World Screen

STOCKHOLM, December 19: Swedish network TV4 has reached an exclusive three-year agreement with Svensk Filmindustri (SF) for the free-TV rights to a large number of feature films. The agreement covers the 2008-2010 period, with the majority of the films being …

TORONTO, December 19: Breakthrough Animation has received a commission from CanWest Media to produce 13 half-hour episodes of the animated sitcom Producing Parker for the Canadian cable network TVtropolis. Producing Parker follows the adventures of an overworked and underpaid producer, …

MIAMI, December 19: The Univision Networks have become the exclusive Spanish-language telecasters in the U.S. for the annual CONCACAF Champions League, a new regional tournament for top-ranking soccer clubs, kicking off with the inaugural 2008-2009 season. Twenty-four of the highest-ranked …

NEW YORK, December 19: Sundance Channel has commissioned Isabella Rossellini to create five additional short films for her series titled Green Porno, which will roll out on mobile devices and online in spring 2008. The five additional shorts bring the …

ATLANTA, December 19: Aaron McGruder, the creator of The Boondocks comic strip and Adult Swim animated series, has inked a deal for a 20-part webisode series for Super Deluxe, Turner Broadcasting System’s comedy broadband network. The Super Rumble Mixshow is …

LONDON/TORONTO, December 19: Fireworks International is to take on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s (CBC) international sales catalogue, which encompasses about 135 titles. The deal, expected to close early next year, sees Fireworks taking on the rights to about 700 hours …

STAMFORD, December 19: World Wrestling Entertainment is gearing up for two live event tours in Latin America, as it continues to expand its business in the region. In February, the WWE Superstars of SmackDown and ECW will head to Guatemala …

HONG KONG, December 19: National Geographic Channel HD is to become the first high-definition documentary channel in Hong Kong, rolling out on PCCW’s IPTV platform, now TV. National Geographic Channels International has already expanded its HD offering to the U.K., …

PALO ALTO, December 19: The IPTV platform Vuze has secured $20 million in its round C financing, led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA), with existing investors Redpoint Ventures, Greycroft Partners, BV Capital and Jarl Mohn also participating. Mike Ramsay, the …

BOSTON, December 19: According to research firm Strategy Analytics, there will be more than 1 billion broadband users worldwide by the end of 2008, led by the Asia Pacific. “The upcoming year will mark an important milestone in broadband adoption,” …