Blue Ant Media Commissions Frantic Films' 'High Maintenance'
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Blue Ant Media Commissions Frantic Films’ ‘High Maintenance’ Canadian broadcaster commissions Frantic Films/Kew Media Distribution co-production Winnipeg, MB, June 20, 2019 – Frantic Films, part of KEW MEDIA GROUP INC. (“KEW MEDIA”, “KEW” or the “Company”) (TSX:KEW and KEW.WT) and one of Canada’s leading multi-genre film and TV production company, today announced that Blue Ant Media has commissioned a brand new premium factual TV series that takes a fascinating look behind the scenes and meets the maintenance and repair teams responsible for keeping some of the world’s most impressive super-structures safe. ‘High Maintenance’ (8 x 60’), a co-production with Kew Media Distribution, will reveal the hard- working crews who are sometimes asked to put their lives on the line to ensure some of the critical infrastructure we need to support our lives is functioning at its best every single day. Each episode will feature amazing engineering facts about unique structures and systems including the Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Generating Stations at Niagara Falls, the Montreal Metro - one of North America's largest urban rapid transit schemes, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in California, the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. The series will introduce viewers to some remarkable characters who shoulder huge responsibility maintaining them on a daily basis to keep the general public safe. ‘High Maintenance’ will air on Blue Ant Media’s Smithsonian Channel Canada in winter 2020. Sam Linton, Head of Original Content at Blue Ant Media, commissioned the series which was greenlit by Kew Media Distribution. Executive Producer for Frantic Films is Jamie Brown and the producers are Jeff Peeler and Jeff Newman. Jamie Brown, CEO and Executive Producer of Frantic Films, said, “There are many shows about how these amazing structures were built, but looking behind the scenes to discover how these specialist team keep them running is just as incredible. We’re delighted to be working with Blue Ant Media and Kew Media Distribution to bring these remarkable stories to audiences in Canada and around the world.” Jonathan Ford, EVP Sales at Kew Media Distribution global distribution partners of the series, said, “’High Maintenance’ has a broad international appeal due to the fascinating structures included in the series from all around the world. We are offering the series to our wide range of clients in multiple territories whose viewers will be attracted to its innovative approach and unique behind-the-scenes access.” The commission is the latest from Frantic following the success of lifestyle and documentary programs include ‘Backyard Builds’ for HGTV and ‘The Stats of Life’ for CBC while its comedy roster includes the critically acclaimed ‘Baroness Von Sketch Show’ for CBC and IFC, live shows such as the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and the multiple award-winning hybrid comedy factual series ‘Still Standing’ for CBC. 1 Kew Media Distribution and Frantic Films are both part of the KEW MEDIA GROUP. About Frantic Films Since its inception, Frantic Films has had a reputation for creating outstanding programming for a global audience. In addition to its success in Canada and the U.S., Frantic’s award-winning TV series, features and documentaries have sold to well over 130 countries worldwide. Led by CEO and Executive Producer Jamie Brown, Frantic has enjoyed success in virtually every content genre over the last 20 years, winning over a hundred awards and setting numerous ratings records across lifestyle, factual, reality, sports, comedy and drama. Frantic takes great pride in its excellent relationships with co-producers, creatives and networks alike. Our team understands the needs of various stakeholders and ensures productions are brought in on time, on budget and to the highest creative standards. Frantic’s lifestyle and documentary programs include ‘Backyard Builds’ for HGTV and ‘The Stats of Life’ for CBC while its comedy roster includes the critically acclaimed ‘Baroness Von Sketch Show’ for CBC and IFC, live shows such as the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and the multiple award- winning hybrid comedy factual series ‘Still Standing’ for CBC. Frantic co-produced the feature ‘Stand!’ which will be released this year. Between 2002 and 2019, Frantic has received a combined total of 35 wins and 53 nominations at the Gemini Awards and Canadian Screen Awards. Frantic Films was acquired by Kew Media Group in 2017. www.franticfilms.com About Blue Ant Media Blue Ant Media is an international producer, distributor, channel operator, and gaming video content company. We operate seven production houses around the world, creating content for broadcasters and streaming platforms, ranging from documentaries to animated series to dramas. Our distribution business, Blue Ant International, offers a substantial catalogue of content, including one of the world's largest 4K natural history offerings. Blue Ant Media operates linear and SVOD channels on multiple continents under 14 brands including Love Nature, Smithsonian Channel Canada, BBC Earth (Canada), ZooMoo, Arcade Cloud and more. Omnia Media, our gaming company, has the largest gamer talent network in the world. It creates and distributes gaming video content across digital and OTT platforms such as YouTube, Snapchat, Facebook, and more. Blue Ant Media is headquartered in Toronto, with nine international offices in Los Angeles, Singapore, Auckland, Dunedin, London, Washington DC, Sydney, Beijing, and Taipei. www.blueantmedia.com About Kew Media Distribution Kew Media Distribution, part of Kew Media Group, distributes a diverse catalogue of film, television and digital assets to broadcasters and viewing platforms across the world. Kew Media Distribution manages international rights to a library of over 11,000 hours of TV and digital content, including major drama series, non-fiction entertainment, special event 2 programming, kids’ series, TV movies and mini-series. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.kewmedia.com. About KEW MEDIA GROUP INC. KEW MEDIA GROUP is a leading publicly-listed content company that produces and distributes multi-genre content worldwide. Companies included in the KEW family are the production companies: Architect Films, Awesome Media & Entertainment, Bristow Global Media, Collins Avenue Productions, Essential Media Group, 4East Media, Frantic Films, Jigsaw Productions, Media Headquarters, Our House Media, Sienna Films, Spirit Digital Media, and Two Rivers Media; and the distribution companies: Kew Media Distribution and TCB Media Rights. With primary offices in London, Los Angeles, New York, Sydney and Toronto, the KEW MEDIA GROUP companies develop, produce and distribute more than 1,000 hours of content every year, as well as manage a library of more than 14,000 hours of content, for almost every available viewing platform worldwide. KEW aspires to offer great content from all over the world to viewers of all ages and tastes. KEW promotes transparency, equality, respect, and inclusiveness and plans to grow with the benefit of people from a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds. Source: KEW MEDIA GROUP INC. Investor Relations Contact: Steven Silver Chief Executive Officer 647-957-2194 [email protected] 3 .