World Screen

SARATOGA/LONDON: As Roku begins its rollout in the U.K., the service has expanded its content selection with the addition of the BBC iPlayer. The streaming players have started shipping to customers in the U.K. The Roku players feature more than 40 streaming channels, including region-specific programs. The BBC iPlayer joins …

LONDON: The new prank series I’m Spazticus, set to run this summer on Channel 4, features disabled performers pranking able-bodied people. The five-episode half-hour series will air in conjunction with Channel 4’s broadcast of the 2012 Paralympics. The series’ pilot first aired on Channel 4 in 2005. I’m Spazticus will …

MUNICH: As part of an exclusive output deal, Tele München Group (TMG) has gained access to the free-TV rights for a number of feature films, including Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit movies, and TV series from MGM for German-speaking Europe. The deal, which covers a five-year period, includes more than 200 highlights …

MUNICH: Snowman Productions, the Scandinavian production arm of Red Arrow Entertainment Group, is expanding its business into Norway, with an office in Oslo. Peter Blanck, previously the executive producer at Viasat Broadcasting, will serve as managing director. Magnus Vatn, who joins from serving as head of reality and executive producer …

LONDON: BBC Worldwide Showcase is on pace to open its doors to more than 640 international TV buyers, alongside top-line talent, marking its biggest-ever event, which is taking place in Liverpool from February 26 to 29.   Sir Tom Stoppard, Hugh Bonneville, Emilia Fox, Ruth Jones, Jessica Hynes and Michael …

PREMIUM: Thomas Ebeling, the CEO of ProSiebenSat.1, Germany’s leading broadcast group, talks to TV Europe about building on the strengths of the free-TV business, while successfully launching pay-TV and numerous digital ventures. Back in 2000, two television companies, ProSieben Media and Sat.1, merged to form the largest broadcasting group in …

MUNICH: More than 250 movies from Twentieth Century Fox are joining the ProSiebenSat.1 Group VOD portal maxdome. Planet of the Apes, Percy Jackson & the Olympians and Alvin and the Chipmunks are among the titles included in the pact. maxdome is currently Germany’s largest video download site. A total of …

LONDON: Syfy has acquired the exclusive U.K. rights for the supernatural comedy series Todd & the Book of Pure Evil in a deal with Entertainment One (eOne). The 13-part first season debuted on Canada’s SPACE channel in 2010, and began its second season in October 2011. Syfy has the rights …

LONDON: Parthenon Media Group has appointed Charles Gurassa to the role of non-executive chairman of its board of directors. Gurassa is currently the non-executive chairman of the restaurant group Tragus and Genesis Housing Association; the deputy chairman at easyJet and MACH; and a trustee of the National Trust. He was …

LONDON: Channel 4’s digital channel E4 has secured the U.K. broadcast rights to the U.S. comedy series Suburgatory from Warner Bros. International Television Distribution. Suburgatory will air in the U.K. on E4 this year. The new half-hour series stars Jeremy Sisto (Six Feet Under, Law & Order, Thirteen), Jane Levy …