World Briefs
UNITED KINGDOM
Channel 4's new premium movie service FilmFour has clocked 65,000 subscribers in its first four months, putting it on course to beat its target of 150,000 subs by the end of the year.
FilmFour will attempt to boost that figure by transmitting in the clear over the four-day Easter weekend, with a lineup that includes the U.K. TV premiere of "A Life Less Ordinary." The stars of "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" will present a crime season including "Reservoir Dogs," "Trainspotting" and "Shallow Grave."
FINLAND
Finland's digital terrestrial licenses, delayed at least twice already because of politics, are not expected to be handed out for at least another couple of months.
The licenses for three multiplexes of four channels each, originally set to be awarded in mid-March, were delayed by the resignation of the Finnish minister of transport and communications, Matti Aura, then by the elections of Finland's new government on March 21.
HOLLAND
Catherine Lamour, head of documentaries for Canal Plus, will chair the jury for the 5th International Widescreen Festival-Le Nombre D'Or.
The fest hands out a raft of awards each year for widescreen programming, including the Golden and Silver Rembrandts for best picture. The event is held each year in tandem with the International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam, with this year's fest taking place Sept. 10-14.
AUSTRALIA
The introduction of digital broadcasting in Australia could generate business of up to A$20 billion ($12.6 billion) by 2010, according to a government study.
Releasing the report, federal communications minister Senator Richard Alston said the technology would stimulate about $1.3 billion of demand per annum between 2001 (when Oz's five terrestrial webs will start digital transmission) and 2010, for hardware, services and content.
INDIA
A 50-year-old freeze on Indo-Pakistani film cooperation has thawed. For the first time, an Indian film has received permission to be shot in Pakistan. "Shaheed Uddham Singh" is the story of a revered martyr who, in his adolescence, survived the massacre of Indians and swore vengeance on its perpetrator, the governor of Punjab. Pic will boast dialogue in Punjabi by eminent poet Surjeet Pattar and will star actor-politician Raj Babbar.
