Relaunched "Film4" debuts 23rd July

http://media.guardian.co.uk/mediaguardian/story/0,,1811037,00.html

FilmFour will be rebranded as "Film4" in line with C4's other digital channels when it relaunches as a FTA channel on Sunday 23rd July.


The relaunched, advertising supported, channel will air six movies a day, with it's main movie airing at 9pm (as opposed the 6/8/10 strategy the channel has used since launch).

There will also be horror movies on Saturday nights, international and arthouse movies during the night along with regular strands and themes across the week.


Film4 will also launch an on-demand service later in the year.


In the interview with MediaGuardian, C4 chief Kevin Lygo also says we can expect at least one more new channel from the station if the launch of Film4 is successful.

That's a bit daft. It means that any 18 rated movie won't start until 11pm.

oh no. i don't like that at all

You should see the new logo...

http://images.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/library/160x120_filmfour_logo2006.jpg




Bozz

Bloody hell, surely not.

... was the reaction of many when they first saw the More4 logo in bright green, I'd reserve judgement until I see it on screen myself.

God, are you serious! Looks awful - but hey, it might work on screen!

Reminds me of the days at primary school messing around with a BBC Micro.

A bit more from Digital Spy:
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds34557.html


FilmFour and FilmFour Weekly will close on July 19th, with Film4 debuting the following Sunday.

I'd imagine C4 will cut the BB Live feed from Freeview around the same time (I've not used it much this time, but it's nice knowing it's there if you want it!)


Also, I wonder if More4 will continue with their afternoon movies as they will be very similar to what Film4 is screening around the same time.

If it's only broadcasting from 3pm onwards, what are they going to show in the downtime? Just trailers, like More4 and Quizcall do? That seems a horrendous waste. Why not turn E4Music into a channel in its own right (or 4Music, to fit in with the rest of the portfolio), running from 3am to 3pm in Film4's downtime. That would free up E4 for...more friends repeats, but allow E4Music to continue during Big Brother. Or perhaps this is an option they are considering, when they say at least one more channel might be launched after this one? Surely even leasing out the downtime to other companies would be more commercially viable to Channel 4 than showing trailers, which no one will be watching?

Daft idea: how about Film4Music? You know, sountracks and whatnot.

As a Freeviewer, I think - what with several people asking for Classic FM TV, VH1, etc. to be on Freeview - More4 or Film4 should seriously consider showing a "grown up" music schedule during down time. After all, there's no direct competition and it helps bring in viewers!

Bozz