| MUMBAI:
Musicians Elivis Costello and Sir Elton John will collaborate on a new television
series. Spectacle:
Elvis Costello with… will be hosted by its namesake and produced in conjunction
with Sir Elton John’s Rocket Pictures. Elton John will be one of the programme's
executive producers. The
series will air beginning later this year, on CTV in Canada, Channel 4 in the
UK and Sundance Channel in the US. FremantleMedia Enterprises, will handle sales
of the show to the rest of the world.
Conceived
to provide a forum for discussion and performance with artists
and personalities, the show fuses the talk show genre and
music television.
Fremantle
adds that Spectacle: Elvis Costello with… promises to be an unpredictable
television experience. The series of 13 one-hour programmes will feature everything
from intimate one-on-ones with legendary performers and notable newcomers to thematic
panel discussions, with a variety of performance elements including unique collaborations,
acoustic and impromptu “illustrative” demonstrations of the creative
process, and some original interpretations of others’ songs by Costello.
The
programme's eclecticism and depth reflect its host. Costello
is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee; a Grammy and Ivor
Novello Award-winning (and Oscar-nominated) song writer and
performer comfortable in almost every genre.
Costello
says, "I am not interested in extracting some dark secret. I'd rather hear
about a bright secret, a deep love or a curiosity that might be otherwise obscured
by fame. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk in complete thoughts about music,
movies, art or even vaudeville, then frame it with unique and illustrative performances."
Sir Elton John
says, "Elvis Costello is the foremost expert on popular music. I thought
it would be sensational to use his knowledge and intelligence to explore the artistry
of musicians and other fascinating people involved in making great music, as well
as true music aficionados." Consistent
with Sir Elton John's long-standing commitment to philanthropy and music, the
series producers have struck an association with the Red campaign created to raise
awareness and money for the Global Fund (www.theglobalfund.org) to fight Aids
in Africa. Select program excerpts and performances will be distributed in a variety
of new media and conventional platforms, with a portion of the profits directed
to the Global Fund. Sundance
Channel president and CEO Larry Aidem says, "The concept of Elvis Costello
hosting a television show was completely irresistible to Sundance Channel. Our
viewers are enthusiastic fans of music and love stimulating and provocative talk,
so it’s a fabulous fit.” FremantleMedia
Enterprises CEO David Ellender said, “Music programming is an important part
of the FME portfolio and the opportunity to distribute Spectacle: Elvis Costello
with… is very exciting. Costello is a legendary performer whose experience
in the music and entertainment industry will not only attract a range of internationally
renowned iconic performers, but also offer them the unique opportunity to join
a ‘discussion between equals’. This is a formula which is sure to appeal
to audiences around the world.” | 
