The Official Network Thread

[oddbox83]

Originally Posted by Number 28

I agree on all your points.

A question I have are these titles going to generate sales or just going to be dead stock?

Maybe there will be some brand new releases or/and more sought after ex-Network titles to come?

The excitement may come if they also bought out the assets of Fremantle shows Network was working on but remained unreleased at their demise, like Sweeney in HD that was finally about to be announced.

It would be a laudable but relatively pointless endeavour if it was just to keep already released titles in print.

Fingers crossed, eh?

[Mark27b]

'Industry' Newsletter dd Monday, January 29, 2024

"Another industry stalwart, Pete Kalhan, who had been at the [Freemantle] company since its days as Pearson, has left Fremantle and is starting his own business, Old Gold Media (he is, after all, a Wolves fan). Fremantle, of course, had a vast film library and worked closely with imprints such as Network Distributing, which sadly fell into administration last year, and other Indies such as Fabulous Films. The other associated labels will now go through Spirit. Fremantle owns the vast Thames catalogue as well as assorted film libraries. More news on Pete Kalhan’s new operation will follow shortly."

[Mark27b]

Pete Kalhan on Tim Beddows in December 2022 before the demise of Network Distributing;

"Elsewhere, Fremantle’s Pete Kalhan had worked with Beddows for many yeawrs and remembered the launch of Network. He told The Raygun: “ To say I was shocked when I received a call from Jonathan Lack to tell me that Tim had passed away, would be an understatement. Only two weeks previously I had met up with Tim and he was in great form, looked well and was so excited about the remastered version of The Sweeney they were working on, you could see the joy on his face as he shared clips with us. It was also the first title that he had licensed from us all those years back. I have known Tim for almost 25 years. When we first met in the late 90s he shared his vision of creating a company that would distribute classic TV and British films. We immediately clicked. I loved that stuff. But it was his incredible knowledge that struck me most. I learnt a lot from Tim over the years that were to follow! He sent over a copy of Charley Says, one of his first video releases and a CD of the Robinson Crusoe soundtrack, two of the programmes we had reminisced about in our meeting. I still have both to this day. His work lives on! Tim’s knowledge was exceptional. It stemmed from his love of TV. As kids growing up in the 60/70s most of us would be recording the Top 20 off the radio on a Sunday night, with a small cassette player. Not Tim. He would be recording the audio of TV programmes with a small microphone, whilst holding it next to the TV. He would become President of the Prisoner Appreciation Society for a while – always heavily involved in his love of classic TV series! Tim worked tirelessly to realise his dream – Network. His knowledge, passion and desire to acquire as much classic content, enabled him to create the company as we know it today. In recent years he also bought other companies and invested in his own remastering studio to further underpin the business, ensuring that it had value. Always the visionary. Tim’s untimely passing has left a huge gap in my life, in the industry’s and at Network. He was one of a kind. I’m still coming to terms with the fact that I’ll never see him again. That beaming smile and hug was his trademark greeting. But Network, his legacy will be with us, so we won’t forget you Tim. May your soul Rest in Peace my very good friend, as you watch your colleagues and loved ones from above, continue the legacy you created at Network. Gone, but never forgotten!”"

[grahams76]

I'm actually feeling mildly positive that The Sweeney may yet see the light of day.

[Ben_C]

Originally Posted by grahams76

I'm actually feeling mildly positive that The Sweeney may yet see the light of day.

Never seen The Sweeney, probably apart from the occasional bits, but would definitely buy however many series there are.

Also still wouldn’t mind a Blu-ray of Jason King, a proper guilty pleasure that one.

[grahams76]

Originally Posted by Ben_C

Never seen The Sweeney, probably apart from the occasional bits, but would definitely buy however many series there are.

One pilot film (Regan) from 1974, four series from 1974-78 and two spin-off films, The Sweeney in 1977 and Sweeney 2 in 1978.

The two films came out on a blu-ray from Network a few years ago, while Regan and the first series had blu-ray releases over a decade ago and then the remaining series never materialised.

[Lord-Oakbeard]

Originally Posted by Ben_C

Also still wouldn’t mind a Blu-ray of Jason King, a proper guilty pleasure that one.

Yes defo Jason King and I’d love to see The Champions get a blu-ray release.

[DavidRoylance]

I was always surprised they didn't do Jason King as a follow up to Dept S. It would have had huge box set potential.

Also still wouldn’t mind a Blu-ray of Jason King, a proper guilty pleasure that one.[/QUOTE]

[Number 28]

Originally Posted by oddbox83

The excitement may come if they also bought out the assets of Fremantle shows Network was working on but remained unreleased at their demise, like Sweeney in HD that was finally about to be announced.

It would be a laudable but relatively pointless endeavour if it was just to keep already released titles in print.

Fingers crossed, eh?

Maybe the day will come, and not too far away, when we get the biggest surprise of our lives to see The Sweeney in HD.

Given that we now know the founder of Old Gold Media is someone who has 25 years of experience working at Fremantle then I would expect they know very well the market and what is selling. There will always be people who missed out on certain titles, like myself, but I would have thought that the majority of people who are interested in the type of titles Network released, especially titles that have been around for sometime would already have them.

Is there some change I don't know about, more people getting into physical media and desire to own George & Mildred, Love Thy Neighbour, Birds of a Feather etc.?

Yes, fingers crossed and I wish the very best for Old Gold Media.

[Guernica78]

Originally Posted by Mark27b

"Elsewhere, Fremantle’s Pete Kalhan had worked with Beddows for many yeawrs and remembered the launch of Network. He told The Raygun: “ To say I was shocked when I received a call from Jonathan Lack to tell me that Tim had passed away, would be an understatement. Only two weeks previously I had met up with Tim and he was in great form, looked well and was so excited about the remastered version of The Sweeney they were working on, you

Interesting- so it’s on his radar and he knows there’s not much expense to release it as the work has been done so potential for large profits for minimum costs. So. Do we think it will likely come out?

[Number 28]

Originally Posted by Guernica78

Interesting- so it’s on his radar and he knows there’s not much expense to release it as the work has been done so potential for large profits for minimum costs. So. Do we think it will likely come out?

When network closed down I thought that was it, we would never see The Sweeney on Blu-ray, especially since we are over a decade from the first series release, now I feel it is more likely than not we will see it.

As I believe things, correct me if I am wrong, would the arrangement between Network & Fremantle, the rights owner, that a copy of the HD restoration from Fremantle's original film elements is deposited with Fremantle. So as well as Network's HD restoration, which would of been part of Network's assets, there is a second copy.

I presume any final completion of restoration work would have to be done by a third party like Old Gold Media, Fabulous Films, Via Vision, Indicator. So let's say 95+% of the work is done then it looks like it's a goer.

[MasterCollector07]

Originally Posted by Number 28

When network closed down I thought that was it, we would never see The Sweeney on Blu-ray, especially since we are over a decade from the first series release, now I feel it is more likely than not we will see it.

As I believe things, correct me if I am wrong, would the arrangement between Network & Fremantle, the rights owner, that a copy of the HD restoration from Fremantle's original film elements is deposited with Fremantle. So as well as Network's HD restoration, which would of been part of Network's assets, there is a second copy.

I presume any final completion of restoration work would have to be done by a third party like Old Gold Media, Fabulous Films, Via Vision, Indicator. So let's say 95+% of the work is done then it looks like it's a goer.

I can't see Old Gold Media releasing The Sweeney on HD. The only viable option would be Indicator. But Indicator would be more interested in unsual material. That's not to say never. As much as I like The Sweeney, I'm more concerned about archival material that never sees the light of day. Who campaigns for such TV today.

[DawnShadow]

As if Indicator is a more viable option than a guy who clearly has knowledge and interest, and connections at Fremantle.

Just because a company is starting up doesn't mean it can't achieve things.

[MasterCollector07]

Originally Posted by DawnShadow

As if Indicator is a more viable option than a guy who clearly has knowledge and interest, and connections at Fremantle.

Just because a company is starting up doesn't mean it can't achieve things.

Indicator have considerable knowledge and know how, plus solid media connections. Let's hope Old Gold aren't stuck with just one media company like Fremantle. That could be a limiting factor.

[oddbox83]

Originally Posted by MasterCollector07

Indicator have considerable knowledge and know how, plus solid media connections.

You do know who owns Old Gold, right?

[MasterCollector07]

Originally Posted by oddbox83

You do know who owns Old Gold, right?

Yes.

[oddbox83]

Originally Posted by MasterCollector07

Let's hope Old Gold aren't stuck with just one media company like Fremantle. That could be a limiting factor.

Evidence already that this isn't the case. Fremantle stuff seems to be the main focus for now, but Callan the monochrome years contains Studiocanal owned episodes.

[MasterCollector07]

Originally Posted by oddbox83

Evidence already that this isn't the case. Fremantle stuff seems to be the main focus for now, but Callan the monochrome years contains Studiocanal owned episodes.

Yep. It's a rollover from the Network set which I already have. There's a possibility that Indicator might consider releasing Journey into the Unknown. Now. That's something really worth it's salt.

[Number 28]

Originally Posted by MasterCollector07

I can't see Old Gold Media releasing The Sweeney on HD. The only viable option would be Indicator. But Indicator would be more interested in unsual material. That's not to say never. As much as I like The Sweeney, I'm more concerned about archival material that never sees the light of day. Who campaigns for such TV today.

I really appreciate your opinion, thank you. We'll see what happens with The Sweeney and who releases it, if it ever comes about. Out of interest, what unusual material/archival material do you think should get released?

Something I would love to see released would be BBC Scotland's, 1982, 3 part series, Badger By Owl Light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWjfzE73eas

[harry o]

Who would (or even could release the aborted blu ray release of "the baron" movies) I was hoping imprint might get the opportunity ??.