| COMPANY
PROFILE |
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In its
earlier years (1970) promark® had been operating as a marketing and
promotional agency in Canada. In 1980, the company targeted the entertainment
industry.
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| CORPORATE
POSTURE/STRATEGY: |
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Today
promark® is a full service television syndication
and distribution company. Its main thrust is clearing of TV specials
and series nationally
on a barter basis. The program is given to the stations "free" in
exchange for an inventory of advertising time which it in turn, sells
to national advertisers.
promark® is a service oriented firm whereby television
producers pay a basic clearance and administration fee plus out of pocket
expenses related to both clearances
and on-going administration of the show. It also receives a commission on all
net advertising revenue derived from its sale of national inventory.
This posture is flexible. In some cases the company will upfront the clearance
and administration fee and expenses in return for a higher commission on advertising
sales.
promark® will on other occasions upfront production costs
in addition to syndication costs. Under this arrangement it generally enters
into a 50-50 joint venture with the
producer or licensee of the show.
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| COMPANY
HISTORY: |
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The companies
first effort in the syndication industry was a 2 hour beauty pageant
entitled "FROM HAWAII WITH LOVE," which
cleared more than 75% US market. It's advertising and sales division
sold most of the 20 available commercial spots within a three month period.
The second major project promark® chose was equally
as successful. The company cleared over 76% of the country with a special
entitled "LIBERACE,
LIVE FROM LONDON." Time avails within the show were sold out completely.
These two major shows along with a "TRIBUTE TO RICKY NELSON," which
cleared 85% of the country positioned it as a major force in the industry.
promark® has created a strong relationship with
hundreds of television stations nationally and with all major national
advertisers. Over the following 10 years it has developed
the credibility and trust among this group which has allowed it to move forward
and flourish.
promark® financed and co-produced the prestigious "GOLDEN
EAGLE AWARDS" sponsored
in part by Pepsi Cola and Coors. It also syndicated and co-produced the "ENGELBERT
HUMPERDINCK SPECTACULAR;" the "DIONNE WARWICK SPECIAL" featuring
Gregory Hines, Peter Allen and Rita Cooledge; the "BLUEBERRY HILL
SPECIAL" starring
Fats Domino, and for several years presented a half hour children's Christmas
special, "CANDY CLAUS" financed and produced by the American
Lung Association with Cybill Shepherd as spokesperson.
Although most of the company’s efforts have been directed to the packaging
and marketing of OTO specials, the firm, in the last five years, has expanded
its catalog to include TV series.
Its first television series effort was an impressive one. "TRAVEL TRAVEL" hosted
by Don McGowan, Lu Hanessian, and Suzanne Desautels cleared 50% of the country
in its first season. This program enjoyed five successful seasons. "TRAVEL
TRAVEL," shot on location around the world, aired weekly in syndication
nationwide. It was also seen on the Travel Channel, on United Airlines in-flight
and in 15 countries worldwide.
Other projects include:
- "UNITED WE STAND" a pre-Olympic special taped at the Olympic
stadium in Seoul Korea, featuring Sheena Easton, Jermaine Jackson
and Julio Iglesias.
- "CLASSIC
CARS AND RACING STARS" a one hour special which focused
on vintage auto racing and car auctions taped in Palm Springs, California.
- A
one hour award show called "DIAMOND AWARDS" featuring
a host of internationally known guests such as Janet Jackson,
Belinda Carlisle,
Chris DeBurgh, UB 40, Simply
Red and Technotronic.
- A
quarterly one hour special entitled "LEGENDS
OF THE WEST WITH JACK PALANCE." This
show was a fast paced magazine format that laid bare the truth
of the old west by visiting and re-enacting actual events that took
place versus Hollywood's
portrayal in film. The pilot featured Brooke Shields. Each
episode transported the viewer to a famous western locale and
included a celebrity
co-host.
- A
3 feature Halloween film package; "FRIGHTNIGHT".
- MOM
USA, a one hour tribute to moms across the country debuted on
Mother’s
Day 1993. This heart warming and sensitive program was
hosted by Hollywood Squares, Peter Marshall and singer/actor
Susan Anton.
MOM USA recognizes
moms for their
contribution to both the family unit and to the community.
- MS.
FITNESS USA 1993 and MS. FITNESS USA 1994 are probably two of PROMARK's most successful efforts having garnered a 7.3 rating
in
L.A. and a 4.54 weighted average
household rating in 1993. This 2 hour special was hosted
by Terry Murphy of Hard Copy. MS. FITNESS USA 1994 was hosted
by Shari Belafonte. Sixty women
compete
for the title and exemplify how a healthy lifestyle,
good nutrition and regular exercise can create champions. promark® generated
in excess of $300,000.00
in sponsorship revenue for this project.
- The
series "HERE
COMES THE BRIDE" hosted by Lyle Waggoner,
a half hour game show where competing couples were chosen by the studio
audience
and married
on national television, debuted in May 1994.
- “PC4U” an FCC Friendly weekly half-hour hosted by kids. Explore
the computer,
Internet, the latest CD ROM releases and much more.
- “SPORTSWEEK” is a 30-minute “magazine style” program
that captures action
highlights of the world’s most compelling sporting events every
week.
- An
Academy Award preview show "HOLLYWOOD'S GOLDEN NIGHT" hosted
by film critic Jeffery Lyons.
- 3 – half
hour animated holiday specials for Halloween,
Christmas and Easter featuring the popular "TROLLS" entitled "THE
NORFIN TROLL ADVENTURES".
- A
one hour animated Christmas program "CHRISTMAS
CARTOON CLASSICS" and "HOLIDAY
CARTOON FAVORITES".
- "MRS. AMERICA" a one hour OTO special hosted
by Florence Henderson,
was a tribute to America's most important natural resource.... the married woman.
It celebrates the married woman & showcases her values relating to family,
careers and community.
- "THE NEW ADVENTURES OF MOTHER GOOSE" a one hour OTO special focusing
on a kinder and gentler version of the old nursery rhymes of the old "Mother
Goose" starring Sally Struthers and featuring Emmanuel Lewis.
- “THE VICTOR AWARDS” recognized our nation's most talented
sports figures
every year. Presented by "Sports Illustrated," this one hour OTO
benefited the City of Hope National Medical Center. The many presenters included
celebrities from the sports and entertainment
industry.
- “RED BOOTS FOR CHRISTMAS” this half-hour animation is based
on a German
folk tale about a grouchy, friendless
shoemaker, Hans who thinks Christmas
is
merely for greedy people, until he finds
out...the true meaning of Christmas.
- “THE 26TH ANNUAL GOLDEN EAGLE AWARDS” this
2-hour television special
was hosted by Ricardo Montalban. This annual event recognized Hispanic
Americans for their contributions and outstanding achievements in the
entertainment industry. Many presenters include major celebrities from
the entertainment and sports industry.
- “THE PUZZLE CLUB CHRISTMAS MYSTERY” a half-hour animated special
...its
Christmas, and a number of mysterious events have occurred which require
the
investigative talents of a group of kids’ The Puzzle Club. The money
for the city’s
parade is missing, and a search that will lead them to find a missing father
and
return him to his family on Christmas.
- “THE PUZZLE CLUB EASTER ADVENTURE” Springtime in New Bristol brings
new adventures for Christopher, Korina and Alex. Buzz, a classmate
of Alex,
disappears while searching for his missing cat. It’s up to the young
detectives to
find the missing boy without their trusted friend and mentor, Tobias,
who is rushed
to the hospital. Join The Puzzle Club on their search for Buzz and discover
with
them the message of hope that Easter brings.
- “THE
SECRET ADVENTURES OF JULES VERNE” With a successful launch in
2001 on the Sci-Fi Channel and syndication clearances in over 90%
of the country,
this weekly one-hour, which was shot entirely in HD, is one of
Promark’s
crowning
jewels. The series follows the adventures of Mr. Verne, the famed 19th
century
author, as he joins his companions aboard a flying machine to travel
the world
during that era. The series boasts an appealing international cast,
including Chris
Demetral of “Blank Check” and “Dream On”, who takes
the starring role as Mr.
Verne, “Dynasty’s” Michael Praed who plays Phileas Fogg,
Francesca Hunt who
play’s Fogg’s cousin Rebecca and Michel Courtemanche completes
the cast as
Phileas’ valet Passepartout. Plus top-name guest stars like David Warner,
Margot
Kidder, John Rhys-Davies, Michael Moriarty, Mako, Patrick Duffy, Tracy
Scoggins
and Rene’ Auberjonois who lend the production a first class look to match
its
groundbreaking storytelling, technical wizardry and mind-blowing special
affects.
- “ENVIROTREK” Launching in September 2004, this weekly half-hour is
one of the
most exciting new concepts in youth reality programming. Each week
host Tom
Paris leads four teens on the environmental eco-adventure of a lifetime.
“ENVIROTREK” shows young people as strong, smart and capable. The
action is
real, and the knowledge is astounding. Combine all that with exotic
locations and
incredible production values and you have a very special new series
with some of
the gritty flavor of “Survivor” and the fun of the “Crocodile
Hunter”. Endorsed by
research and educational organizations across the country, “ENVIROTREK” also
meets FCC guidelines for required Educational and Informational programming.
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| ADVERTISER/SPONSOR
ACCOUNT LIST: |
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Procter & Gamble, RJ Nabisco, Sara Lee Bakery, Kellogg's, Heinz
USA, American Hawaii Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Palm Springs Tourism,
National Dairy Council, Coca Cola, Ralston-Purina Inc., Hershey's Corp,
Max Factor, Dexatrim, Braun, Minolta, Black and Decker, Beatrice Foods,
Pepsi Cola, Duracell, Dow Consumer Products, American Airlines, TWA,
Delta Airlines, Andrew Jergins Inc., Johnson and Johnson Inc., Gillette
Inc., Coors Brewing Co., Hawaiian Tropic Inc., Hanes Hosiery Inc., Mennen
Corp., Avis Inc., Budget Rent A Car, Flora Fax, International Playtex
Inc., Jhirmack Products Inc., 3M Co., AT&T, Miller Brewing Co., Sprint,
Intercontinental Hotels Inc., Hyatt Hotels Inc., Fischer Price Toys,
Mattel Inc. Hasbro Inc. Western Union, Pfizer Inc., SC Johnson Inc.,
Nike Inc., Lever-Lipton Inc., Danskin Inc., just to mention a few.
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| AGENCIES: |
MediaVest, Mediacom, Media Edge, DDB/OMD, Initiative Media,
BBDO/OMD, Carat Media, Universal McCann, RJ Palmer, Truenorth Media, Zenith
Media, Inc. and many more.
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| DAVID LEVINE, Founder |
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BIOGRAPHY:
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DAVID
LEVINE began his business career approximately 25
years ago in the communications field. In his early years he was employed
as a news broadcaster in Toronto, the number one market in Canada. After
several successful broadcast years he joined one of Canada's most prestigious
and respected advertising agencies, Vickers and Benson Advertising, as
director of promotion.
It wasn't long before V&B established a new division which was to
focus on consumer and trade promotions, called Analytical Communications
Inc. Levine was
positioned as the company's general manager and it didn't take too long before
Levine and ACI became widely recognized and respected in the industry.
In 1974 under the banner of ACI, Levine conceived and executed a 1.5 million
dollar consumer promotion with hockey star Bobby Orr as spokesman. This was ACI's
first major entry into the promotional field and its success accelerated the
company's growth. As ACI's account list expanded Levine focused most of his attention
on overseeing every aspect of the company's expansion.
By 1976 Levine had established his own company called promark®. With a team of carefully
selected marketing specialists, Levine developed and executed major marketing
programs for accounts such as Planters Peanuts, Fleishmann's Margarine, Oh Henry
Chocolate Bars, A&W Root Beer and McDonald's. Responsibility included overseeing
every aspect of the marketing mix including sales seminars and incentive programs
targeted to both the sales force and to the dealer.
In 1977 promark® gained international recognition by promoting
a daredevil called "THE
HUMAN FLY." It was through this project that the company broke into the
entertainment industry and later expanded into the United States.
"
THE HUMAN FLY" soon became a household word. Levine sold the property to
Marvel Comics and the "FLY" became the first real life comic book super
hero. He also sold rights to Mattel Inc. for the production of toys and dolls
and to poster and T-shirt companies around the world. His biggest success on
this project was the sale of movie rights to producer Alan Landsberg.
In 1980 Levine began to direct most of his energy to the entertainment industry.
He signed such major acts as Gloria Gaynor, Chicago, Donna Summer, Gino Vannelli,
Lisa Dal Bello and Patsy Gallant to promotion and artists representation contracts.
About the same time Levine was making inroads into the recording industry
with the establishment of a new record label financed by a group of Canadian
investors. After one single and an LP release, TALISMAN RECORDS was soon
to be sold at a profit to Capitol Records in Los Angeles after the successful
promotion of singer Lisa Dal Bello. Levine who now makes his home in
Los Angeles later began HOT VINYL RECORDS. Two Canadian artists, Patsy
Gallant and Dwayne Ford were signed to this company.
In 1982 Levine revived which had been inactive for a few years and
directed his efforts to securing recording contracts for rock bands.
Within months he was successful in closing one of the years largest
recording and publishing agreements for a new act called the B'ZZ (a
virtually unknown Chicago band) with CBS/EPIC Records. In addition
he placed 9 songs written and performed by the band in a motion picture
entitled "RECKLESS" starring Meg Foster. Levine coordinated
the marketing and promotion of both the record and the film for CBS
Records. The single release climbed to number 38 on the charts and
positioned the band as an important rock act on the company's roster.
In 1983 Levine went on to expand promark® to include the
sale of full length motion pictures and music specials to cable and home video.
He parlayed the GINO VANNELLI
SUPER SPECIAL, a one hour music production costing about $100,000.00, into
sales of over $250,000.00. Buyers included ON-TV, Warner Home Video, USA
Network and more.
In
1984 Levine also focused his efforts on TV Syndication. promark® has
had an impressive strong and continuous growth pattern since it commenced
operations under its
new direction. The company is now recognized as a leader in its field and one
of the top ten major syndicators in the country. It started with one show and
today represents at least ten properties a year including specials and series.
Its advertiser active account list has grown from 10 in the first year to over
300 today. David Levine
E-Mail: HDLevine@promarktv.com
Direct Ph 310-276-3020 Direct
Fax 310-276-3208
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