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‘Holy Flying Circus,’ the upcoming comedy film that re-tells the controversy surrounding Monty Python’s 1979 movie ‘Life of Brian,’ has been selected to kick off cable network Ovation’s “The Best You’ve Never Seen” series. Written by Tony Roche, ‘Holy Flying Circus’ acts as a homage to one of the most original comedy teams in Britain’s television and film history. It adds to the debate about what’s acceptable subject matter for comedy. Director Owen Harris helmed ‘Holy Flying Circus,’ which stars Darren Boyd, Charles Edwards, Roy Marsden and Stephen Fry. Kris Slava, Svp, Programming, Ovation, said ‘Holy Flying Circus’ is a program that features “extraordinary artistic storytelling that will make people [ Read More ]...

New York -- Art and contemporary culture network Ovation TV is rebranding as simply Ovation and will debut a new look, including a logo made up of five concentric circles, on March 1.

"We've evolved rapidly over the last three years," said Kris Slava, senior vp of programming. "From our original programming to our curated events and series -- this new visual language allows us to adapt an infinite variety of artistic genres and interpretations."

Gaynor Strachan Chun, senior vp of marketing, said the branding is also designed to help the network's focus on offering content that meets three criteria: smart, surprising and fun.

The network, currently in 38 million homes, also plans two new program stunts in March and April to follow the redesign.

"Sacred to Profane" will look at controversial approaches to depicting religion in the arts, including the controversies over Salman Rushdie's novel "The Satanic Verses" and the...

Cable channel Ovation TV has secured the rights to an hour-long documentary special about the late Heath Ledger from the Australian production company World Wide Entertainment.

"Heath Ledger: A Tribute" will be part of the network's week-long programming event "Live Fast, Die Young," which will include the life stories of other deceased stars such as Janis Joplin, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Jim Belushi, and Janis Joplin.

Senior VP programming Kris Slava has been quoted by Ace Showbiz as saying, "Throughout his short career, Heath Ledger seemed a star destined to burn brightly and leave a lasting mark."

"This documentary is a warm, honest portrayal of the actor and the man, and features footage that has never been seen in America. We are pleased to be able to include it in our week-long tribute to the talented stars we lost too soon.

An hour-long documentary special will be dedicated to Heath Ledger. Cable channel Ovation TV has acquired the rights to air "Heath Ledger: A Tribute" from Australian production company World Wide Entertainment and will air it in U.S. this August.

"Throughout his short career, Heath Ledger seemed a star destined to burn brightly and leave a lasting mark," said Kris Slava, senior VP programming for Ovation TV. "This documentary is a warm, honest portrayal of the actor and the man, and features footage that has never been seen in America. We are pleased to be able to include it our week-long tribute to the talented stars we lost too soon."

The documentary is part of Ovation TV's week-long programming event "Live Fast, Die Young" which includes the biographies of stars such as Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Jim Belushi. "Ovation TV is renowned for their...

Cable channel Ovation TV has acquired "Heath Ledger: A Tribute," an hour-long documentary special on the life of the late Oscar-winning actor.

The documentary, from Australian production company World Wide Entertainment, will have its Us premiere in August as part of Ovation TV's week-long programming event, "Live Fast, Die Young," which focuses on stars whose lives ended prematurely, including Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Jim Belushi.

"Throughout his short career, Heath Ledger seemed a star destined to burn brightly and leave a lasting mark," said Kris Slava, senior vp programming for Ovation TV. "This documentary is a warm, honest portrayal of the actor and the man, and features footage that has never been seen in America."...

Ovation TV, the network focused on programming about art and personal creativity, has promoted four executives in marketing, programming and production and creative services.

Those being upped are Gaynor Strachan Chun, now senior vp marketing, Rob Canter (vp production and creative services), Debra Balamos (vp affiliate and advertising sales marketing) and Michelle Zajic (vp programming).

Strachan Chun is responsible for developing, implementing and managing brand positioning, messaging strategies, all marketing activities and strategic partnerships with cultural institutions. She plays a key role in shaping the network's arts educational outreach program and manages OvationTV.com. She reports to CEO Charles Segars.

Canter oversees the production of Ovation's original programming, which includes series and specials. He also manages the production of all network promotions and provides production support for affiliate distribution and for advertising sales. He reports to senior vp programming and production Kris Slava.

Balamos, who reports to Strachan Chun, develops and executes strategic affiliate marketing and ad sales initiatives and communication for the network.