Press Launch of Camelot

Last May 31 in Greenbelt, AXN Beyond gave a special media screening of the first episode of the new series based on Arthurian legend, Camelot starring Joseph Fiennes. Although its a series, it was done in a movie type of production. Camelot airs April 4, 2011 9:00 PM at AXN Beyond.

AXN Beyond Unveils Camelot - The Story That Was Never Told

Epic Drama Series Premieres Across Asia The Same Week As Its US Debut

L-R:Peter Mooney as Kay, Tamsin Egerton as Guinevere, Joseph Fiennes as Merlin, Eva Green as Morgan, Jamie Campbell Bower as Arthur

31 March 2011 – The myth of King Arthur has inspired many movies and drama series. If you believe you have seen it all, maybe it’s time to forget everything you think you know. This April 4 (Monday) at 9PM, AXN Beyond brings you Camelot, a dark and gripping take on the medieval legend that was never told.  

Camelot is the first drama series on AXN Beyond to have a simulcast across Asia in the same week as its U.S. broadcast.

Setting itself apart from other shows that have explored the Arthurian legend, Camelot traces the rise of young king Arthur as he struggles to unite a kingdom torn by war, deception and betrayal.

The kingdom of Camelot teeters on the edge of turmoil when King Uther Pendragon is suddenly murdered through supernatural means. Sorcerer Merlin (Joseph Fiennes, FlashForward, Shakespeare in Love) arrives too late to  save the dying king, but dark visions compel him to install Uther’s secret son – hidden at birth and brought up as a commoner – as heir to the throne. So begins the rise of the young and impetuous Arthur (Jamie Campbell Bower, Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, The Twilight Saga: New Moon) as the new king.

Allying with dark supernatural forces and the kingdom’s enemies, Morgan, Arthur’s beautiful but ruthlessly ambitious half sister (Eva Green, The Golden Compass, Casino Royale) -– responsible for Uther’s death – wages a bitter war against him to claim the crown.

In such trying times, Arthur finds the innocent yet strong Guinevere (Tamsin Egerton, St Trinian’s, Keeping Mum) a beacon in the darkness and inspiration for him to grow into the king he has to become. Guided by Merlin’s magical foresight and belief, and aided by his brave knights, Arthur sets forth to bring justice, hope and freedom to a kingdom corrupted by violence, greed and despair.

Camelot is being brought to life by a stellar cast. Rising star Jamie Campbell Bower plays the young Arthur, while critically acclaimed actress Eva Green portrays key antagonist Morgan. Morgan’s foil, the resourceful, macho man-of-action Merlin is played by theatre veteran Joseph Fiennes. Budding British actress-model Tamsin Egerton is Guinevere, who cannot help falling for Arthur even when betrothed to knight Leontes.

Arthur’s birth mother Igraine is played by English actress Claire Forlani (Meet Joe Black), while Canadian actor Peter Mooney (Falcon Beach) takes the part of Arthur’s adoptive elder brother and loyal knight, Kay.

Cast aside, Camelot was shot amid stunning scenery in County Wicklow, Ireland, including on location at the stately Luggala Castle and the magnificent Powerscourt Estate. Dubbed the "Garden of Ireland” at the eastern frontier of the country overlooking the Irish Sea, County Wicklow, with its breathtaking rolling hills, was also where hit period drama series The Tudors was shot.

Achieving the production quality and visual experience akin to that of movies today, Camelot is shot on a budget of almost US$50 million, with up to 400 cast and crew members involved. The 10-part series is an Irish/Canadian co-production by GK-tv, the television division of Graham King and Tim Headington’s GK Films, the production studio behind the 2010 movie, The Tourist. The series is created by British screenwriter Michael Hirst, who was behind such works as The Tudors and movie Elizabeth: The Golden Age, and penned by Chris Chibnall of Torchwood and Life on Mars fame.

Drawing inspiration from Thomas Malory’s literary classic ‘Le Morte d’ Arthur’, Chibnall revealed that viewers of Camelot will not miss out on signature events and characters, such as the ‘sword in the stone’, the ‘Lady of the Lake’, and the beginnings of the Round Table – but none will be like what have been done before.

With all the ingredients of a world-class production, Camelot promises an experience beyond your imagination as the epic, untold story is revealed this April, only on AXN Beyond.

Camelot premieres 4 April 2011 in the same week of its US debut

Airing Mondays 9pm (SG, MY, PH, HK) / 8pm (JKT)

First and exclusively on AXN Beyond

About AXN Beyond

From Asia’s leading English general entertainment cable offering AXN, comes AXN Beyond.

Launched in January 2008, AXN Beyond is the destination channel for high-octane, edgy entertainment for young adults and the young at heart. With a unique blend of drama, reality shows and movies that constantly question the boundaries of reality and stretch the limits of the imagination, AXN Beyond speaks to those who believe there is more to life than what they have been told. AXN Beyond’s programming features rebels with attitude, alternate realities, and the wonders of possible futures, making it the destination channel for entertainment beyond the ordinary, beyond reality, and beyond the imagination.

AXN Beyond is wholly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, and managed by SPE Networks – Asia, which also operates cable channels AXN, Animax, Sony Entertainment Television, and ONE. More information about AXN Beyond can be found at www.axnbeyondasia.com.

Make Your Date of the Supernatural Kind with Being Human on AXN Beyond

Brand New Drama Series Premieres Two Weeks After US Debut

Anyone who has had housemates, would know how easy it is to get on each others’ nerves without even trying. Yet, the companionship and listening ear of an understanding housemate can get you through the roughest of days. But what if your housemate isn’t even human to begin with?

Premiering February 2, 2011 and airing every Wednesday at 9pm first and exclusively on AXN Beyond, Being Human follows three 20-something housemates – vampire Aidan (Sam Witwer, Battlestar Galactica), ghost Sally (Meaghan Rath, 15/Love, The Assistants) and werewolf Josh (Sam Huntington, Superman Returns) – for whom leading normal lives is a lot harder than it looks. The paranormal trio shares not just a Boston brownstone, but also each others’ secrets, and together, navigate the complexities of living double lives.

Being Human’s premiere on AXN Beyond marks a breakthrough in the speed that new US drama series reach Asian shores. From an average 6 – 8 months gap for most American TV series, Being Human is coming to Asia after just two weeks of its premiere in the US. This represents a unique opportunity for viewers in the region to enjoy a fresh American drama without the long wait, first and exclusively on AXN Beyond.

Being Human is a re-imagining of the acclaimed UK drama series of the same title created by Toby Whithouse. The original Being Human won the ‘Best Television Drama Series’ honour at the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain Awards in November 2010.

By turns frightening, witty, and romantic, Being Human explores what it means to be human through the eyes of three outsiders.

Aidan was a Revolutionary War soldier who sacrificed himself to vampires to spare his men. Now, some 260 years later, he is still struggling to escape the clutches of his charismatic, yet menacing and powerful mentor, Bishop (Mark Pellegrino, Lost, Supernatural). Josh was a promising medical student forced to abandon his family and future after a werewolf attack left him cursed with uncontrollable, beastly transformations each month. And Sally, happily engaged before her tragic accidental death in her new home, must now figure out how to move on as a ghost.

As the trio learn that there are fates worse than death, they also realise that there is more to life – and the afterlife – than most "normal" humans could ever imagine.

In the US, Being Human debuted 17 January on primetime cable TV to almost 2 million viewers and has become the TV network’s most-watched, winter-launched scripted drama since 2005. The series also garnered positive reviews from the media, notably an accolade from the San Francisco Chronicle: “While the actors are attractive and the performances winning, what will make viewers come back to Being Human is the thematic base of wanting to fit in with a world that can't begin to understand you.”

Allow Aidan, Josh and Sally into your home every Wednesday night, and watch their fates play out in Being Human, only on AXN Beyond.

Super Tuesdays on the All NEW & Exciting AXN Beyond

Tonight, get set to be blown away by the latest drama and entertainment shows on an all new, all awesome AXN Beyond channel. More than ever, viewers from the Philippines will enjoy a fresh and unrivalled programming line-up Tuesday nights across a newly-expanded spectrum of genres, as AXN Beyond refreshes to redefine the entertainment experience like no other.

Turning into a ‘super-sized’ channel, AXN Beyond will serve up more monthly premieres from many more genres than before. Taking the definition of ‘entertainment’ to the limit, AXN Beyond will go beyond fun, feisty and fabulous with its variety of shows. These range from mystery and suspense, fantasy and science-fiction, paranormal and supernatural, fashion and design, to lifestyle and romance, across drama, variety, reality, sitcom, comedy, talk shows, movies and even music concerts.

Said Voo Chih Yeong, Head of AXN Beyond, “Viewers need to look no further than AXN Beyond for the latest shows across the variety of genres, as our channel will have something for just about everyone at a single destination. With a far more compelling entertainment experience, AXN Beyond now appeals to an even wider audience than before. Viewers who have come to enjoy the great programs on AXN will definitely love and appreciate the same world-class quality in the fresh content selection on the all new AXN Beyond.”

Indeed, AXN Beyond hails from the same team that brought Asia its top English general entertainment channel, AXN. As a fresh, hip and energetic TV destination, the new AXN Beyond draws audiences across a wide range of demographics seeking new and exciting entertainment choices, and has its sweet spot among male and female viewers aged 18 – 35.

Beyond fun on AXN Beyond’s Super Tuesdays

AXN Beyond viewers are set to enjoy a back-to-back series of the channel’s very latest shows on Super Tuesday evenings not-to-be-missed. The fun begins with reality talk show The Marriage Ref, as celebrities such as Madonna, Demi Moore and Gwyneth Paltrow pass judgement on real-life couples’ marriages.

That leads to light-hearted series like Drop Dead Diva Season 2 which continues the life of shallow model Deb (Brooke Elliott) whose soul ends up in the body of a brilliant, plus-size attorney. The night’s fun culminates in AXN Beyond’s headliner of the month – fresh new legal comedic drama The Defenders which stars Jim Belushi (According to Jim) and Jerry O’Connell (Sliders) as colourful Las Vegas defence attorneys.

With all that and more, viewers will surely adore the all-new, all awesome entertainment experience with the latest shows across the greatest variety of genres, unveiling this December on the fresh, hip and super-sized AXN Beyond. Check out some of these shows airing tonight:

The Marriage Ref

 

The Marriage Ref

Tuesdays, 8:10pm, first and exclusively on AXN Beyond

Jerry Seinfeld is back and in the producer's chair for a funny and revealing comedy panel series The Marriage Ref, about the unpredictable and hilarious institution commonly known as marriage. In The Marriage Ref, disputes between real-life couples are revealed, examined - and ultimately judged.

For the first time, audiences will be able to look at these fights, analyze them and declare a winner. At the centre of the action and making "the call", is popular comedian Tom Papa (The Informant!) who will have the final say in determining the victor of each spat.

Advising and influencing the Ref's decision will be a rotating panel of ‘experts’ comprising top celebrities, comedians and sports stars who will weigh in and offer their own wit, wisdom and unique opinions. Guest stars featuring through the series include Tina Fey, Eva Longoria Parker, Larry David, Ricky Gervais, Madonna, Martha Stewart, Sheryl Crow, Tracy Morgan, Gloria Estefan, Donald Trump and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Drop Dead Diva

Drop Dead Diva Season 2

Tuesdays 9pm on AXN Beyond

Returning for a second season, comedic drama Drop Dead Diva continues the story of a shallow wannabe model that dies in a sudden accident, only to find her soul resurfacing in the body of a brilliant, plus-size and recently deceased attorney, Jane.

At the close of last season, Deb was ready to let go of her past and embrace her new life as Jane. But the unexpected arrival of Jane’s “secret” husband, Ethan (Devon Gummersall), at her doorstep left her with more questions than ever. To make matters worse, Jane may be disbarred after breaching client-attorney confidentiality when, against the firm’s advisement, she reported her client for fraud. Faced with a new love triangle and the uncertainty of her career, Jane must, once again, chart out a new future for herself…

The 13-episode second season of Drop Dead Diva features breakout star Brooke Elliott (Wicked, Taboo”), Margaret Cho (Ghost Whisperer, Notorious C.H.O.), Jackson Hurst (The Tree of Life), Kate Levering (Cashmere Mafia), April Bowlby (Two and a Half Men), Josh Stamberg (Lie to Me) and Ben Feldman (The Perfect Man).The Season 2 opener of Drop Dead Diva will feature entertainer Paula Abdul (American Idol) reprising her role as Judge Paula Abdul, a figment of Jane’s subconscious. Devon Gummersall (“My So-Called Life”) and David Denman (“The Office”) return as guest stars this season.

The Defenders

The Defenders

Tuesdays 9.50pm first and exclusively on AXN Beyond

The Defenders is a comedic drama about two colourful Las Vegas defence attorneys who go all-in when it comes to representing their clients. Nick (Jim Belushi, According to Jim) and Pete (Jerry O’Çonnell, Sliders, Crossing Jordan) are the local go-to guys with an eclectic client list who are still looking to hit their own jackpot.

Leading the law firm of Morelli & Kaczmarek are Nick Morelli, an earnest, hard-charging attorney who represents his clients to the best of his ability, no matter how big or small the case; and his partner, Pete Kaczmarek, whose passion for the law is matched only by his love of fast cars, beautiful women and expensive clothes.

Joining them in their growing law practice is new associate Lisa Tyler (Jurnee Smollett, The Great Debaters), an enthusiastic young attorney looking to put her exotic dancing days behind her; and their young assistant, Sophie (Tanya Fischer, Life On Mars), a spunky and sweet ingénue who is eager to please her bosses.

Entertainment redefined on the all new AXN Beyond

Get set to be blown away by the latest drama and entertainment shows on an all new, all awesome AXN Beyond channel. More than ever, viewers from the Philippines will enjoy a fresh and unrivalled programming line-up across a newly-expanded spectrum of genres, as AXN Beyond refreshes to redefine the entertainment experience like no other.

Turning into a ‘super-sized’ channel, AXN Beyond will serve up more monthly premieres from many more genres than before. Taking the definition of ‘entertainment’ to the limit, AXN Beyond will go beyond fun, feisty and fabulous with its variety of shows. These range from mystery and suspense, fantasy and science-fiction, paranormal and supernatural, fashion and design, to lifestyle and romance, across drama, variety, reality, sitcom, comedy, talk shows, movies and even music concerts.

Said Voo Chih Yeong, Head of AXN Beyond, “Viewers need to look no further than AXN Beyond for the latest shows across the variety of genres, as our channel will have something for just about everyone at a single destination. With a far more compelling entertainment experience, AXN Beyond now appeals to an even wider audience than before. Viewers who have come to enjoy the great programs on AXN will definitely love and appreciate the same world-class quality in the fresh content selection on the all new AXN Beyond.”

Indeed, AXN Beyond hails from the same team that brought Asia its top English general entertainment channel, AXN. As a fresh, hip and energetic TV destination, the new AXN Beyond draws audiences across a wide range of demographics seeking new and exciting entertainment choices, and has its sweet spot among male and female viewers aged 18 – 35.

‘Superduperlicious Tuesdays’ on AXN Beyond!

Viewers are set for ‘Superduperlicious Tuesday’ evenings as AXN Beyond serves up a back-to-back series of the channel’s very latest shows, all premiering on Tuesday, December 7, 2010! The fun begins with reality talk show The Marriage Ref, as celebrities such as Madonna, Demi Moore and Gwyneth Paltrow pass judgement on real-life couples’ marriages.

That leads to light-hearted series like Drop Dead Diva Season 2 which continues the life of shallow model Deb (Brooke Elliott) whose soul ends up in the body of a brilliant, plus-size attorney. The night’s fun culminates in AXN Beyond’s headliner of the month – fresh new legal comedic drama The Defenders which stars Jim Belushi (According to Jim) and Jerry O’Connell (Sliders) as colourful Las Vegas defence attorneys.

Beyond Fun, Feisty & Fabulous

In the same month, AXN Beyond will bring on some of television’s most compelling stories in its latest drama offerings. Viewers will be captivated by the intrigue in Caprica, prequel to Battlestar Galactica and television’s first science-fiction family saga. Audiences will also get caught in the suspense of Persons Unknown, a mystery drama following seven trapped strangers whose every move is watched.

Reality entertainment on AXN Beyond is far from the usual stuck-on-an-island-fighting-for-survival shows, but is fun-to-watch yet nail-biting fare. Fierce competition, over-the-top backstabbing and catfights in reality series await in Top Chef Masters and The Rachel Zoe Project, while The Real Housewives of New York Season 2 sneaks a peek into the lavish lifestyles of the rich in the Big Apple.

Adding more than a dash of glitz and glamour is Scream 2010, the world’s first and only awards show celebrating the best in science-fiction, fantasy, comics and horror. Music lovers will enjoy Beyoncé I Am... Yours, a spectacular ‘live’ concert by singer-songwriter Beyoncé Knowles’ at Wynn Las Vegas.

With all that and more, viewers will surely adore the all-new, all awesome entertainment experience with the latest shows across the greatest variety of genres, unveiling this December on the fresh, hip and super-sized AXN Beyond.

Please see the attached list of programming highlights for detailed show synopses and tune-in information.

The Defenders

Premieres December 7, 2010, airing Tuesdays 9.50pm first and exclusively on AXN Beyond

The Defenders is a comedic drama about two colourful Las Vegas defence attorneys who go all-in when it comes to representing their clients. Nick (Jim Belushi, According to Jim) and Pete (Jerry O’Çonnell, Sliders, Crossing Jordan) are the local go-to guys with an eclectic client list who are still looking to hit their own jackpot.

 Leading the law firm of Morelli & Kaczmarek are Nick Morelli, an earnest, hard-charging attorney who represents his clients to the best of his ability, no matter how big or small the case; and his partner, Pete Kaczmarek, whose passion for the law is matched only by his love of fast cars, beautiful women and expensive clothes.

Joining them in their growing law practice is new associate Lisa Tyler (Jurnee Smollett, The Great Debaters), an enthusiastic young attorney looking to put her exotic dancing days behind her; and their young assistant, Sophie (Tanya Fischer, Life On Mars), a spunky and sweet ingénue who is eager to please her bosses.

Caprica

Begins Dec 9, 2010, 10pm in a two-episode TV premiere event, with subsequent episodes airing Thursdays 10pm on AXN Beyond

Set 50 years before Battlestar Galactica, Caprica follows two rival families – the Graystones and the Adamas. Bound together by tragedy, their ensuing struggle will determine the fate of the 12 Colonies. Caprica is a society rife with advanced technology. Little do they know they are trembling on the brink of the creation of the first cybernetic life-form node, or ‘CYLON’.

The Graystones and Adamas come from different cultures and wildly different socio-economic backgrounds. Daniel Graystone (Eric Stoltz) is a computer genius and the leading businessman of the 12 Colonies. His wife, Amanda Graystone (Paula Malcolmson) is an elite neurosurgeon. Joseph Adama (Esai Morales) is an immigrant, a lawyer with ties to the mob, and a father who is desperate to reconnect with his estranged son, William (Sina Najafi). Their bitter rivalry will bring the end of life as they know it. Their children are the future.

Drop Dead Diva Season 2

Premieres Dec 7, 2010, airing Tuesdays 9pm on AXN Beyond

Returning for a second season, comedic drama Drop Dead Diva continues the story of a shallow wannabe model that dies in a sudden accident, only to find her soul resurfacing in the body of a brilliant, plus-size and recently deceased attorney, Jane.

At the close of last season, Deb was ready to let go of her past and embrace her new life as Jane. But the unexpected arrival of Jane’s “secret” husband, Ethan (Devon Gummersall), at her doorstep left her with more questions than ever. To make matters worse, Jane may be disbarred after breaching client-attorney confidentiality when, against the firm’s advisement, she reported her client for fraud. Faced with a new love triangle and the uncertainty of her career, Jane must, once again, chart out a new future for herself…

The 13-episode second season of Drop Dead Diva features breakout star Brooke Elliott (Wicked, Taboo”), Margaret Cho (Ghost Whisperer, Notorious C.H.O.), Jackson Hurst (The Tree of Life), Kate Levering (Cashmere Mafia), April Bowlby (Two and a Half Men), Josh Stamberg (Lie to Me) and Ben Feldman (The Perfect Man).The Season 2 opener of Drop Dead Diva will feature entertainer Paula Abdul (American Idol) reprising her role as Judge Paula Abdul, a figment of Jane’s subconscious. Devon Gummersall (“My So-Called Life”) and David Denman (“The Office”) return as guest stars this season.

Persons Unknown

Premieres Dec 27, 2010, airing Mondays, 9pm first & exclusively on AXN Beyond

From Academy Award-winning writer Christopher McQuarrie (The Usual Suspects) comes Persons Unknown, a mystery drama in which a group of seven strangers is taken from their lives and trapped in a deserted town with no recollection of how they got there.

The eclectic group of strangers are Charlie Morse (Alan Ruck, Spin City); Janet Cooper (Daisy Betts, Shutter); Joe Tucker (Jason Wiles, Third Watch); Bill Blackham (Sean O’Bryan, Six Feet Under); Moira Doherty (Tina Holmes, Six Feet Under); Sergeant Graham McNair (Chadwick Boseman, Lincoln Heights); Tori Fairchild (Kate Lang Johnson, Days of our Lives); Erika Taylor (Kandyse McClure, Battlestar Galactica); Mark Renbe (Gerald Kyd, Casuality); and Kat Damatto (Lola Glaudini, Invincible).

Held hostage, the strangers are constantly watched by omnipresent ‘security’ cameras with no idea who or what is behind them. Every attempt to leave is thwarted by unforeseen circumstances, which seem to derive from mysterious forces. At every turn, these strangers-turned-comrades are threatened physically, psychologically and emotionally. Their chance at survival is to rely on each other…

The Marriage Ref

Premieres Dec 7, 2010, airing Tuesdays, 8:10pm, first and exclusively on AXN Beyond

Jerry Seinfeld is back and in the producer's chair for a funny and revealing comedy panel series The Marriage Ref, about the unpredictable and hilarious institution commonly known as marriage. In The Marriage Ref, disputes between real-life couples are revealed, examined - and ultimately judged.

For the first time, audiences will be able to look at these fights, analyze them and declare a winner. At the centre of the action and making "the call", is popular comedian Tom Papa (The Informant!) who will have the final say in determining the victor of each spat.

Advising and influencing the Ref's decision will be a rotating panel of ‘experts’ comprising top celebrities, comedians and sports stars who will weigh in and offer their own wit, wisdom and unique opinions. Guest stars featuring through the series include Tina Fey, Eva Longoria Parker, Larry David, Ricky Gervais, Madonna, Martha Stewart, Sheryl Crow, Tracy Morgan, Gloria Estefan, Donald Trump and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Scream 2010

Premieres Dec 19, 2010 Sunday, 7:10pm on AXN Beyond

Scream 2010 is the world’s first and only awards show dedicated to honouring the best in the science-fiction, fantasy, comics and horror genres. In its fifth year in 2010, Scream saw 33 spike-shaped show and individual performance trophies presented, including the top honour for the best production in the business named ‘The Ultimate Scream’. A star-studded, glamorous and ultimately fun-filled awards show, Scream 2010 will have celebrities such as Halle Berry, Bill Murray, Blake Lively, and Megan Fox letting their hair down.

Christopher Nolan's summer science-fiction blockbuster movie Inception leads the way with nominations in 14 categories, with other popular movies Kick-Ass and Iron Man 2 close behind. True Blood had the most nominations of any TV series with 10.

Scream 2010 also continues the tradition of featuring exclusive World Premieres from some of the most anticipated movies of the year to come including Scream 4, The Rite, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 1, Paranormal Activity 2 and Super. In addition, the awards show will honour the 25th anniversary of the original Back to the Future film, with Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and the time-travelling DeLorean car reuniting. Also, the recently-concluded landmark mystery-adventure series Lost will see a farewell tribute with cast and crew on stage.

Beyoncé I Am... Yours

Premieres Dec 18, 2010, Saturday, 9pm first and exclusively on AXN Beyond

Filmed at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas, the Beyoncé I Am... Yours concert features performances of over 30 songs from Beyoncé’s three multi-platinum solo releases, ‘Destiny’s Child’ catalogue and a few surprises. These include #1 hits, “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),” “If I Were A Boy,” “Halo,” “Sweet Dreams” and showcases a gut-wrenching performance of “That’s Why You’re Beautiful.” Also to look out for is the biographical storytelling woven between many songs and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage.