World Screen

NEW YORK: Syfy is slated to broadcast seven new and returning original shows this January, including Helix, an upcoming thriller from executive producer Ronald D. More (Battlestar Galactica). A two-episode debut of Helix is scheduled for Friday, January 10 at 10 p.m. The new competitive reality series Opposite Worlds will …

NEEDHAM: Echo Bridge Entertainment has picked up the international rights for Hamlet & Hutch and Sunken City, a family film and crime thriller, respectively. Hamlet & Hutch centers on a woman who is struggling to maintain the community theater she owns. The movie stars Golden Globe-winner Burt Reynolds, Elizabeth Leiner …

ROCHESTER: Nielsen Holdings is acquiring the global market research firm Harris Interactive for around $117 million. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Nielsen will tender an offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Harris Interactive's common stock through a wholly owned subsidiary formed for the purpose of making the offer. The …

LOS ANGELES: Spike TV has hired Tori Socha, formerly the director of alternative programming at Syfy, as senior director of original series, along with promoting Jeff Savaiano to senior director of original series. During her time at Syfy Socha developed and oversaw production on such new unscripted series as Ghost …

NEW YORK: Mindshare has elevated David Lang, president of Mindshare Entertainment (MSE), to the role of chief content officer for North America. As chief content officer, Lang will work under Colin Kinsella, the CEO for North America. He will collaborate with Bob Ivins and Jordan Bitterman, both of whom were …

NORWALK: After having filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this year, CABLEready has decided to officially shutter operations before the end of the year. CEO Gary Lico said that since the filing the focus has been on minimizing the impact on creditors, namely producers and the bank. "Offers to …

NEW YORK: Comcast is working with Nielsen on new advertising technology to help networks generate additional revenue from content that is available on demand. Nielsen's current C3 ratings model measures on-demand commercial viewing within three days of the show's live airing. However, this only works with the most-recent episode and …

LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK: Debmar-Mercury has closed deals that deliver the game show Celebrity Name Game in more than 80 percent of the U.S. Debmar-Mercury signed an agreement for the show to air on 58 Sinclair Broadcast Group stations as well as one that brings it to four CBS Television Stations …

BEVERLY HILLS: Starz Play, an online TV Everywhere service for Starz subscribers, is being offered on Xbox Live for Microsoft's Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system. Starz Play features a selection of Starz original series and premium movies. The service has launched in the U.S. as a free download …

NEW YORK: A new report from Needham & Co media analyst Laura Martin outlines the economic consequences of unbundling pay TV and assesses that à la carte pricing could result in up to $113 million in lost value and cost 1.4 million jobs. The report estimates that for every $1 …