Studio Universal (DStv 119) that launched in Africa and South Africa in October on MultiChoice's DStv says the channel ''has been well received'' and viewers especially like ''Hollywood Hits'' nights.
I put some questions on email to Studio Universal to follow-up with how the new movie channel is doing.
[Full disclosure: I'm unable to attribute the answers to a specific person or executive at Studio Universal although I specifically asked for that when I made the enquiry, as I always do, and as is sound journalistic practice. I'm told the answers are from ''Studio Universal London Team''.]
Since the launch of Studio Universal in South Africa and Africa, in October what has been the anecdotal evidence of how the channel is being perceived?
Studio Universal London Team: The channel has been well received in Africa and especially South Africa, the feedback from the viewers has been fantastic, everyone loves the best of Hollywood. Our launch competition together with Universal Home Entertainment and DStv had over half a million entries which makes it the biggest competition we have ever hosted.
Is there a kind of, or types of movies so far that is a hit or more or most popular with viewers? What has been some of the feedback from viewers on the channel?
It's obvious that our viewers love our comedy and action nights, but it also seems that they are tuning in for the big stars on our ''Hollywood Hits'' nights.
Studio Universal had some sound problems at the beginning (audio levels, synching) intermittently, for a few weeks. What was the cause or why was that, and what does Studio Universal have to say around that issue?
It was an incredibly complex launch of a brand new channel for DStv. We would like to apologise for the minor teething problems that our viewers had to see at the launch of the channel, but our technical operation team worked closely with the MultiChoice team to resolve this as soon as possible.
Is there anything interesting or upcoming either programming wise or otherwise coming up towards the end of the year and/or in 2012 regarding Studio Universal?
Among the highlights for December are Million Dollar Baby, Unbreakable, Gone in Sixty Seconds and The Waterboy. Among the highlights for January are American Pie 2 and American Pie 3: American Wedding and The Contract.
