


DIVISION LAUNCHES WITH COMMITMENT OF SIGNIFICANT RESOURCES, MSN CONTENT DEAL, PARTNERSHIP WITH FAMED CLOTHING DESIGNER MARC ECKO, AND OVERSIGHT OF HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL AUTOMOTIVE SITE
Santa Monica, CA – April 11, 2007 – RDF is announcing expansion into the digital media business with its new division, RDF Digital, which in the U.S. will be spearheaded by newly-appointed Max Benator, who will serve as the Manager of Digital Media. Benator will handle all internet, mobile and emerging technology initiatives. This includes digital extensions of RDF television properties as well as original online, mobile, and multi-platform concepts. Benator reports to RDF USA CEO, Chris Coelen and works closely with UK-based RDF Digital Creative Director Zad Rogers and a seven-person team.
Publicly-traded RDF has committed to invest an amount of seven to eight figures over the next year into the newly formed Digital division with additional monies to be made available for large scale original projects.
RDF Digital will encompass oversight of RDF’s already substantial web businesses, such as www.channel4.com/4car, one of the largest online automotive sites in Europe. In partnership with the UK’s Channel 4, the destination has grown from a traffic base of zero to over a million unique visitors per month with over eight million monthly impressions, making it the second largest online business for the UK’s www.channel4.com behind the website for the network’s number one show, Big Brother. RDF also runs www.islandoo.com , a social networking site.
RDF Digital has also inked a licensed content deal with MSN and a partnership with famed clothing designer and trendsetter, Marc Ecko. The MSN deal will offer an online component to the upcoming RDF-produced A&E series, Two Coreys starring Corey Haim and Corey Feldman. MSN and RDF will be creating an interface whereby users can interact with Corey and Corey and ask them for advice.
RDF and Marc Ecko have teamed up to produce a game show that will live in multiple media spanning television, internet, and mobile. RDF USA, Marc Ecko Entertainment, and The Schiff Co. are on board to produce.
RDF Digital also has new online extensions of Wife Swap and the upcoming Shaquille O’Neal series with ABC in the works.
Chris Coelen says, “I don’t think anyone underestimates the importance of the internet and mobile businesses. Our goal is to use our immense resources to become a leader in this area both in terms of producing ancillary extensions of our television properties as well as creating original content for the space. We’re excited to have Max taking on this role. He has a creative, entrepreneurial spirit and a deep understanding of the digital world, qualities that make him a perfect fit.”
Max Benator says, “During the emergence of reality television, Chris once said that the ‘reality’ world was like the ‘wild west’ where you make up the rules as you go. I think the same applies for the digital media world today. You spend your time creating concepts and creating deal templates rather than just changing a few numbers and words around. It’s a lot of fun, and it also speaks to the fact the there is no better time than now to stake a claim in these businesses.”
Zad Rogers says, “Success on the internet depends on a great idea, a great deal and great technolgy; Max has the proven ability to deliver on all three fronts. I look forward to building a business with him in the US, that will rival RDF’s success in television and distribution.”
Max Benator has worked with the development teams at RDF USA since February of 2006. Prior to his role at RDF, Max worked at United Talent Agency in the alternative television department.