AETN heads to Cannes with 3D programme

AETN International, the global sales arm of the US cable channels operator, is launching its first ever 3D show The Universe at MIPCOM as it brings over 500 hours of programming to Cannes.

The distributor is selling the premiere of season five of The Universe, titled 7 Wonders of the Solar System, as its first 3D programme. The show airs on History in the US as well as DirecTV’s nascent 3D channel n3D.

AETN president and chief executive Abbe Raven told TBIvision: “The jury is out on how widespread it will be, but it’s our hallmark to respond and be ready so we are working on some 3D programming.”

The company is also distributing its first feature documentary The Tillman Story, the story of the death of the former pro football player turned army ranger, which was produced by Passion Pictures, Axis Films, Diamond Docs and Embassy Row for A&E IndieFilms, as well as IRT Deadliest Roads, Pilgrim-produced competition series Top Shot and Stage 3 Productions’ Mel Gibson: The Rise and Fall of A Hollywood Icon.

This comes as the distributor heads to MIPCOM with Gene Simmons, who is celebrating the 100th episode of Gene Simmons Family Jewels. The Kiss star will participate in a keynote panel alongside A&E Network and Bio Channel president and general manager Bob DeBitetto. The panel, which will be held in the Grand Auditorium on Tuesday October 5 at 9:30 am, will be hosted by TBI deputy editor Peter White.