International Briefs

By VARIETY STAFF

In a first for Dutch state TV, Holland's leading independent producer, JE Entertainment, has unveiled plans for a primetime daily soap for the ailing second public network, Nederland 2. Intended as an antidote for satelliter RTL-4 's proven ratings-winner "Goede Tijden Slechte Tijden" (Good Times, Bad Times) -- which is also produced by JE, in conjunction with Grundy Worldwide -- the as-yet untitled Nederland 2 show will launch in January.

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Ten Network of Australia took another step toward consolidation with Tuesday's purchase of a half-stake in its debt-laden affiliate Capital Television, which owns stations in Canberra, Perth and Adelaide. Ten Network paid $ A12.5 million ($ 8.25 million) to former web owner Frank Lowy's Westfield Holdings, which retained its interest after the 1989 leveraged buyout by stockbroker Charles Curran.

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On Nov. 30, Warner Home Video in Sweden releases "The Bodyguard" as a sell through-cassette, and it looks set to become the breakthrough film in that category in the country. The shops have pre-booked more than 50,000 copies. Previously, only kids pix have come close to this figure.

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For the first time in decades, an animated Disney production will play Stockholm, Sweden, in its original language. Buena Vista this week opens "Aladdin" in a record-breaking number of prints. All of them are dubbed into Swedish -- except one. This print will play in a theater in Stockholm, allowing the audience a chance to hear Robin Williams as the genie.