DVD Premiere Award-winning director Bradley Raymond (“The Lion King 1 1/2″) is returning to the world of fairies he brought to life in the DVD movie series “Tinker Bell” and “Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue” for a new Disney Channel special this fall.

L-R: Tiffany Thornton, Tinker Bell, Brenda Song, Jason Dolley of Disney Channel at D23 Expo Saturday to promote their voicing of characters for network's upcoming "Pixie Hollow Games" special.

“Pixie Hollow Games” is a new animated special that will feature a voice cast of Disney Channel stars including Brenda Song (“The Suite Life on Deck”), Jason Dolley (“Good Luck Charlie”), Tiffany Thornton (“So Random!”) and Zendaya (“Shake It Up”) as the new fairies and sparrow man who join Tinker Bell and her fairy friends to participate in the legendary Pixie Hollow Games. Megan Hilty (NBC’s upcoming musical series “Smash”) also stars as Rosetta.

As with the Tinker Bell movie series, Pixar’s John Lasseter will executive produce the DisneyToon Studios production for The Disney Channel that will feature all of the fairies and sparrow men in Pixie Hollow as they gather for the legendary three-day Olympic-style competition event, which culminates with one fairy guild being named champion of the Games.
Determined not to let the garden fairies’ unfortunate history of not performing well at the Games get to her, newcomer Chloe (voiced by Brenda Song) works to convince all of the other garden fairies, which includes her teammate Rosetta (voiced by Megan Hilty) and the pragmatic Fern (voiced by Zendaya), that they must work together and dig down deep to break their well-known losing streak. Along the way, the reigning champion storm fairies, including Rumble (voiced by Jason Dolley) and Glimmer (voiced by Tiffany Thornton), continue to intimidate and outperform their competitors, but with Chloe’s spirited determination, they are forced to work harder than ever before.

Raymond and some of the voice cast met with fans at Disney’s D23 Expo Saturday (Aug. 20) to discuss the production.

– By Scott Hettrick

The man responsible for launching the first 3D network in the U.S. and for creating the world’s first 1080p HD production facility, ESPN‘s Executive VP, Technology Chuck Pagano, has been given the additional new title of Chief Technology Officer.

ESPN Executive VP, Chief Technology Officer Chuck Pagano

George Bodenheimer, President ESPN and ABC Sports, made the announcement today (Aug. 1) after Pagano led his team to develop an impressive list of industry-leading technical innovations.
Hired as a technical director in 1979, Pagano was the 25th employee to join the network when it launched 32 years ago.
“To ensure that we are capitalizing on all opportunities across the technology spectrum, I have asked Chuck to take on an expanded strategic role that will leverage his unique combination of experience, expertise and intellectual curiosity,” said Bodenheimer.

In his new role, Pagano will lead all of ESPN’s core technical functions and operations including distribution, transmission, engineering, IT, software development, technology innovation and strategic technology forecasting across all areas of the company. He will also take on an even more visible and impactful role in major technology initiatives across ESPN and the broader Disney enterprise.
“I am excited to keep exploring new ways to help advance the company through the use of new and different technological applications,” said Pagano. “Having been here prior to the first telecast in 1979, I have seen this company grow and change, but the one constant has always been to embrace new technology to better serve our fans.”

Under Pagano’s leadership, the technology team has been recognized as the cutting-edge development group in the television industry today, including being honored by Fast Company in 2010 and 2011 in its list of Top Innovative Companies.

His group is credited with developing the first 3D network in the United States, ESPN 3D, which launched last year.
In addition, Pagano has expanded ESPN’s push to the West coast when the company opened its new Los Angeles Production Center—the world’s first 1080p HD facility — in April 2009. His emerging technology team was also recognized that year with a Sports Emmy for its Virtual Playbook application, an augmented reality which is achieved by integrating EA SPORTS’ customized video games into ESPN’s studio environment.  Pagano was the key driver in the creation of ESPN’s Bristol-based Digital Center, one of the most technically sophisticated television production facilities in the world which helped the push the production of the network’s early high definition services, ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD.

Previously, Pagano was named to the created post of executive vice president, technology in 2005 after having served as the senior vice president, technology, engineering and operations (1999 – 2005), where he led his department and oversaw engineering, operations, facilities and new technology. Prior to that he was the senior vice president of engineering and technology from 1995 to 1999 where his duties included spearheading ESPN’s technology-related strategic planning.  Other positions he has held during his tenure at ESPN include: vice president, engineering project development (1994-95); director, operations and engineering project development (1992-94) and manager, engineering project development (1989-92).  He served as a systems engineer from 1983-89.  He joined ESPN in August 1979 as a technical director. Prior to joining ESPN, Pagano worked for WFSB-TV in Hartford, Connecticut as a technician (1977-79).

Pagano was honored as one of four “technology wonks” in The Sporting News’ 2003 “Power 100″ rankings.  Also in 2003, he was awarded SportsTV Production Magazine’s All-Star Award as recognition for his leadership and excellence in sports television production and technology.  In 2004, Pagano was awarded the “Technology Leadership” award from Broadcasting and Cable Magazine as recognition for his many contributions to sports television production and high definition television (HDTV) technology rollout, implementation, and planning. In late 2004, Pagano was also bestowed with the honor of being named as one of the honorees in the 2004 CableFAX 100, profiling top cable industry influences.
Pagano once again received an honor from The Sporting News’ “Power 100” list in 2006, coming in at 90.

A native of Waterbury, Conn., Pagano received a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering in 1984 and a Master of Science degree in organizational psychology in 2007, both from the University of Hartford.  He currently serves on the Board of Regents at the University of Hartford as well as on the Board of Advisers for the College of Engineering and the Tunxis Community College Foundation Board in Farmington, Conn.

– By Scott Hettrick

HBO programming chief Michael Lombardo finally officially confirmed that the high-profile new series “Luck,” recently filmed at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Ca. will debut in January.
Though new specific date was announced at the TV critics media event in Beverly Hills on Thursday where Lombardo only indicated it would run on Sunday nights, Santa Anita officials have indicated recently that the program starring Dustin Hoffman as a criminal horse race gambler recently released from prison would likely premiere on Jan. 8.

The series was created by Emmy Award-winning David Milch (“Deadwood,” NYPD Blue”) and the pilot was directed by filmmaker Michael Mann (“Miami Vice,” “Heat”).

– By Scott Hettrick

Satellite TV service provider DISH Network is buying bankrupt video retailer Blockbuster for $320 million.

DISH announced this morning (Wednesday, April 6) that the company has been selected as the winning bidder in the bankruptcy court auction for substantially all of the assets of Blockbuster, Inc.

After certain adjustments are made at closing of the transaction, including adjustments for available cash and inventory, DISH Network expects to pay approximately $228 million in cash to acquire Blockbuster at the closing which is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2011.

“With its more than 1,700 store locations, a highly recognizable brand and multiple methods of delivery, Blockbuster will complement our existing video offerings while presenting cross-marketing and service extension opportunities for DISH Network,” said Tom Cullen, executive vice president of Sales, Marketing and Programming for DISH Network. “While Blockbuster’s business faces significant challenges, we look forward to working with its employees to re-establish Blockbuster’s brand as a leader in video entertainment.”

Completion of the transaction is contingent upon satisfaction of certain conditions, including bankruptcy court approval.

– By Scott Hettrick

A steel frame was completed today on the world’s largest HiDef video board by Panasonic being built to debut at the Charlotte Motor Speedway’s 2011 May race events, the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race May 21 and the Coca-Cola 600 on May 29.

(L to R) Marcus Smith, President & GM of Charlotte Motor Speedway, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro, and Richard Ballard, VP Sales, Panasonic Enterprise Solutions Company celebrate completion of steel frame of world’s largest HiDef video screen being created by Panasonic at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The approximately 200-foot-wide, 80-foot-tall screen will eventually rise 110 feet above the track on the steel support structure. The screen will be centered along the backstretch between Turns 2 and 3, across from the start/finish line. Fans seated throughout the frontstretch from Turn 4 to Turn 1 will have clear viewing angles of instant replays, leaderboard updates and interactive entertainment displayed in 720P high-definition visuals.

The next construction phase will start the first week of April and will include the installation of the 158 panels that make up the 16,000 square foot screen. Thirteen sub-electric panels will also be installed, each of which will power a “panel riser,” or a column of panels. Once construction is completed, more than nine million LED lamps will illuminate the Panasonic video board.

“We opened the new stadium in Dallas two years ago that had the largest TV in the world up until today, so I wanted to see it,” said former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro defensive end Ed “Too Tall” Jones. “The one in Dallas was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen in my life, but this one just kind of tops it all.”
Jones placed an American flag on the final girder, which was hoisted more than 110 feet in the air and secured atop the 500,000-pound steel frame that will hold the 165,000-pound HD video board. The girder, measuring 40 feet wide with a 10 foot depth of bracing steel, was signed by dignitaries taking part in the ceremony, including Jones; Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway; and Richard Ballard, vice president of sales, Panasonic Enterprise Solutions Company, as well as construction workers who have been part of the project.

The HD video board construction is being completed by crews from Granite Contracting and Parker Crane Service of Concord, N.C.; Mid-Atlantic Construction of Charlotte, N.C.; and Eastern Sign Tech of Burlington, N.J.

“We will be getting (the video board) certified by the Guinness Book of World Records,” said Ballard. “Panasonic is very pleased to be a part of this as we bring the fan experience closer and the fans closer to the races. And by doing that we hope to increase that fan experience, making it better not only at the races but all throughout the rest of the year here at Charlotte Motor Speedway.”

– By Scott Hettrick

Just two months after its debut, DISH Network has become the first service to offer the new OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in HiDef.

The satellite service, which launched OWN in standard def at its debut on January 1, announced today that a HiDef version will be introduced tomorrow (Thursday) on Ch. 189 to DISH Network customers who subscribe to the America’s Top 200 programming package or above.
DISH Net announced last year that it would provide its customers free HiDef for life, meaning no additional charges for HiDef channels.

“…DISH Network is proud to be the first to offer OWN – one of the most anticipated channels launched this year – nationwide in crystal clear high definition,” said Dave Shull, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network.

“We are thrilled that DISH Network is making OWN available in HD,” said Allan Singer, EVP, distribution & strategy, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. “Many viewers have contacted us eager to watch OWN in HD, and now with the help of DISH Network, we are able to fulfill their request and continue serving our audience.”

A couple of the network’s original series, including “Oprah’s All-Stars,” featuring Dr. Phil and Suze Orman, and “Your OWN Show,” featuring contestants vying to have their own original series produced for the network, have already ended their brief launch runs. “Our America with Lisa Ling” recently launched to join ongoing series such as “Oprah Presents Master Class,” a profile of celebrities such as Diane Sawyer and Simon Cowell hosted by Winfrey, and “Season 25: Oprah Behind The Scenes,” as well as “The Gayle King Show.” Later this year the network will introduce four original two-hour documentaries with Julia Roberts, Forest Whitaker, Gabriel Byrne and Mariel Hemingway.
OWN also schedules movies such as “Precious” and the original documentary “Becoming Chaz” with Chaz Bono.

– By Scott Hettrick