KoldCast TV Names New Head of Programming, Reveals Plans for New Original Programming Arm

KoldCast TV, an Irvine, Calif.-based company which earlier this year launched a free broadband video service that features a range of on-demand programming and support for full-screen HD (note: for more on the company, which has also begun an extensive re-design of its Web site, see the article published on itvt.com, April 29th), announced Tuesday that it has hired Marti Resteghini as VP of network programming and acquisitions. She will be responsible for developing programming strategy and overseeing acquisitions and licensing for the company's flagship KoldCast TV Network, and will, the company says, play a "critical role" in launching a new division, called KoldCast Studios, that will be responsible for producing original programming. "I have had the pleasure of working with Marti over the past several months on other projects and have been thoroughly impressed in all respects," KoldCast TV CEO, David Samuels, said in a prepared statement. "Her extensive experience forging strategic partnerships and her unique background in traditional television, film and new media made her the ideal selection for KoldCast. I have no doubt that Marti will be a significant contributor to our growing Network and related successes."

Resteghini was previously VP of Warner Bros.-based production company, HDFilms, where, according to KoldCast, she oversaw the development, production and distribution of feature films, television and new media content across multiple platforms. Among other things, the company says, she oversaw the development of ABC's one-hour drama, "V," and produced such programs as the 2007 Cannes Director's Fortnight Selection, "PVC-1," the forthcoming Web anthology, "Creepshow: RAW," and the Warner Bros. animated Web series, "Chadam." Prior to her stint at HDFilms, Resteghini worked at Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures, in which roles, KoldCast says, she assisted on the production of such films as "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" and "Starsky and Hutch," and managed product placement and co-marketing efforts for in-house games, such as "The Matrix Online." "The same dynamic that has changed the music world now applies to television," Rhesteghini said in a prepared statement. "Accordingly, to properly address the unique and personal interests of today's television audiences, programming must go vertical and KoldCast TV will continue spearheading in this direction. Our broad-minded approach to inventive programming opens up a myriad of opportunities for independent filmmakers which, in turn, provides our audience with far greater viewing options--options which are infinitely more personal to their lives and interests than what is on TV now. I am proud to be part of a mindset that aims to deliver entertainment programming that creatively addresses the changing and
varied interests of a diverse audience. I look forward to managing programming with this in mind every day."

In other broadband video programming news: Social networking service, Bebo, has tapped Twenty Twenty Television to create a fashion-themed magazine show, called "The Closet." The show, which will launch August 25th with 17 weekly episodes and which is part of Bebo's original programming initiative, "Bebo Originals," will heavily feature audience participation, encouraging viewers to participate in polls, upload pictures of their favorite clothes purchases for the week, and share shopping tips and their views on fashion. It will be sponsored by O2 Money's "Load & Go" card. "We bring a powerful track record in innovative storytelling and the creation of arresting factual content," Twenty Twenty CEO, Tim Carter, said in a prepared statement. "Fashion is one area Bebo Originals has yet to explore. With many of its core demographic being at an age where they're coming into their own style-wise, we're certain our show will prove to be extremely relevant."