Variety

Wed, 08/24/11 - 04:12

Canadian broadcaster to launch 4 hi-def movie channels

Hollywood Suite to include branded WB and MGM nets

By Brendan Kelly

Canuck broadcaster Hollywood Suite will launch four high-definition cable movie channels, including two branded by Warner Bros. and MGM.

Warner Films, the MGM Channel, Hollywood Storm and Hollywood Festival will bow in November.

Male-focused Hollywood Storm features action films while femme-skewed Hollywood Festival's line-up includes independent pics and studio romances.

Hollywood Suite has yet to announce a Canadian distributor for the channels but co-founder and chairman Jay Switzer said he is confident they have an audience, even with the rapid growth of online services like Netflix.

"With a number of leading financial backers, including Alliance Films, and studio support from Warner Bros., MGM and Alliance, as well as many Canadian producers, we know these channels will be well-received," said Switzer, a former senior executive at Chum.

The channels also have to feature 15% Canadian content.

Toronto-based Hollywood Suite is a privately owned company founded by Switzer, Jeff Sackman (former head of ThinkFilm), Michael McLaughlin, Catherine Tait and David Kines.

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