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TORONTO: The half-hour comedy Pure Pwnage, based on the hit web property, is to make its debut to the international market at MIPTV in the catalogue of Sphinx Productions.  The Pure Pwnage web property has amassed more than 2 million …

BURBANK: Marc Hirschfeld has signed a contract with Starz Media to serve as a casting consultant for original programming on Starz’ premium entertainment channels.  The agreement, which is nonexclusive, sees Hirschfeld working closely with Starz programming executives on casting talent …

NEW YORK: E1 Entertainment has been ramping up its one-hour drama business. In this video interview, John Moyraniss, the CEO of E1 Television, discusses the company’s strategy.    E1 has a current slate that includes Haven, based on a Stephen King …

On the Tuesday afternoon of MIPTV, the Producers’ Forum—organized in association with World Screen—will feature three regional co-production sessions, focusing on Malaysia, Japan and China. In Japan, pubcaster NHK is major co-production partner for producers worldwide, with 700 titles internationally …

UNIVERSAL CITY: Donald Trump’s boardroom will be open for candidates who have been affected by the decline in the job market in a new version of The Apprentice for NBC. In this fresh version of The Apprentice, Trump will bring …

MENLO: Among individuals aged 13 to 54 with Internet access, 22 percent are watching full TV episodes online—via streaming and downloads—up from 8 percent three years ago, according to Knowledge Networks. In the key 18-to-34 demo, meanwhile, viewing has risen from 12 percent …

LONDON: ITV Studios Global Entertainment has taken on the worldwide distribution rights to Sky 1’s hit factual reality series Pineapple Dance Studios. The show follows teachers, pupils and staff at the famous London studio as they audition, rehearse and perform. …

LONDON: The high-definition version of Five is to start broadcasting to more than 2 million Sky+HD homes this July. Five’s lineup includes the U.S. dramas CSI and FlashForward, soaps such as Neighbours and Home & Away, international cricket and live …

NEW YORK: Hallmark Channel has acquired the exclusive license for the domestic TV rights to a range of lifestyle programming from the library of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) to air as part of its soon-to-launch seven-hour home and lifestyle …

LOS ANGELES: Comcast International Media Group (CIMG) has signed a number of channel deals for E! International Network, with new launches in France, the Netherlands and Macedonia. E! International Network launched on France Telecom’s Orange TV platform via DTH, DSL …