Upfronts 2015: Ovation Paints Arts-Based Content Picture

Emphasizing its dedication to the arts, Ovation rolled out a slate of new docu-series and specials that it hopes will appeal to its target upscale viewers.

The network, which posted year to year ratings gains in 2014, will look to build on its viewership numbers with the launch of several new series across several genres including art, music and fine dining, according to Scott Woodward, executive vice president of programming and production for the network.

“We want to produce compelling artistic content for the network and program the very best in music and dance, fashion film and storytelling,” Woodward said. “We will continue our commitment to produce original content with our returning series as well as new content coming up.”

Among the new series slated to debut on the 54 million subscriber network in 2015 include the Aug. 2 debut of On the Record with Mick Rock, which follows the legendary photographer as he interviews such musical artists as Josh Groban, Kings of Leon and Flaming Lips; the June 14 premiere of SouthernUncovered with the Lee Bros., which follow culinary experts Matt and Ted Lee as they explore and uncover unique cuisine and culture; June 7 debut of The Da Vinci List, which chronicles game-changing figures in within an artistic genre; and the October launch of Art Breakers, which focuses on Powerhouse art dealers Miller Gaffney and Carol Lee Brosseau as they work through the high-stakes and higher price-tag world of art collecting.

On the specials front, the network on May 17 will air a documentary special that takes a behind the scenes look at Isabella Rossellini’s one woman show Green Porn Live!,  while in November the network will air a Young Marvels special that will check in on eight exceptionally gifted children profiled in the freshman series of the same name.

Series in development for 2016 include Street Art Revival, The Gavel, Art Therapy and One Man’s Trash, said network officials.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.