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With plenty of macho fights, practical stunts and shoot-outs, Strike Back was an uncomplicated action TV show par excellence...
Action series Strike Back is destined to never be included in the pantheon of great TV shows. While The Sopranos or Breaking Bad are held in such high regard for their superlative writing, acting and drama, Strike Back will instead be remembered for the kick-ass action, gratuitous nudity and excellent chemistry between the lead actors.
For fans of the show, that’s a good enough legacy.
So what is it about Strike Back – which can best be described as the lovechild of 24 and a Cannon Group action movie – that works so well? In this case it might just the very thing that keeps it off the 'Greatest TV Shows Ever' lists; its simplicity. For the most part the show is a meat-and-potatoes action thriller, containing all the elements...
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With plenty of macho fights, practical stunts and shoot-outs, Strike Back was an uncomplicated action TV show par excellence...
Action series Strike Back is destined to never be included in the pantheon of great TV shows. While The Sopranos or Breaking Bad are held in such high regard for their superlative writing, acting and drama, Strike Back will instead be remembered for the kick-ass action, gratuitous nudity and excellent chemistry between the lead actors.
For fans of the show, that’s a good enough legacy.
So what is it about Strike Back – which can best be described as the lovechild of 24 and a Cannon Group action movie – that works so well? In this case it might just the very thing that keeps it off the 'Greatest TV Shows Ever' lists; its simplicity. For the most part the show is a meat-and-potatoes action thriller, containing all the elements...
- 1/26/2016
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
1. Ray Donovan - David Moynihan, Editor
Airs on Sky Atlantic, Wednesdays at 9pm
We're now into the third run of the Liev Schreiber-fronted drama, and the season hasn't dipped one iota since the shocking, deadly twists of its predecessors.
Donovan is a wolfish 'problem fixer' for big-money Hollywood, but beneath the brutish exterior - all guns and grunts - it's his constant struggles with his own family's failings that form the tender heart of the show. Viewers are voyeurs in the ugly reality that lies behind the glitzy mask of La, where money is the driving force for corrupt officials, hollow celebrities and violent gangsters.
Schreiber's muscular and intoxicating performance - along with magnificent scene stealing by Jon Voigt as the larger-than-life rogue grandfather Micky - powers the gripping storylines.
Add an irresistible layer of humour (a teenage son being caught humping his own bed being one laugh-out-loud moment...
Airs on Sky Atlantic, Wednesdays at 9pm
We're now into the third run of the Liev Schreiber-fronted drama, and the season hasn't dipped one iota since the shocking, deadly twists of its predecessors.
Donovan is a wolfish 'problem fixer' for big-money Hollywood, but beneath the brutish exterior - all guns and grunts - it's his constant struggles with his own family's failings that form the tender heart of the show. Viewers are voyeurs in the ugly reality that lies behind the glitzy mask of La, where money is the driving force for corrupt officials, hollow celebrities and violent gangsters.
Schreiber's muscular and intoxicating performance - along with magnificent scene stealing by Jon Voigt as the larger-than-life rogue grandfather Micky - powers the gripping storylines.
Add an irresistible layer of humour (a teenage son being caught humping his own bed being one laugh-out-loud moment...
- 8/7/2015
- Digital Spy
Cinemax brought "Strike Back: Origins" to a close Friday (Nov. 29). This is actually the first season of "Strike Back" from the U.K. -- it aired there in 2010 and never aired in the U.S. The U.S. viewers had to jump in with Season 2, subtitled "Project Dawn."
This season has been airing under the name "Origins," acting as a kind of prequel for the U.S. viewers -- and featuring Andrew Lincoln as Hugh Collinson while he simultaneously appears on AMC's "The Walking Dead."
In the season finale, John Porter (Richard Armitage) and Gerald Baxter (Ewen Bremner) escape from the compound and return to Afghanistan. Baxter is killed by a Taliban soldier, Collinson (Lincoln) is confronted by Leyla about how it was his bullet who shot Steve Andrews (who is now dead), in addition to Mike Reilly and Keith Finn. Leyla uses it to force Collinson to save Porter...
This season has been airing under the name "Origins," acting as a kind of prequel for the U.S. viewers -- and featuring Andrew Lincoln as Hugh Collinson while he simultaneously appears on AMC's "The Walking Dead."
In the season finale, John Porter (Richard Armitage) and Gerald Baxter (Ewen Bremner) escape from the compound and return to Afghanistan. Baxter is killed by a Taliban soldier, Collinson (Lincoln) is confronted by Leyla about how it was his bullet who shot Steve Andrews (who is now dead), in addition to Mike Reilly and Keith Finn. Leyla uses it to force Collinson to save Porter...
- 11/30/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Before he fought zombies on "The Walking Dead," Andrew Lincoln waged a different battle on weekly television.
Cinemax's run of the action series "Strike Back" began with what was the show's second season in its native England. Now the cable network is backing up to present the initial episodes -- featuring Lincoln, before he became opponent-of-the-undead Rick Grimes on the current AMC hit, as the Iraq War veteran chief of the covert British spy bureau known as Section 20 - under the title "Strike Back: Origins," beginning Friday, Oct. 25.
"I was trying to rack my brains to remember the show and even my character's name," the pleasant Lincoln admits to Zap2it of discussing his "Strike Back" experience anew. "I had just done a play by Jez Butterworth, a very good writer who's a friend of mine, with Toby Jones. This was my next job after that, and it was...
Cinemax's run of the action series "Strike Back" began with what was the show's second season in its native England. Now the cable network is backing up to present the initial episodes -- featuring Lincoln, before he became opponent-of-the-undead Rick Grimes on the current AMC hit, as the Iraq War veteran chief of the covert British spy bureau known as Section 20 - under the title "Strike Back: Origins," beginning Friday, Oct. 25.
"I was trying to rack my brains to remember the show and even my character's name," the pleasant Lincoln admits to Zap2it of discussing his "Strike Back" experience anew. "I had just done a play by Jez Butterworth, a very good writer who's a friend of mine, with Toby Jones. This was my next job after that, and it was...
- 10/25/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
On TV this Friday: The Carrie Diaries returns with Samantha in tow, Grimm comes back with a zombie horde, Dracula takes its first bite, Strike Back‘s origins story premieres in the U.S. and more. Here are 10 programs to keep on your radar.
8 pm The Carrie Diaries (CW) | Season 2 premiere: The Sex and the City gang’s half here! After a night on the town with Donna Ladonna is ruined when Sebastian shows up, Carries meets the iconic man-eater herself, Samantha Jones (Lindsay Gort, Vegas). How will Samantha’s voracious… appetite be handled on this teen-friendly show? (Read our full preview.
8 pm The Carrie Diaries (CW) | Season 2 premiere: The Sex and the City gang’s half here! After a night on the town with Donna Ladonna is ruined when Sebastian shows up, Carries meets the iconic man-eater herself, Samantha Jones (Lindsay Gort, Vegas). How will Samantha’s voracious… appetite be handled on this teen-friendly show? (Read our full preview.
- 10/25/2013
- by Misha Solomon
- TVLine.com
Linda Keith lent a young blues player a guitar belonging to her boyfriend, Keith Richards – and the rest is history. In a rare interview, she tells her story
Rock'n'roll has had many pivotal moments, but few are as clear cut as when Linda Keith, a 20-year-old British Vogue model and blues fanatic, lent a virtually unknown Jimi Hendrix a white Fender Stratocaster, the instrument that would become forever entwined with the guitarist's legendary and unsurpassed technique.
One person rightfully aggrieved by this gesture was the guitar's owner and Linda's boyfriend of three years, Keith Richards. Richards, then on the Rolling Stones' 1966 tour of the Us, wasn't going to get his guitar or his striking, dark-haired girlfriend back – she had made it her mission to launch Hendrix's career. But he and Brian Jones did write the song Ruby Tuesday about her – "Goodbye Ruby Tuesday/ Who could hang a name on you?...
Rock'n'roll has had many pivotal moments, but few are as clear cut as when Linda Keith, a 20-year-old British Vogue model and blues fanatic, lent a virtually unknown Jimi Hendrix a white Fender Stratocaster, the instrument that would become forever entwined with the guitarist's legendary and unsurpassed technique.
One person rightfully aggrieved by this gesture was the guitar's owner and Linda's boyfriend of three years, Keith Richards. Richards, then on the Rolling Stones' 1966 tour of the Us, wasn't going to get his guitar or his striking, dark-haired girlfriend back – she had made it her mission to launch Hendrix's career. But he and Brian Jones did write the song Ruby Tuesday about her – "Goodbye Ruby Tuesday/ Who could hang a name on you?...
- 9/14/2013
- by Edward Helmore
- The Guardian - Film News
Andrew Lincoln will be pulling double duty on TV this fall, when The Walking Dead returns on AMC and Cinemax airs his circa-2010 UK series Strike Back.
Bowing Oct. 25 at 10/9c, the six-episode series — which Cinemax adapted under the same name in 2011 — centers on John Porter (The Hobbit‘s Richard Armitage), a soldier who, after discovering a connection between a current hostage situation and his 2003 Iraq mission, asks Hugh Collinson (Lincoln) to join the rescue mission.
Related | 2013 Cable TV Renewal Scorecard — Renewed or Cancelled TV Shows?
The Sky1 series will air Stateside under the name Strike Back: Origins, while...
Bowing Oct. 25 at 10/9c, the six-episode series — which Cinemax adapted under the same name in 2011 — centers on John Porter (The Hobbit‘s Richard Armitage), a soldier who, after discovering a connection between a current hostage situation and his 2003 Iraq mission, asks Hugh Collinson (Lincoln) to join the rescue mission.
Related | 2013 Cable TV Renewal Scorecard — Renewed or Cancelled TV Shows?
The Sky1 series will air Stateside under the name Strike Back: Origins, while...
- 9/6/2013
- by Megan Masters
- TVLine.com
When Cinemax picked up the Strike Back TV series from the BBC in 2011, they decided to start with season two. Now, they've decided to air the first season and will treat it like a prequel of sorts, calling it Strike Back: Origins.
The six episode season will premiere on Friday, October 25th, at 10pm. Origins will take over that timeslot once the current season of Strike Back has finished airing its 10 episodes.
Cinemax is describing the Origins season this way:
Strike Back: Origins tells the story of John Porter (Armitage), an Sas soldier who realizes a connection between a current hostage situation and a mission he ran in Iraq in 2003. He appeals to Hugh Collinson (Lincoln), a fellow team member from that mission who now runs the stealth counterterrorism unit Section 20 for the UK government,...
The six episode season will premiere on Friday, October 25th, at 10pm. Origins will take over that timeslot once the current season of Strike Back has finished airing its 10 episodes.
Cinemax is describing the Origins season this way:
Strike Back: Origins tells the story of John Porter (Armitage), an Sas soldier who realizes a connection between a current hostage situation and a mission he ran in Iraq in 2003. He appeals to Hugh Collinson (Lincoln), a fellow team member from that mission who now runs the stealth counterterrorism unit Section 20 for the UK government,...
- 9/6/2013
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Fans of "Strike Back" will get to see the British series that gave birth to the Cinemax show starting in late October.
The six-episode series will be called "Strike Back: Origins" for its stateside airing and will make its U.S. debut on Friday, Oct. 25, a week after Season 3 of "Strike Back" concludes. It initially aired on Sky in the U.K. in 2010.
"Origins" stars Richard Armitage ("The Hobbit," "Robin Hood") as John Porter, a former British special forces soldier who sees ties between a current hostage situation and a mission he and his team carried out in Iraq in 2003. He asks his former colleague Hugh Collinson ("The Walking Dead" star Andrew Lincoln), who has moved up the military ladder, for a spot on the rescue team.
Armitage appeared in the first episode of "Strike Back" on Cinemax, serving as a bridge between the inaugural series and the current show.
The six-episode series will be called "Strike Back: Origins" for its stateside airing and will make its U.S. debut on Friday, Oct. 25, a week after Season 3 of "Strike Back" concludes. It initially aired on Sky in the U.K. in 2010.
"Origins" stars Richard Armitage ("The Hobbit," "Robin Hood") as John Porter, a former British special forces soldier who sees ties between a current hostage situation and a mission he and his team carried out in Iraq in 2003. He asks his former colleague Hugh Collinson ("The Walking Dead" star Andrew Lincoln), who has moved up the military ladder, for a spot on the rescue team.
Armitage appeared in the first episode of "Strike Back" on Cinemax, serving as a bridge between the inaugural series and the current show.
- 9/5/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
The British series that spawned the Cinemax action drama Strike Back is getting a U.S. run on the HBO sibling network. Branded Strike Back: Origins, the six-episode series starring Richard Armitage (The Hobbit) and Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead) will debut on Cinemax on October 25, taking over Strike Back‘s Friday 10 Pm slot. The Cinemax version, a co-production with British satcaster Sky and UK-based Left Bank Pictures, was inspired by the Armitage- and Lincoln-starring Sky/Left Bank series, which in turn was based on Chris Ryan’s book of the same name. The follow-up series introduced a brand new character with Armitage appearing in the first episode for continuity. Strike Back: Origins tells the story of John Porter (Armitage), an Sas soldier who realizes a connection between a current hostage situation and a mission he ran in Iraq in 2003. He appeals to Hugh Collinson (Lincoln), a fellow...
- 9/5/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Cinemax is to air the original Strike Back in the Us.
The action drama started life as a Sky-produced UK series, starring Richard Armitage as Section 20 operative John Porter.
From the second season onwards, the series was co-produced by Sky and Cinemax, with this follow-up run being the first to air in the Us.
Armitage's original lead John Porter was also killed off early into season two and replaced by new protagonists Michael Stonebridge (Philip Winchester) and Damian Scott (Sullivan Stapleton).
Cinemax will now air the original Armitage episodes in the Us for the first time, under the title Strike Back: Origins, reports HitFix.
The Walking Dead star Andrew Lincoln also starred in the initial run, which will air on Fridays at 10/9c later this year.
The fourth season of Strike Back - the third to air in the Us - is currently airing on Cinemax and will come...
The action drama started life as a Sky-produced UK series, starring Richard Armitage as Section 20 operative John Porter.
From the second season onwards, the series was co-produced by Sky and Cinemax, with this follow-up run being the first to air in the Us.
Armitage's original lead John Porter was also killed off early into season two and replaced by new protagonists Michael Stonebridge (Philip Winchester) and Damian Scott (Sullivan Stapleton).
Cinemax will now air the original Armitage episodes in the Us for the first time, under the title Strike Back: Origins, reports HitFix.
The Walking Dead star Andrew Lincoln also starred in the initial run, which will air on Fridays at 10/9c later this year.
The fourth season of Strike Back - the third to air in the Us - is currently airing on Cinemax and will come...
- 9/5/2013
- Digital Spy
Every time I write about Cinemax's "Strike Back" returning for another season, I always have to include a footnote explaining that the show aired for a year in the UK with an entirely different cast, headed by Richard Armitage and future "The Walking Dead" star Andrew Lincoln. Armitage's John Porter appears briefly at the start of the Cinemax/Sky co-produced version of the show, but Cinemax has largely treated its episodes as the start of the series, while British audiences know the series predates Philip Winchester, Sullivan Stapleton and company. That situation is about to change, as I'm hearing that Cinemax will...
- 9/4/2013
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Hitfix
Strike Back has been renewed for another season. The action-drama will return in 2013 for its fourth overall run, which is the third season to be co-produced by Cinemax and Sky. No cast information for the new episodes is currently available, with a press release stating that "due to plot spoilers in upcoming episodes of [the current season], the cast of [the next season] will be announced at a later date". The first series of Strike Back - which aired in the UK in 2010 - was produced by Left Bank Pictures for Sky1 and starred Richard Armitage as Section 20 operative John Porter. Since the second (more)...
- 10/3/2012
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
The bosses of Bwm have bought the agency back from Enero, which rebadged from Photon earlier this year.
The move comes a few weeks after the agency management categorically denied having plans to do so.
Bwm – founded by Rob Belgiovane, Paul Williams and Jamie Mackay – lost its biggest client Telstra about a year ago.
When Enero boss Matthew Melhuish presented his new strategy earlier this year, Bwm was barely mentioned, which triggered speculation that the founders might try to buy Enero’s 51% stake back. The stake has cost the trio $7.5m – almost exactly what they were reportedly paid in 2006. Details of any outstanding buyout payments to the trio were not given.
In a joint statement the three partners said:
“With 15 years of successful partnership and working with some of Australia’s biggest brands, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to back ourselves, our team and our brand one hundred percent.
The move comes a few weeks after the agency management categorically denied having plans to do so.
Bwm – founded by Rob Belgiovane, Paul Williams and Jamie Mackay – lost its biggest client Telstra about a year ago.
When Enero boss Matthew Melhuish presented his new strategy earlier this year, Bwm was barely mentioned, which triggered speculation that the founders might try to buy Enero’s 51% stake back. The stake has cost the trio $7.5m – almost exactly what they were reportedly paid in 2006. Details of any outstanding buyout payments to the trio were not given.
In a joint statement the three partners said:
“With 15 years of successful partnership and working with some of Australia’s biggest brands, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to back ourselves, our team and our brand one hundred percent.
- 8/10/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
Outgoing Austar CEO John Porter
Photon, which is to change its name to Enero Group, is undervalued, the Australian communications group’s new chairman John Porter has said.
Porter, also the outgoing CEO of Austar, which is going through a $2.5bn merger with Foxtel, told Mumbrella that he “is not worried” by Photon’s share price – currently 5c – and is focused on what the owner of agencies Bmf, Bwm and Frank PR will be worth in the medium term.
“We’re approaching it [Photon] like private equity. What are the fundamental things we need to do to create value for this business in a three-five year time frame. We’re not so worried about what the stock price is this week, next month or in six months from now,” he said.
In an interview with Mumbrella managing editor Robin Hicks, Porter looked back at his time at Austar, the subscription TV...
Photon, which is to change its name to Enero Group, is undervalued, the Australian communications group’s new chairman John Porter has said.
Porter, also the outgoing CEO of Austar, which is going through a $2.5bn merger with Foxtel, told Mumbrella that he “is not worried” by Photon’s share price – currently 5c – and is focused on what the owner of agencies Bmf, Bwm and Frank PR will be worth in the medium term.
“We’re approaching it [Photon] like private equity. What are the fundamental things we need to do to create value for this business in a three-five year time frame. We’re not so worried about what the stock price is this week, next month or in six months from now,” he said.
In an interview with Mumbrella managing editor Robin Hicks, Porter looked back at his time at Austar, the subscription TV...
- 5/3/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
Photon Group is set to to change its name to Enero Group, the company has informed the Asx.
Photon Group – which narrowly survived becoming overwhelmed by debt – owns several Australian agencies including Bmf, Bwm and Naked Communications.
Enero is the Spanish word for January. The company says the change marks “a fresh start for the reinvigorated company”.
The company has also announced what it describes as a “new strategic direction to create a more digitally centred global marketing services group”. It will be based on five main business units – Bmf, Naked, PR agency Hotwire, Frank PR and research company The Leading Edge.
The company revealed that its profits have gone backwards in the first nine months of its financial year. Operating profits dropped from $43.5m to $16.7m. However this wa sin part driven by the company being much smaller after selling several agencies. But operating profits of the continuing businesses...
Photon Group – which narrowly survived becoming overwhelmed by debt – owns several Australian agencies including Bmf, Bwm and Naked Communications.
Enero is the Spanish word for January. The company says the change marks “a fresh start for the reinvigorated company”.
The company has also announced what it describes as a “new strategic direction to create a more digitally centred global marketing services group”. It will be based on five main business units – Bmf, Naked, PR agency Hotwire, Frank PR and research company The Leading Edge.
The company revealed that its profits have gone backwards in the first nine months of its financial year. Operating profits dropped from $43.5m to $16.7m. However this wa sin part driven by the company being much smaller after selling several agencies. But operating profits of the continuing businesses...
- 4/30/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
One of the worst things about catching on to a cable series late is that it is over way too quickly. Most cable series have seasons that last for less than 13 episodes. By the time you hear about it, you are forced to wait a full year for the Blu-ray or DVD release to catch up. Cinemax’s new series Strike Back – starring Philip Winchester, Sullivan Stapleton and Amanda Mealing – recently concluded a strong freshman season. While some viewers (those that read the early reviews) got a chance to get on the bandwagon from the onset, some didn’t catch wind until the season had already begun. Thankfully, starting this Friday, Oct 28, viewers will get to watch an encore presentation of Strike Back’s 10-episode season. Season one will run in sequence every Friday at 10Pm Et/Pt. Premiere Episode Synopsis: After agent John Porter (Richard Armitage) is kidnapped by Pakistani terrorist Latif,...
- 10/27/2011
- by Bags H.
- BuzzFocus.com
While subscriber numbers have increased, Austar.s chief executive John Porter says the consumer environment remains tough. .As we indicated in our half-year results, the consumer market is tough . this is still the case,. Porter said today in a statement, which was released with the company.s unaudited results for the three months to September 30. The regional provider increased its number of total subscribers in the quarter by 1328 (up to 765,578),.but.customer churn increased 10 basis points to reach 1.41 per cent. Revenue remained flat at $180 million, while average revenue per unit levels were maintained over the quarter, growing by 1 per cent to $86.96. The provider said.currently 40 per cent of residential subscribers used...
- 10/27/2011
- by Sam Dallas
- IF.com.au
Strike Back Project Dawn blasts its way back onto our screens on Sunday, where we find John Porter in need of help from his military pals. Plus The Borgias tighten their grip on the papacy, while The X Factor returns with the search for the next temporary big thing. Strike Back: Project Dawn Sky1/HD: Sunday 21 August, 9pm There aren't enough explosions, gun battles, and helicopters on TV, so we're awfully glad Strike Back has returned to up their numbers.
- 8/19/2011
- Sky TV
The first series of Strike Back - starring Richard Armitage as tough Section 20 agent John Porter - aired on Sky1 throughout May last year and reaction to the action-drama was so strong that a second run was quickly commissioned. Teaming up with Cinemax, Sky1 has produced new ten-part series Strike Back: Project Dawn. In the new episodes, Porter finds himself held hostage by a sinister terrorist (more)...
- 8/17/2011
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
HBO/Cinemax has paired up with the UK broadcaster Sky to produce its first original Cinemax series: Strike Back. The show, which premieres tonight on Cinemax and HBO Canada at 10:00 p.m., is a fast, furious and enjoyable new series that blends politics and action, with a bit of "buddy comedy" thrown in for good measure.
Season 1 of Strike Back will have 10 episodes in total and will air on Friday nights. Thanks to HBO, I've seen the first two episodes of the series and I can't wait to watch the rest of the season. This show is full of great actors and an intriguing story arc, and it's not too shabby with the fight scenes. Here are five things to watch for - and enjoy - in this new show.
(Update: Strike Back actually aired its first season in the UK, but has paired with Cinemax for season 2 and...
Season 1 of Strike Back will have 10 episodes in total and will air on Friday nights. Thanks to HBO, I've seen the first two episodes of the series and I can't wait to watch the rest of the season. This show is full of great actors and an intriguing story arc, and it's not too shabby with the fight scenes. Here are five things to watch for - and enjoy - in this new show.
(Update: Strike Back actually aired its first season in the UK, but has paired with Cinemax for season 2 and...
- 8/12/2011
- by Clarissa
- TVovermind.com
Looking for action on a Friday night? Why go out, when Cinemax has you covered? Strike Back, the newest Cinemax original series from the network that brought you Femme Fatales and soon to rev The Transporter onto small screens is ready to blow you away with its new international high-octane action series.
Starring Sullivan Stapleton (Animal Kingdom) Philip Winchester (Crusoe, Camelot), Amanda Mealing (Holby City), Eva Birthistle (Silent Witness), Jimi Mistry (Blood Diamond), Rhashan Stone (Episodes) and Richard Armitage (The Hobbit), Strike Back follows the fast-paced adventures of British military black ops unit Section 20 as they hunt down high-risk, top-priority targets.
When one of their own is captured, the organization enlists the aid of charming former U.S. Delta Force operative Damien Scott (Stapleton), whose brash style conflicts with partner Sgt. Michael Stonebridge (Winchester) and the organization at large.
Friday, August 12th sees the release of series premiere "Episode One,...
Starring Sullivan Stapleton (Animal Kingdom) Philip Winchester (Crusoe, Camelot), Amanda Mealing (Holby City), Eva Birthistle (Silent Witness), Jimi Mistry (Blood Diamond), Rhashan Stone (Episodes) and Richard Armitage (The Hobbit), Strike Back follows the fast-paced adventures of British military black ops unit Section 20 as they hunt down high-risk, top-priority targets.
When one of their own is captured, the organization enlists the aid of charming former U.S. Delta Force operative Damien Scott (Stapleton), whose brash style conflicts with partner Sgt. Michael Stonebridge (Winchester) and the organization at large.
Friday, August 12th sees the release of series premiere "Episode One,...
- 8/12/2011
- UGO TV
On Friday, August 12, Cinemax will premiere its first original series, Strike Back. Cut from the same cloth as 24, Strike Back is a fast-paced political and action series that pits members of an elite British counter-terrorism/military agency against a Pakistani terrorist named Latif and his network of spies and sympathizers.
After having watched the first two episodes, we can report that we love the action and political intrigue of the show, as well as the main cast. In the premiere episode, Stonebridge recruits Scott after the death of a Section 20 agent named John Porter. The team is unable to save Porter from the elusive terrorist Latif. Section 20 approaches Scott for help as he is among a select group of people who have actually seen - and can identify - the mysterious Latif. In the course of their investigation, the group uncovers a potential attack on the Lotus Hotel in New Delhi,...
After having watched the first two episodes, we can report that we love the action and political intrigue of the show, as well as the main cast. In the premiere episode, Stonebridge recruits Scott after the death of a Section 20 agent named John Porter. The team is unable to save Porter from the elusive terrorist Latif. Section 20 approaches Scott for help as he is among a select group of people who have actually seen - and can identify - the mysterious Latif. In the course of their investigation, the group uncovers a potential attack on the Lotus Hotel in New Delhi,...
- 8/11/2011
- by Clarissa
- TVovermind.com
Austar United Communications chief executive John Porter says the current consumer environment is one of the most negative he has ever seen, setting the scene for a difficult second half.
The boss of the regional pay TV provider says subscriber growth has been weak in the current quarter, while existing customers are seeking cheaper subscription packages.
"We will be lucky to keep our nose above water at this point," Porter said during an investor briefing on the company's half-year results on Friday.
"Hopefully things will start to sort themselves out, but right now it is hard to see where the stimulus is going to come from.
"It seems that no matter what we throw at the customer to try to get them to act, they... More >>...
The boss of the regional pay TV provider says subscriber growth has been weak in the current quarter, while existing customers are seeking cheaper subscription packages.
"We will be lucky to keep our nose above water at this point," Porter said during an investor briefing on the company's half-year results on Friday.
"Hopefully things will start to sort themselves out, but right now it is hard to see where the stimulus is going to come from.
"It seems that no matter what we throw at the customer to try to get them to act, they... More >>...
- 7/31/2011
- by AAP
- TV.com
While posting a big.increase in first-half net profit, pay TV provider Austar remains confident that the proposed $2.5 billion merger with Foxtel will go ahead. Outlining the company.s financial report for six months ending June 30, 2011, Austar chief executive John Porter.indicated the transaction was expected to be completed either late this year or early 2012. This is subject to meeting a number of conditions including: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Accc) and Foreign Investment Review Board (Firb) approval, Austar shareholder and court approvals, and the ruling that the merger is in the .best interests of Austar and minority shareholders.. The Accc recently raised concerns about the proposal, saying the merger between the subscription...
- 7/29/2011
- by Sam Dallas
- IF.com.au
Austar United Communications reported a four-fold increase in first half net profit and expressed confidence a proposed merger with Foxtel would proceed.
The regional pay TV provider said net profit for the six months to June 30, 2011, rose 328.5 per cent to $88.66 million.
Revenue was flat at $351.75 million, Austar said in a statement on Friday.
Austar chief executive John Porter said there was a "compelling industrial logic to bringing Austar and Foxtel together", the transaction had the support of Austar's independent directors and would deliver a number of consumer benefits.
However, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Accc) has raised some initial concerns about the proposed tie-up in an... More >>...
The regional pay TV provider said net profit for the six months to June 30, 2011, rose 328.5 per cent to $88.66 million.
Revenue was flat at $351.75 million, Austar said in a statement on Friday.
Austar chief executive John Porter said there was a "compelling industrial logic to bringing Austar and Foxtel together", the transaction had the support of Austar's independent directors and would deliver a number of consumer benefits.
However, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Accc) has raised some initial concerns about the proposed tie-up in an... More >>...
- 7/28/2011
- by AAP
- TV.com
Foxtel will acquire Austar by a series of transactions including a scheme of arrangemen, for the purchase of approximately $2.5 billion, it has been announced.
The merger brings together two of Australia’s largest subscription television providers and create a business with over 2500 employees with an anticipated revenue of more than $2.8 billion and an investment of $500 million per annum in original Australian content.
Shareholders will receive$1.52 in cash per share.
The cash payment of $1.52 per share represents:
a 54% premium to the closing price of A$0.985 on 17 February 2011, being the last trading day prior to Austar’s share price being affected by media speculation about a proposed transaction (Reference Date); a 56% premium to the 1 month volume weighted average share price to the Reference Date; and approximately 10x Operating Cash Flows for the last 12 months.
Mr Mike Fries, Chairman of Austar and Chief Executive Officer of Lgi said: “Austar is a world class...
The merger brings together two of Australia’s largest subscription television providers and create a business with over 2500 employees with an anticipated revenue of more than $2.8 billion and an investment of $500 million per annum in original Australian content.
Shareholders will receive$1.52 in cash per share.
The cash payment of $1.52 per share represents:
a 54% premium to the closing price of A$0.985 on 17 February 2011, being the last trading day prior to Austar’s share price being affected by media speculation about a proposed transaction (Reference Date); a 56% premium to the 1 month volume weighted average share price to the Reference Date; and approximately 10x Operating Cash Flows for the last 12 months.
Mr Mike Fries, Chairman of Austar and Chief Executive Officer of Lgi said: “Austar is a world class...
- 7/12/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Australian subscription television (Stv) has experienced considerable growth in terms of penetration and impact on the content production industry. Aravind Balasubramaniam spoke with pay TV executives about the future of their sector in the face of increased competition.
With an increased economic pressure on families and a wider range in free entertainment and information options available to most Australians, the subscription television sector faces an enormous challenge: anticipating future trends and offering new services that people perceive as being worth their hard earned money, and make them feel in control of their experience.
“The average subscriber is now looking for greater flexibility and control over their television viewing experience, which is why Stv providers must prioritise services that include full functionality on demand, or downloadable content and web-enabled services,” said the CEO of Act provider TransACT, Ivan Slavich.
Patrick Delaney, director of product development and sales at Foxtel, adds that...
With an increased economic pressure on families and a wider range in free entertainment and information options available to most Australians, the subscription television sector faces an enormous challenge: anticipating future trends and offering new services that people perceive as being worth their hard earned money, and make them feel in control of their experience.
“The average subscriber is now looking for greater flexibility and control over their television viewing experience, which is why Stv providers must prioritise services that include full functionality on demand, or downloadable content and web-enabled services,” said the CEO of Act provider TransACT, Ivan Slavich.
Patrick Delaney, director of product development and sales at Foxtel, adds that...
- 3/27/2011
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Sky1's action drama Strike Back has landed a second 10-part series. The Left Bank Pictures production, based on the novels of ex-sas soldier Chris Ryan, will begin filming in late February on location in South Africa. Richard Armitage returns in the lead role as John Porter and will be joined by new cast members Philip Winchester and Sullivan Stapleton. The second run will include original storylines following Ryan as he teams up with Section 20 to stop an international terrorist group. The programme is the first ever co-production (more)...
- 2/10/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
HBO's sibling pay-cable channel Cinemax is venturing into original programming with its first scripted primetime drama, Strike Back, a 10-hour action series it will co-produce with British satcaster Sky and U.K.-based Left Bank Pictures (The Special Relationship). The project, written by The X-Files alum Frank Spotnitz and British TV writer Richard Zadjlic (EastEnders), is inspired by the Sky series Strike Back, which in turn was based on Chris Ryan's book of the same name. That series, produced by Left Bank Pictures, premiered last summer and starred Richard Armitage as John Porter, former British Special Forces soldier drafted back into service by MI6. The Cinemax/Sky version will have new settings/storylines and will introduce new characters, led by Damien Scott (Animal Kingdom's Sullivan Stapleton), a charismatic former U.S. Special Forces operative who teams up with a British military unit led by Section 20 officer Michael Stone...
- 2/9/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
The Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association has announced that its 2011 conference will be titled Content Matters.
The first keynote speaker announced for the March 29 event is Anne Sweeney, co-chair at Disney Media Networks and president of the Disney/ABC Television Group.
“Changes in consumer behaviour are driving our businesses in ways we couldn’t have imagined a few years ago. I look forward to the conference and discussing the demand for great content and its power to shape our business,” said Sweeney in a statement.
According to the organisers, the conference will cover a range of topics focusing on the strategy behind and demand for programming that is driving the industry today.
Other confirmed speakers are Austar and Foxtel CEOs John Porter and Kim Williams, who will provide their view of the competitive environment and what their respective organisations are tackling in the quest for growth and innovation.
Registration details are available at www.
The first keynote speaker announced for the March 29 event is Anne Sweeney, co-chair at Disney Media Networks and president of the Disney/ABC Television Group.
“Changes in consumer behaviour are driving our businesses in ways we couldn’t have imagined a few years ago. I look forward to the conference and discussing the demand for great content and its power to shape our business,” said Sweeney in a statement.
According to the organisers, the conference will cover a range of topics focusing on the strategy behind and demand for programming that is driving the industry today.
Other confirmed speakers are Austar and Foxtel CEOs John Porter and Kim Williams, who will provide their view of the competitive environment and what their respective organisations are tackling in the quest for growth and innovation.
Registration details are available at www.
- 11/3/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Sky1 has renewed Strike Back for a second series, the channel confirmed today. Richard Armitage will reprise his role for ten more episodes of the action drama from Left Bank Pictures, which premiered earlier this year to a decent audience. Strike Back, which was adapted from the novel by Chris Ryan, stars Armitage as John Porter, a former special forces soldier now working for British intelligence. Andy Harries, Left Bank founder and chief executive, said: "Sky (more)...
- 8/2/2010
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Take a look at the first episode of Sky1's high octane actioner Strike Back. Still haunted by the memory of a disastrous Special Forces mission which he led in 2003, John Porter is given an opportunity to redeem himself by returning to Iraq to rescue a kidnapped TV reporter. Missed your favourite show, forgot to record it and can't wait for the repeat?...
- 5/10/2010
- Sky TV
High-octane action explodes onto your screens as Chris Ryan’s Strike Back finally arrives on Sky1 HD. Based on the multi-million selling book from ex-sas man Ryan, this is UK Drama as you’ve never seen it before. Spooks actor Richard Armitage stars as John Porter, a top Sas soldier who is discharged from the army after a hostage rescue operation on the eve of the first invasion of Iraq goes horribly wrong.
- 4/30/2010
- Sky TV
Richard Armitage has linked his role in an upcoming drama to his character in Spooks. The actor, who stars as MI5 agent Lucas North in the drama, will appear as Sas soldier John Porter in Sky1's new six-part-series Strike Back. Speaking of his new character, he told TV Times: "He's sort of like Lucas, only on some kind of go-faster drug." (more)...
- 4/27/2010
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Richard Armitage has revealed that his Spooks character Lucas North will be "less physical" in the future. Armitage, who will star as John Porter in Sky's upcoming series Strike Back, explained that he enjoyed returning to Spooks. "It was actually quite thrilling and what's really interesting about Lucas this year is he's much less physical than he has been in the past," (more)...
- 4/20/2010
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
The latest edition of Toronto’s mighty Images Festival will unspool on April 1-10. The full lineup of films screening at this event is listed below and, even though that looks quite extensive as it is, it’s only a small portion of everything that’s going on during the entire event.
In addition to film screenings, Images has partnered with 15 galleries and museums across the greater Toronto area to display 32 media art installations by both Canadian and international artists. Plus, there will be eight live performances that blur the edges of cinema, sound, music and installations. And, on top of all that, there will be several panel discussions with artists and other media folk, parties, award ceremonies, tours and more. This is more art and film than should be allowed in any one city, yet Images manages to squeeze it all in into just 10 days somehow.
The film lineup...
In addition to film screenings, Images has partnered with 15 galleries and museums across the greater Toronto area to display 32 media art installations by both Canadian and international artists. Plus, there will be eight live performances that blur the edges of cinema, sound, music and installations. And, on top of all that, there will be several panel discussions with artists and other media folk, parties, award ceremonies, tours and more. This is more art and film than should be allowed in any one city, yet Images manages to squeeze it all in into just 10 days somehow.
The film lineup...
- 3/30/2010
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
Richard Armitage has signed up to star in a Sky1 adaptation of one of ex-sas solider Chris Ryan's novels. The six-part series, titled Strike Back, also features Andrew Lincoln, Jodhi May, Orla Brady, Laura Greenwood and Nicola Stephenson. The drama follows the lives of two former soldiers, Major Hugh Collinson (Lincoln) and discharged veteran John Porter (Armitage), as they're about to meet for the first time in seven years in a Middle East hostage crisis. "As with all Sky1 dramas, not only will (more)...
- 8/24/2009
- by By Dan French
- Digital Spy
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