Sony Movie Channel Ramps Up with Quality Branded Movie Blocks, Interstitial Original Programming and Online Initiatives

CULVER CITY, Calif., March 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Movie Channel, the first U.S. multi-platform television network from Sony Pictures Television (SPT), is adding Friday Features and MANDAYS, new scheduling blocks to its programming line-up, along with original interstitial content and online initiatives that include an online interactive trivia game and a robust online destination called Cinephiles.  The announcement was made today by Superna Kalle, general manager, Sony Movie Channel.  

"Our new programming and web initiatives make the Sony Movie Channel a unique and interactive entertainment destination," said Superna Kalle. "Sony Movie Channel is committed to providing the highest quality experience and a vibrant community for movie lovers."

Launching April 1, Friday Features offers viewers the channel's broadest premium titles in double-feature format airing back-to-back in the comfort of their own homes on Friday nights.  The inaugural showcase will celebrate April Fool's Day with a block of classic stand-up comedy films that pay tribute to Richard Pryor – "Here and Now" and "Live at the Sunset Strip."  Additional Friday Features films include:  

• "The Blue Lagoon" & "Return to the Blue Lagoon" (Double Feature on Friday, April 8th)
• "Memento" & "Pollock" (Double Feature on Friday, April 15th)
• "Big Fish" & "The Counterfeiters" (Double Feature on Friday, May 6th)

Launching Monday, April 4, MANDAYS will showcase action, adventure, and comedy genres and other male-skewing movies for a weekly testosterone-filled double-feature that will kick-off with "Johnny Mnemonic" (starring Keanu Reeves) and "Sniper" (with Tom Berenger). A sampling of other MANDAYS movies includes:

• "88 Minutes"
• "Toy Soldiers"
• "El Mariachi"
• "The Executioner"
• "Three Stooges: Have Rocket"
• "See no Evil, Hear no Evil"

On Sunday, April 10, the Sony Movie Channel is proud to debut "Reel 6," original interstitial programming, named for the extra reel which historically contained newsreels, behind-the-scenes footage and other exclusive content. "Reel 6" features first hand accounts by filmmakers, producers, crew and executives who will share exclusive stories from their own experiences on set. The first installment features executive producer and 1st assistant director Michael Grillo discussing the classic Western "Silverado." Additional interstitials will feature Columbia Tri-Star president of production administration, Gary Martin, providing exclusive behind-the-scenes stories from the Sony Pictures' feature films he oversaw including "The Fisher King," "Multiplicity" and "Ghostbusters," among others, and director/screenwriter Brian Helgeland, discussing "A Knight's Tale."

To further add to the movie lover's experience, the Sony Movie Channel website will provide added content and interactivity, giving online benefits to fans. Cinetrivia, an online film-focused trivia game which allows Sony Movie Channel fans to compete with each other at sonymoviechannel.com, goes live on Friday, April 1st.  In May, the Sony Movie Channel will launch Cinephiles, an online movie-loving community where fans can post their own movie watch lists and top five lists while connecting with one another.

For more information about the Sony Movie Channel, visit www.sonymoviechannel.com. Find the Sony Movie Channel on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SonyMovieChannel or follow the Sony Movie Channel on Twitter @SonyMovieCh.

About Sony Movie Channel

Sony Movie Channel is the first U.S. multi-platform television network from Sony Pictures Television created specifically for the Hollywood movie fan. Offering uncut and uninterrupted theatrical releases in stunning high definition, Sony Movie Channel showcases titles from Sony Pictures' vast library including award-winning features, cult favorites, family comedies and gripping dramas. Programming is selected from more than 3,500 Sony Pictures films, which collectively have received 184 Academy Awards including 12 for Best Picture. Sony Movie Channel is available on DISH Network, DIRECTV and AT&T U-Verse TV on linear as well as on authenticated VOD and online platforms.

About Sony Pictures Television

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is one of the television industry's leading content providers.  It produces and distributes programming in every genre, including series, telefilms, theatrical releases and family entertainment around the world and for every platform:  broadcast and cable television, first-run and off-network syndication and digital distribution.  In addition to one of the industry's largest libraries of feature films and television shows, SPT boasts a current program slate that includes the top-rated daytime dramas and game shows, landmark off-network series, original animated series and critically acclaimed primetime dramas, comedies and telefilms.  Internationally, SPT is a leader in local language productions around the world, some of which are co-produced with local partners, and sells SPE-owned formats in approximately 70 countries.  To better serve its clients and partners worldwide, SPT maintains offices throughout the world, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, the People's Republic of China, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Venezuela and the United Kingdom. SPT's worldwide television networks portfolio is a key strategy in SPE's long-range commitment to the global marketplace, with 122 channel feeds, which are available in more than 140 countries reaching almost 438 million households worldwide.  SPT also creates original content for and manages SPE's premium video website, Crackle.  Additionally, SPT owns Dutch entertainment company 2waytraffic, production company Embassy Row and an HD movie channel, and is a part owner of cable channel GSN, a new 3D channel joint venture with Discovery and IMAX, FEARnet, the premier horror/thriller website and VOD service, and national media sales company ITN Networks, Inc.  SPT advertiser sales is one of the premiere national advertising sales companies, handling the commercial inventory in SPT's syndicated series as well as in all of SPE's digital businesses in the United States.  SPT (www.sonypicturestelevision.com) is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.

SOURCE Sony Pictures Television