region to worldwide audiences.”
“Southern California is a special market, and it is our home. Over the years, we have spoken to generations of Angelenos with our programming,” said Al Jerome, KCET’s president and CEO. “We are eager to collaborate with Dominique and leverage his savvy for international distribution to deliver more exceptional shows and original documentaries with local/global appeal.”
Formerly a PBS affiliate, KCET sold its Hollywood building to the Church of Scientology in April 2011 and plans to move their studios to The Pointe in Burbank come early 2012.
“New facilities and equipment will allow us to augment the quality, award-winning content that our fans love," said KCET CEO Al Jerome.
Now we know what the new "quality, award-winning content" will be. Excitement and anticipation commence.
