Canada’s OUTtv Inks Deal with here! Network in the U.S.

TORONTO, March 17: OUTtv, the Canadian 24/7 cable channel
dedicated to gay and lesbian content, has secured a programming and supply deal
with here! Network in the U.S. to produce a number of new television series
that will air on both channels.

The finished programs produced by these two networks will
begin airing in the fall 2008. Last year, OUTtv and here! worked together to
produce two feature films—the film noir gay detective Donald Strachey
mysteries, Ice Blues and On
the Other Hand, Death—as well as a
documentary feature on the Strachey series, Martinis & Murder:
Inside the Donald Strachey Mysteries.

Additionally, OUTtv recently sold nearly 60 hours of
Canadian-produced programming to here!, including the shows Chris and John
to the Rescue and Cover Guy. OUTtv will begin airing episodes of here!’s hit
supernatural series Dante’s Cove,
as well as an assortment of movies from here!’s feature film library.

“We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with
OUTtv,” said Mark Reinhart, the general manager and west coast executive VP of
distribution and acquisitions for here! Films. “This programming partnership
gives here! the opportunity to expand our slate and continue to provide our
audience authentic and diverse images of gay and lesbian lives. We hope to
continue to add more exciting and provocative entertainment to our already rich
slate of films and series. We are
confident that the best is yet to come.”

—By Kristin Brzoznowski