Satellite TV is not short of film channels, but the latest free-to-air addition to the UK digital satellite TV scene has a different approach to most. Film24 is not just another channel of films, but rather a channel all about film.

It’s a distinction clearly illustrated by the channel’s position in the Sky EPG. Film24 has taken over the Bonanza channel’s transponder and the channel has remained in the Entertainment section of the EPG because, says CEO Nicky Davis: ‘That is what we are – an entertainment channel that broadcasts original programming about films, rather than just showing films themselves.’

Of course, many channels have movie shows, and the internet is bursting with film facts and opinion. With more than 400 cinema releases each year, a continuous, packed DVD release schedule, and a huge number of films on TV, choosing what to see is not easy.

‘Film24 aims to be the first port of call for any film fan wanting a credible, entertaining update on what’s going to appeal to them,’ says Davis.
‘Although viewers can get some basic information from the internet, there is no real impartial original content presented online. Cinema sites want to get as many “bums on seats” as possible and film distributors are not going to present a balanced view on their own releases.’

It’s all about the extras

The programming on Film24 has a fresh approach. ‘To date, programming about film has generally been fairly formulaic and dull,’ says Davis. ‘It’s not moved on in same way as, say, music and motoring. Film24 is changing that, with original content about film that is entertaining in itself.

‘The channel also fuels the growing fascination with what goes on behind the scenes, demonstrated by the fact that DVD extras are now an important part of the package.’

Not that Film24 simply recycles the trailers and sycophantic pre-release shows found elsewhere.

‘There are, of course, presenter-led compilation shows that preview current and coming releases at the cinema and on DVD,’ says Davis, ‘but there are also in-depth programmes about films on release and in production where we make use of our close relations with the studios and film distributors to give the viewer some exclusive insight.

‘Programming covers special interest areas about the movie business such as movie production, stunts, special effects and profiles of legends from in front and behind the camera.’

Film24 is aimed at casual cinema-goers and DVD-renters, as well as hard-core film buffs. And it’s not just the latest blockbusters, either.

‘We are strong supporters of the British film industry and lesser-known films that we feel are of special interest or demonstrate new talent,’ says Davis.

‘We will even broadcast some classic movies but only wrapped and presented in a strong context, such as the early work of modern directors or films that inspired them, the original movie on which a current remake was based.

Studio links

Film24 was founded by Davis and Andrew Burns, both with backgrounds with channels such as Discovery, Warner Bros, UK Gold and RTE, along with Steve Allen, from ITV and John Davis from Eidos. The channel is backed by Pinewood Shepperton PLC, and much of its programming is made at Pinewood Studios.

‘Most of the programming is made for the channel,’ says Davis. ‘Film24 has several crews operating out of Pinewood. Some links are shot there but we also spend a great deal of time on film locations, at festivals and awards and at other movie-related locations in the UK and overseas.

‘We have a great team of presenters including critic Mark Eccleston and LA correspondent Ross King, who are credible and engage the audience’.

‘As more film fans are attracted to Film24 we will obviously increase the amount of original content and minimise the repeat factor. The film business holds immense fascination in terms of the amazing production values involved and the attraction of the celebrity lifestyle. We aim to get behind the scenes and fuel this fascination with great programming to reflect the booming film business.’

Sounds like a sure way to a TV blockbuster.

What you’ll see

The programming on Film24 is, of course, partly dependent on the films in production and on release, but Nicky Davis has some treats to tempt viewers to tune to Film24 in August.

‘We will be premiering our new Star Talk series filmed recently in Monte Carlo, where a host of actors and directors chatted exclusively to Film24 about their latest projects.

‘We have a major programme on Disney animation filmed at the Disney Studios in LA and we’ll be going behind the scenes at the famous Cars of the Stars museum.

‘In terms of major movie releases in August, we’ll be covering The Bourne Ultimatum (directed by Oscar-winning Paul Greengrass) which, incidentally, was shot in Pinewood Studio C – just 10 yards from our office!

‘We’ll also be continuing our exclusive series on Film24 profiling up and coming British independent films’.

Where to find it

Film24 broadcasts unencrypted from the UK digital satellite position at 28°E, at 11389GHz/H, 27500, 2/3. The channel is included in the Entertainment section of the Sky EPG at channel number 158.

Geoff Bains