News Digest - March 16, 2006

MGM plans theme park in South Korea

MGM Studios is looking to embed its lion's pawprint in Asia with its first overseas theme park, to be located in South Korea. The studio announced a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in planning the development of a themed entertainment complex to be called MGM Studio City. On Wednesday, MGM unveiled the agreement with the southern South Korea city of Busan and South Korean entertainment company Glovit Inc., the project's primary developer. Glovit chairman Lee Seong-yong said at a news conference that it would cost about 1 trillion won ($1.02 billion) to construct MGM Studio City and that the company expects to complete the project in four to five years. MGM will not invest directly in the park but does have the option to purchase a 5%-10% share, Lee said.



My Net adds put U.S. clearance at 49%

Fox Television Stations-operated My Network TV on Wednesday an-nounced 13 additional clearances, bringing the new primetime general entertainment television network's total clearance to 49% of the country ahead of its Sept. 5 launch. The most recent stations signing on include Acme Communications' KASY in Albuquerque-Santa Fe, N.M., Independence Television Co.'s WFTE in Louisville, Ky., White Knight Broadcasting's KSHV in Shreveport, La., Weigel Broadcasting's newly renamed WMYT in South Bend-Elkhart, Ind., and Mississippi Television's WUFX in Jackson.



Kaye exec vp at Fox Home Ent.

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has tapped Danny Kaye for the new position of executive vp global research and technology strategy. Kaye most recently served in the domestic home entertainment division as senior vp research and business development. He will report to Mike Dunn, worldwide president of 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. In his new role, Kaye will lead and oversee all worldwide research functions for the division, including consumer research, global retail research, market analysis and forecasting. He also will continue to play a role in the division's involvement in future technologies, including the Blu-ray Disc launch.



6 Ariels each for 'Mezcal' and 'Citrillo'

MEXICO CITY — Two unreleased films, "Mezcal" and "Las Vueltas del Citrillo," shared top honors at the 48th Ariel Awards, each winning six of Mexico's top movie prizes. Ignacio Ortiz's "Mezcal" captured the best film prize; after Tuesday's ceremony, distributor Decine said it has picked up "Mezcal" and is planning a late May release. "Citrillo" (The Citrillo's Turns) is another film seeking distribution. The film's veteran filmmaker, Felipe Cazals, nabbed best director, and Damian Alcazar received the nod for actor. A complete list of winners can be found at www.holly woodreporter.com.



Fandango calls on Cingular for ticket deal

Movie ticket provider Fandango is set to further expand its service into the mobile space today by adding Cingular, the nation's largest wireless carrier, to its roster of cellular partners. This month, Fandango began its migration away from the Internet by entering a partnership with Sprint Nextel Corp.



Marvel inks 'Fantastic' deal at Cartoon Net

Cartoon Network has ordered 26 episodes of a new animated rendition of "Fantastic Four" from Marvel Entertainment for a fall premiere. The series revolves around the crime-fighting adventures of the famous Marvel Comics superhero quartet and their battles with villainous Dr. Doom. The series will be produced by Marvel and Moonscoop, the animation company behind Cartoon Network's "Code Lyoko" series.