ID Distribution ink UK HD deals from Rainbow Media

ID Distribution has struck a major 18 hour sales deal with Artsworld, the arts channel from Sky, to provide a raft of high definition (HD) programming for Artworld’s high definition TV channel launching later this year.
ID, distributors of Rainbow Media’s HD programming around the world, has secured a licensing agreement for two of Rainbow Media’s HD series, ‘Art in Progress’ (23x30 mins) and ‘Gallery Tours’ (13x30 mins) to Artsworld, both from Rainbow Media’s Gallery HD, the first and only 24-hour HD arts channel.
These are the latest in an impressive raft of international HD sales from the Gallery HD catalogue. Gallery HD is one of 15 high-definition channels offered by VOOM HD Networks. ID Distribution represents the VOOM HD catalogue including over 300 hours of content.
Emma Simpkins, Sales Director at ID Distribution, who secured the sales deal with Philip Barnsdall-Thompson, Head of Acquisitions at Artsworld, said: “We are delighted to have signed this breakthrough deal with Artsworld. It will be the UK’s first and only high definition channel dedicated to visual arts and is the ideal platform for the dynamic range of arts programming offered by the Gallery HD catalogue.”
Glenn Oakley, Senior Vice President, Business Development for Rainbow Media, said: "As a leading producer of quality, original high definition programming in a number of diverse genres and styles, each new high definition channel launch increases the demand for our programming around the world. Rainbow Media is ideally positioned to meet that growing demand, for each distribution and delivery platform system. With ID Distribution, we are bringing entertaining and informative high definition programming with superior production values to the world's HD audience."
John Cassy, Channel Manager, Artsworld, said: “We are very pleased that high-quality arts programming from ID’s catalogue such as Art in Progress and Gallery Tours will contribute to the exciting launch of Artsworld HD. Broadcasting the visual arts in HD, alongside other genres including opera, classical music, dance and drama, will help us offer homes across the UK a unique viewing experience with stunning picture and sound quality.”
(GB)