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Minds Eye Entertainment
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRAIRIE GIANT: THE TOMMY DOUGLAS STORY SECURES INTERNATIONAL DEAL WITH THE HALLMARK CHANNEL
ACCLAIMED series PRAIRIE GIANT coming soon
to MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE
April 15, 2007 - (Cannes, FR) Minds Eye International announced today it has secured an international distribution deal with Sparrowhawk Media, owners of the international (non-US) versions of the Hallmark Channel, for the award winning two-part, four-hour mini-series Prairie Giant: The Tommy Douglas Story.
The Hallmark Channel, which broadcasts across 153 countries to more than 60 million viewers, will air the compelling mini-series across many of its 13 feeds including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America.
It brings to life the legacy of Tommy Douglas, voted the “greatest Canadian of all time” for his tireless efforts in eradicating poverty and injustice.
“We’re thrilled at the opportunity to share our award-winning product with the international market,” said Patricia Brandino, Managing Director of Minds Eye International. “Millions of households will marvel at the compelling drama and historical significance as many countries in the world grapple with the balance of private and public health care.
“Tommy Douglas’s message of equality will resonate with audiences around the world. This sale is a testament to the efforts of our brilliant creative team, the exceptionally talented cast and a dedicated crew.”
"I have always associated the Hallmark brand with quality. I am thrilled that Hallmark has chosen to release Prairie Giant across its global platforms. I know that many countries are grappling with the issue of public verses private health care and I am sure Prairie Giant can and will contribute to the global debate,” remarks Kevin DeWalt, President of Minds Eye International.
Also very exciting for me is the fact that so many viewers will see what a beautiful back drop Saskatchewan plays in the mini-series."
Originally broadcast by the Canadian Broadcasting Company on March 12 and 13, 2006, this two-part four-hour mini-series stars Michael Therriault as the feisty politician who is responsible for the advent of socialized medicine in Canada.
Written by Bruce M. Smith, Prairie Giant: The Tommy Douglas Story was produced by Kevin DeWalt (The Englishman’s Boy, Just Cause) of Minds Eye Entertainment and directed by John N. Smith (The Boys of St. Vincent, Dangerous Minds).
For more information visit www.mindseyepictures.com.
About Tommy Douglas
For more than 50 years, his unwavering commitment to social justice, his brilliant political acumen and pugnacious charm earned Tommy Douglas both the love and respect of millions. Tommy Douglas first introduced many of the rights Canadians now take for granted – government insurance, an 8-hour workday, public support of the arts and, most notably, universal health care, in Canada. Prairie Giant follows the story of Tommy Douglas from 1930 to 1961.
Please note: digital photography of Kevin DeWalt (President, Minds Eye International), Patricia Brandino (Managing Director, Minds Eye International) and representatives of Hallmark Channel International at MIPTV in Cannes, France on April 15, 2007 is available for media online at www.mindseyepictures.com/media.
© 2007 Minds Eye International Ltd.