Gravitas Ventures and DISH Network Reach Agreement to Offer On Demand Entertainment Content

Gravitas Ventures and DISH Network Reach Agreement to Offer On Demand Entertainment Content

- Closing Its 25th Distribution Agreement, Gravitas Adds Satellite Provider To Its Roster Of Operators -

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Gravitas Ventures, a distributor and marketer of content across Video On Demand (VOD) platforms, today announced an agreement with DISH Network(R), the nation's third largest pay-TV provider. Gravitas already has agreements with AT&T, Charter, and Verizon FiOS. Understanding operators want to offer loyal subscribers quality video services, Gravitas provides cable, satellite, and telco operators access to quality feature films, documentaries, music, alternative sport, and event specials from more than 50 independent producers, providing a steady pipeline of compelling programming.

With more than 2,500 hours of content, Gravitas offers solutions for multichannel broadcast companies looking for a variety of On Demand entertainment content for their subscriber base. As consumers continue to turn to alternative viewing platforms like VOD, Gravitas offers two, 10-hour packages each month: Gravitas Movies and Gravitas Events. Gravitas programming boasts critically acclaimed theatricals and world premieres made available to customers before or "day-and-date" with DVD releases. This programming mix maximizes exposure and revenue for both independent filmmakers and pay-TV providers.

"Adding DISH Network to our roster of 25 and growing operators provides clear validation that the industry is turning to Gravitas to source independent films as well as sports and music specials," said Nolan Gallagher, founder and CEO, Gravitas Ventures. "Gravitas offers an easy-to-understand transactional revenue opportunity for our operator and programming partners."

"DISH Network is pleased to work with Gravitas to offer its subscribers more On Demand content and services," said Andy Karofsky, vice president of programming for DISH Network. "Our agreement extends our ability to offer more diverse VOD services and will help meet the growing excitement for quality home entertainment."

Gravitas content reaches up to 70 million homes in North America and millions more worldwide. The company offers a single point of contact to handle the logistics of film delivery as well as insightful guide optimization within each VOD storefront in order to increase buy rates for operators and programmers alike.

About DISH Network Corporation

DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ:DISH) , the nation's third largest pay-TV provider and the leader in digital television, provides approximately 13.79 million satellite TV customers as of June 30, 2008 with industry-leading customer satisfaction which has surpassed major cable TV providers for eight consecutive years. DISH Network also provides customers with award-winning HD and DVR technology including the ViP722(TM) HD DVR, which received the Editors' Choice awards from both CNET and PC Magazine. In addition, subscribers enjoy access to hundreds of video and audio channels, the most International channels in the U.S., industry-leading Interactive TV applications, Latino programming, and the best sports and movies in HD. DISH Network offers a variety of package and price options including the lowest all-digital price in America, the DishDVR Advantage Package, high-speed Internet service, and a free upgrade to the best HD DVR in the industry. DISH Network is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 300 company. Visit http://www.dishnetwork.com/aboutus or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474) for more information.

About Gravitas Ventures

Gravitas specializes in the aggregation of entertainment content for worldwide distribution via established and evolving platforms in the Video On Demand (VOD), broadband, mobile and airline/hospitality viewing windows. The company offers thousands of hours of quality entertainment content including feature films, documentaries, animation, alternative sports, wrestling/mixed martial arts, comedy, poker and music concert programming. The Gravitas Ventures mission is to deliver your ideas to the digital market; bridging the gap between independent producers and cable, satellite, and telco operators.

    Contact for Gravitas Ventures:    Amanda Bartz / Sallie Olmsted    (310) 854-8151 / (310) 854-8124    abartz@rogersandcowan.com / solmsted@rogersandcowan.com     Contact for DISH Network:    Parker McConachie    (720) 514-5351    press@echostar.com  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Gravitas Ventures

CONTACT: Amanda Bartz, +1-310-854-8151, abartz@rogersandcowan.com, or
Sallie Olmsted, +1-310-854-8124, solmsted@rogersandcowan.com, both for
Gravitas Ventures; or Parker McConachie, +1-720-514-5351, press@echostar.com,
for DISH Network

Web site: http://www.gravitasventures.com/
http://www.dishnetwork.com/aboutus

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Profile: International Entertainment