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Sports Illustrated captured a full Mount Everest climb in VR
Thanks to virtual reality, viewers have the opportunity to visit places they would like never have the chance to see in real life. Sports Illustrated and Endemol are teaming up for another one of those VR experiences and it's set to debut next year. The duo will document what Time, Inc. (SI's parent company) is calling "first-ever bottom to top climb of Mount Everest in virtual reality."
'Mirror's Edge' TV show in the works from 'Big Brother' studio
Mirror's Edge, the cult-classic video game franchise from EA, is set to become a television series from the makers of Big Brother, The Biggest Loser and Hell on Wheels. Endemol Shine Studios acquired the TV rights to Mirror's Edge and is working with EA to transform it into a female-centric action series (much like the game itself). Deadline originally reported the deal and EA confirmed its existence to Engadget. "We are excited to be working with Endemol Shine Studios to explore a potential Mirror's Edge project for television," an EA spokesperson said.
YouTube's reportedly working on adding 'premium' channels in France
The idea of YouTube having premium content on its site isn't anything we're not familiar with, and according to French site Le Figaro, the Google-owned video giant's about to bring a similar styled service to the home of the Eiffel Tower. Rumor has it The Tube's quite close to striking a deal with content creators in France, one that'd allow it to offer prime channels from production companies such as Endemol and actors like Jean Dujardin. Furthermore, Le Figaro goes on to say programming partners involved in the deal would see between €500,000 and €1,000,000 (about $1.2 million) for pumping out more than 20 hours of original content in a 12-month period. The "premium" channels are said to be coming as early as October of this year, however we'd hold off on expecting to catch Oscar-winner Dujardin on the small, internet-based screens until something becomes official.
Wipeout: In the Zone trailer will brutalize your Avatar
We're not sure we understand the appeal of Activision's upcoming, Kinect-equipped TV adaptation, Wipeout: In the Zone. The trailer after the jump should explain our hesitation -- see, self-inflicted trauma is hilarious, but not when inflicted on lifeless, unfeeling Avatars.
Wipeout Kinect game coming this summer
No, not that WipEout -- Wipeout ... the ABC game show (and yes, we have to remind you every time). Activision is expanding its licensing deal with the television network and Endemol, the show's producer, to release Wipeout In the Zone for Kinect this summer, following the obstacle course sim's debut on Wii and DS last year. Featuring the "the infamous 'Big Balls,'" Wipeout In the Zone will include more than 30 obstacles that will have Kinect users "running, ducking, dodging and wiping out" within 6 square meters ... or however much space is between their couches and TV sets. "Everyone who watches the show wishes they could try the obstacle course -- and now this is their chance!" hypes Activision's David Oxford. "The show is all about absurd movement and well-timed balance, so it's a perfect fit for a Kinect game." Huh, and here we thought the perfect fit would be sensible movements and a well-thought-out balance between functionality and novelty. Update: First screenshots look a lot like Doritos Crash Course ... %Gallery-119177% [Photo credit: ABC/Patrick Wymore]
Hulu getting ready for international viewers, starts by blocking them
Fresh off adding Disney as a content partner and part owner, Hulu is about to make an even bigger leap, signing up a few agreements for international programming from sources like Endemol and Digital Rights Group of the UK and Bollywood distributor Saavn. Financial Times learned that while these deals should first bring additional programming for U.S. viewers, it is "laying the groundwork" for a global launch in the top six to eight markets. Unfortunately for global viewers, word on the internets is that anonymous proxies like those so conveniently suggested in our Ask EHD for Canadian streaming options are now blocked, so until those deals are signed and the switch is flipped in your neck of the woods, no Hulu for you.
1 vs. 100 game show coming to Xbox Live Primetime
The recently rumored game show channel for Xbox Live was officially announced at this morning's Microsoft press conference in the form of "Xbox Live Primetime." TV producer Endemol has teamed up with Microsoft to produce the new massively-multiplayer game show channel, which will include a version of the semi-popular NBC show 1 vs. 100, complete with real prizes (no word on whether host Bob Saget is involved). Primetime is part of Microsoft's new "Live Party" community channel, which includes the long-rumored Avatars. No word on what, if any, other game shows will be coming to Primetime, but we're hoping for a version of Ninja Warrior that involves rampant button mashing.
Big Brother producer launches reality show for UK mobiles
With consumers seemingly on the fence regarding mobile TV, it will be interesting to see how a new British reality show fares at selling two-minute daily episodes for 50 pence a pop. "Get Close To...," as the show is known, was developed by Big Brother creator Peter Bazalgette, and will feature content shot by members of the pop group Sugababes while they tour with singer Robbie Williams. In an attempt to make viewers feel more involved with the program (and come back the next day to pay for another installment), the Sugababes will solicit videotaped dance routines that fans can send in for possbile incorporation into the group's stage act, and some of the obligatory reality show "challenges" that the band has to complete will be chosen by the audience. The show, whose first episode airs this Friday, is being viewed as an experiment by co-owners Universal Music, UK carrier O2, and Big Brother-producer Endemol, who seem to be testing the waters for more pay-as-you-go serial programming.[Via MocoNews]
