First-TV Launches the First Film Made Specifically for the InternetThe Interview debuts May 6PRNewswire The Interview, a film made specifically for the Internet, and the first to debut exclusively on the Web, launches today on First-TV. First-TV is the world's first 24-hour, Internet-only TV/video network. Independent filmmaker Eric D. Howell, of Minneapolis, wrote, produced, starred in and directed the project. The 23-minute action film, which features a Minnesota cast and crew, was filmed in the Twin Cities. "The Internet gives me a global audience that would have been impossible to reach otherwise," says Howell. Development is underway to use The Interview as a basis for a cable television series. A longer feature version is also under consideration. "Part of our mission at First-TV is to give independent filmmakers a global forum for their work," says Scott Bourne, executive director and founder of First-TV and executive producer of The Interview. "The hope is that they can use the site as a springboard to wider distribution." First-TV (http://www.first-tv.com/) was launched Sept. 18, 1996. Besides featuring original programming produced by First-TV staff, the site is a forum for emerging videographers and filmmakers, who can submit their work at no charge. First-TV offers visitors a TV/video experience by using VivoActive Player, a streaming video and audio product. An ActiveX controller automatically downloads the VivoActive player for visitors to the site who use Microsoft Explorer. Netscape users can download VivoActive free at the Vivo site (http://www.vivo.com/). Background: CMP Media Inc. provides publishing, marketing and information services to the entire high-technology spectrum -- the builders, sellers and users of technology -- through print and electronic media. All of CMP's publications and online products can be accessed through the company's TechWeb site on the World Wide Web (http://www.techweb.com/). Other products include the Life Online Radio show and web site, as well as the web sites NetGuide Live and First-TV. Print titles include NetGuide magazine and Windows magazine. Eric D. Howell has been involved in more than 20 feature projects plus countless commercials, industrials and music videos. In the past three years, Howell has worked as a stunt coordinator, special effects coordinator or special effects assistant on major motion pictures filmed in Minnesota, including Mighty Ducks, Mighty Ducks 2, D3 -- The Mighty Ducks, Untamed Heart, Iron Will, Mallrats, Overnight Delivery, and Fargo. Howell has also choreographed action for local and national feature films, commercials and videos. -0- 5/6/97 SOURCE: CMP Media Inc. CONTACT: Scott Bourne, 612-221-2629, sbourne@first-tv.com, Eric Howell, |