NOVEMBER 2000

Full Steam Ahead - Peakviewing Update
New Family Film Set to 'DAZZLE'
See as at MIP TV
Peakviewing sets up Theatrical Distribution
Peakviewing at MIPCOM

Small Animals Invade MIPCOM
Peakviewing commits to kids

Full Steam Ahead . . . Peakviewing Update
Peakviewing is attending MIPCOM 2000 (2-6 October 2000) with ten television movies, plus FILLIGOGGIN and CREATIONSTATION.TV

In production under the Peakviewing Interactive label, amongst other things, is the Company's latest New Media venture, LEISUREZONE, to be launched at MIPTV 2001 and which specifically addresses the special interest markets.

In addition, the theatrical division will bow in at MIFED 2000 (29 October-2 November 2000) with two completed features budgeted in the $15,000,000 - $20,000,000 range (MERLIN THE RETURN and HOODED ANGELS) and AFRICA, budgeted at $6,000,000.

On 9 October 2000, we begin principal photography of BERSERKER. Budgeted at close to $30,000,000, it is the Company's biggest film yet.

Peakviewing Releasing will release the Company's feature films in the United Kingdom and joint venture releases elsewhere.

The first release will be MERLIN THE RETURN in the United Kingdom on 22 December 2000 with upwards of 110 prints booked to date. If this year's release pattern mirrors last year's this will put the film in the top fifteen releases for the year.
New Family Film Set To 'DAZZLE'
'Dazzle', the latest film from Peakviewing started filming on March 27th. Directed by David Lister, the film stars Maxwell Caulfield (Calendar Girl, The Colbys, Grease 2), Mia Sara (Timecop, Ferris Bueller's Day Off), Jeff Fahey (The Lawnmower Man, Wyatt Earp,) Big Mick (Catherine Cookson's Colour Blind, Moonacre, Lost Empires), Peter Bonner (Willow, The Tenth Kingdom) and Chantel Stander (Pasella, Merlin).

Written by Gus Silber and Stephen Francis, the film tells the story of Tom Nightingale, a famous author of children's books, who has been unable to write since the death of his wife over sixteen months ago. Closed off emotionally, the only joy in Tom's life is when he reads his fairy stories to his eight-year-old daughter, Melissa.

Unbeknownst to Tom, each night while he reads these stories, Crystal, a real live fairy, is also listening, enjoying the stories as much as Melissa. One night, during story time, Crystal is thrown from the window sill, chased by the family dog and flies straight into a tree. Her tiny fairy body morphs into human size. As she enters consciousness, Crystal has no idea who or what she is; she knocks on Tom's door, suffering from amnesia, Fairy amnesia . . .

State-of-the-art CGI special effects serve to blur the line between the real and the not-so-real. Fast moving action, coupled with the star cast, enchanting storyline and the superb production quality you expect from Peakviewing . . . this film has massive potential to be a top seller in the market.

Following hot on the heels of other Peakviewing family film successes, such as The Little Unicorn, The Last Leprechaun and The Fairy King of Ar, the company is already in discussion with possible syndication partners.

For more details, call Janet Blandford or Judith Anderson in the Sales Department on +44 (0)1453 826300.
Peakviewing sets up UK Theatrical Distribution Company with industry veteran, Martin Myers
- UK distribution part of overall plan to
invest in feature film division

Independent production and worldwide distribution company, Peakviewing Transatlantic, has entered the UK theatrical distribution business with the formation of a brand new division, Peakviewing Releasing, and hired industry veteran Martin Myers to oversee the new operation.

This move is a key element in the overall plan to broaden existing operations into feature film production and distribution on a worldwide basis and locally in the UK. Martin Myers, whose experience in UK distribution spans over 20 years, will be responsible for releasing up to five pictures across the first two years, increasing in the third year to seven to ten pictures. Gloucestershire-based Peakviewing will be funding the new division to the tune of £1.2 million, which will go towards overhead and P & A costs.

Initially the company will concentrate on releasing Peakviewing's own slate of theatrical films, and by mid 2000, Myers will be looking to acquire films. An emphasis towards family entertainment is expected. The first film to be released will be Peakviewing's fantasy adventure, 'Merlin 2000', a special effects feature budgeted at £12 million and currently in post production. Scheduled for a Christmas release, the film stars Rik Mayall as Merlin, with Tia Carrere, Patrick Bergin, Adrian Paul and Craig Sheffer and is written and directed by Paul Matthews.

Martin Myers most recently worked with First Independent Films, a division of HTV, as theatrical director for nine years. His responsibilities included the successful release of films such as 'Misery', 'Dumb and Dumber' and 'G.I. Jane' as well as acquisitions.

Twelve months ago, Peakviewing hired Amy Moore as Vice President, Creative Affairs to work with writers and directors, with an eye to searching out new talent. Amy has been developing a slate of projects that will shortly go into production, which will feed the UK distribution pipeline.

The CEO of Peakviewing, Elizabeth Matthews, comments, "This is the logical next step in Peakviewing's development as a supplier of high quality films across all genres. We are developing strong, quality product with universal appeal to feed the theatrical distribution arm and are looking for material, which will complement our own slate. Peakviewing Releasing is a major venture with real financial muscle and we are delighted to have someone of Martin's calibre on board to oversee the growth of this exciting new venture."

Peakviewing at MIPCOM
Peakviewing Transatlantic is attending MIPCOM 99 (the international film and programme market for television, video, cable and satellite) taking place at Palais des Festivals, Cannes in France from 4 to 8 October.

The company will be at the show (Stand 08.10) to discuss, screen and market its films and series. On show are all new films being shown for the first time, plus recent and newly completed films, including The Little Unicorn, Filligoggin, The Last Leprechaun and The Fairy King of Ar.

Stand Number
08.10

Stand Telephone Numbers
+33 04 92 99 81 92
+44 (0)378 783629
+44 (0)370 637960


Small Furry Animals Invade MIPCOM 99

Peakviewing Transatlantic, the international sales division of the UK-based Peakviewing Productions will be revealing the completed first puppet series of 'Filligoggin' at MIPCOM.

'Filligoggin' is a puppet series for pre-school children and is named after the central character. Filligoggin is a friendly mongoose who lives in Baobab Creek, a small imaginary village in the heart of the South African Bushveld. His loveable friends include Sniffbug the sleepy porcupine, Hilda Hippo, Wally Warthog, Edna Elephant, Lenny Lion, Reginald Rhino, Victoria Vulture and Benny Baboon.

Filligoggin has a distinctive little red truck and owns the general store and bakery, which is a popular gathering place and hub of the close-knit community.

The fast paced stories revolve around colourful characters in adventurous situations with emphasis on fun, entertainment and education.

The 'Filligoggin' series is available and ready for delivery as either a 26 x 11 minute format or a 13 x 22 minute format programme. It was created and is being directed by David Lister, who previously directed Peakviewing's live action family movie, 'The Last leprechaun'.


Peakviewing Commit to Kids

Peakviewing Transatlantic, the international sales division of UK based Peakviewing Productions will be introducing three new pre school children's programmes "Lets Go," "Lets Make", "Lets See" at MIPCOM (Stand Number 08.10), following the successful debut of its first television series "Filligoggin" at MIPTV earlier this year.

The announcement made by Elizabeth Matthews, CEO of Peakviewing Transatlantic, coincides with the completion of the first series of "Filligoggin" and the production of a further 26 episodes. The show is available in 52x11 minute format or a 26x22 minute package.

"Let's Go", "Let's Make", "Let's See" will each initially consist of 26x11 minutes and represents a major commitment to pre school programming by the company, which includes developing six further strands comprising 276 episodes of inventive children's television in total, by autumn 2000.

Elizabeth Matthews comments, "This is an exciting time in Peakviewing's development and proves our commitment to pre school programming. Our experience and success with 'made for television' family movies like "The Last Leprechaun", "The Little Unicorn" and most recently "Merlin 2000" has proved that we can effectively compete with bigger producers as a provider of high quality programmes for children, with real appeal for the international marketplace".

"Let's Go", "Let's Make", "Let's See" combines fun and education in three distinct segments, with an emphasis on children learning about the world around them by visiting new and exciting places, like backstage at the Zoo and a day out at a chocolate factory.

The series is being fully financed by Peakviewing Transatlantic and is to be produced by Gareth Rowlands and Avril Price. Avril's credits as a producer include legendary BBC children's programmes, Playschool, Playaway and Grange Hill.

Peakviewing Productions (founded by CEO Elizabeth Matthews in 1991) originated as a producer of television movies for cable and syndication in conjunction with European and American partners. It has now successfully made the transition to a fully independent production and world wide distribution company.

Who we are | Films | Spotlight | Media Tools | Contact Us