Optimistic Entertainment--a UK-based participation TV specialist whose co-founders include David Brook, who was previously director of strategy and development at Channel 4 and Jasper Smith, who previously co-founded and was CEO of Static2358, the company which was behind the PlayJam ITV games channel, and which was sold to OpenTV in 2001 for $68 million--says that it has secured a long-term output deal with UK digital channel, Life TV, as well as two pilot commissions for major digital broadcasters. It has also expanded its management team in anticipation of an international roll-out of its flagship interactive live gameshow channel, Nation217, which is being re-named QuizNation. (Note: the channel features a range of live, interactive shows, and seeks to generate revenues through tcommerce, premium-rate phone and SMS charges, and brand sponsorships of its programming, rather than through traditional advertising. Optimistic also co-produces the Channel 4 show, Flipside TV, and operates Optimistic Media, a consulting unit specializing in digital and ITV content development, and a format development unit, Studio217.) The deal with Life TV will see QuizNation broadcast for three hours per day on Sky channels 160 and 161--i.e. in a much higher position on the Entertainment section of the Sky EPG than the channel's current location on channel 217 (note: QuizNation will continue to be broadcast on channel 217). Optimistic says that the pilot commissions are for a UK version of a popular US showbiz news show which, if fully commissioned, would air in a weekly 30-minute slot, and for a show called "TV Changed My Life," a 30-minute show hosted by Capital Radio Broadcaster and Optimistic Entertainment executive producer, Richard Bacon, which, if fully commissioned, would run for seven weeks next spring.
The changes to Optimistic Entertainment's senior management team include:
- The promotion of company co-founder, William van Rest (who was previously head of enhanced TV at BSkyB, and who set up Nation217 in 2003,), from director of networks to director of strategic development, in which role he will work more closely with the company's board.
- The promotion of Matt Gee (who was previously director of strategy and marketing at Channel 4 International) from director of strategy to managing director of QuizNation.
- The promotion of Carolyn Maze (who was previously commercial director of Static2358) to director of international and business affairs, in which role she will spearhead the company's efforts to roll out QuizNation internationally.
- The appointment of Richard Hearsey (who was previously head of worldwide development and acquisitions at Pearson Television) as executive producer of QuizNation.
- The appointment of Paul Tremain (who was previously a senior producer at QVC) as executive producer for development, in which role he will, among other things, oversee QuizNation's branding.
As part of its efforts to roll out QuizNation and its other participation TV formats internationally, Optimistic has purchased a stand at the upcoming MIPCOM programming market in Cannes, France (takes place October 17th-21st).
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