TCM 2 TO LAUNCH ON SKY ON MAY 2ND
London, 24th April, 2006: TCM (Turner Classic Movies) On Tuesday 2nd May 2006 TCM 2 launches exclusively in the UK on Sky channel 320, next to TCM on 319 on the SKY Guide. The new channel will broadcasts from 7pm to 3am daily and is set to complement its sister channel TCM, which draws on a library of the 20th century movies from Hollywood’s golden age to contemporary classics.
TCM 2 provides further choice for the existing movie-loving audience by celebrating the original classics from Hollywood’s history. It also gives film heritage enthusiasts the chance to revel in universally loved films such as The Wizard of Oz, North By Northwest, The Maltese Falcon, Dr Zhivago and Casablanca. Helping to enrich the cinematic experience, audiences will also be given the chance to sing-a-long with some of the most magical musicals ever made. TCM 2’s schedule will also include originally produced content like its OFF SET interviews where current movie stars and directors talk about their love of original Hollywood.
TCM 2 introduces a bold new approach to scheduling for the first four months showing the same 3 or 4 movies every night for a week. The movies start from 7pm, with the prime time movie being shown at either 9pm or 9.30pm and the late night movie at either 11.30 pm or midnight. The selection of films will change on Sundays. This means that TCM 2 viewers get every possible opportunity to enjoy their favourite movies on a day that is convenient for them. Moreover, it will also attract new audiences who have yet to experience the original glamour of Hollywood’s golden era. During the first week of its life on air, between 2-6th May, TCM 2 is broadcasting a sing-a-long version of the Wizard of Oz.
An individual new look campaign for TCM 2, building on the existing TCM brand, is being created for the new channel. TCM is working with a US-based design agency, Fuel, to produce a 60” launch promo and cut downs to give TCM 2 a clear identity of its own but with a definite link to TCM. By taking the back-projected light boxes, which are integral to the TCM brand, Fuel has developed a bright, new look for TCM 2. This exciting approach works with the central theme of natural light and combines it with fascinating imagery of natural phenomena. Light is woven through, and explodes around, a series of classic film clips culminating in a swirl that reveals the number two and ends with TCM 2 displayed in a light box.
Alan Musa TCM VP and Channel Manager commented: ‘By creating a new home for our original classics, TCM 2 gives us a great opportunity to celebrate the wonderful movies in our vast library. TCM will continue to show some of these classic favourites but we can now expand and develop. By introducing new documentaries, more contemporary classics and international films we can ensure that there is always something new for our viewers to experience on TCM while they can find a guaranteed favourite on TCM 2.’
Nicola Bamford, Director of Channels and Operations at Sky said:
‘The launch of TCM 2 on Sky reinforces our platform’s position as the number one entertainment choice, offering the widest range of movie channels in the UK and Ireland.’
