Somethin’ Else takes to the skies with Virgin

Somethin’ Else, the UK’s leading cross-platform production company, has strengthened its in-flight entertainment portfolio with its first commission for Virgin Atlantic.
The company, which already produces three high-profile shows for British Airways’ in-flight entertainment system, is to make a flagship monthly magazine show for Virgin, hosted by XFM breakfast DJ Lauren Laverne.
‘V Presents’ will showcase the albums available to listen to on Virgin Atlantic’s in-flight audio system, by playing selections from them, interwoven with Lauren’s interviews with the stars themselves and editorial contributions from guest critics.
The first hour-long show goes onboard in March and features music and chat from Girls Aloud, Franz Ferdinand and Mary J Blige. The contract with Virgin Atlantic runs for a year and a new show will be delivered each month to play out on flights to destinations such as the USA, Caribbean, Africa, the Fast East and Australia.
The deal is the latest to take the Somethin’ Else brand around the world. Already syndicating radio programme content to over 60 countries, the company has worked with British Airways for eight years and was recently awarded a new contract to produce three dedicated shows for BA flights – ‘High Life with Stuart Maconie’, ‘Mark Lamarr’s Musical Journey’ and ‘Charles Hazlewood’s Classical World’.
Lauren Laverne is the former frontwoman of pop band Kenickie and presents the XFM Breakfast show from Monday to Thursday, featuring celebrity guests, competitions and the best new music and classic tracks.
Steve Ackerman, Managing Director, Somethin’ Else, said: “It’s a great honour to be extending our boundaries once more with our first commission for Virgin Atlantic. V Presents will bring together our expertise as the UK’s largest independent radio producer with Lauren’s blend of glamour and fun. We’re passionate about producing programmes that are tailored to a client’s needs, so it’s rewarding to add this exciting flagship show to our growing in-flight portfolio.”
V Presents is produced by Rowan Collinson and the executive producer is Samantha Bryant.
(GB)