Janson Media today announced the release of the documentary Herd in Iceland (1 x 30′) to worldwide television, VOD, digital platforms and non-theatrical markets. The film offers an in-depth look at the annual round up of the country’s prized purebred horses by the native herdsman. The vivid footage from both land and air captures Iceland’s extraordinary lanscape and long-standing traditions. The film recently won an award for best documentary short at the Black Hills Film Festival. 

For over 1,000 years, Icelandic law has made it illegal to import horses onto the island. For that reason, Icelandic horses are a pure breed, isolated by oceanic borders.During the summer months, the horses live a remote and wild existence, grazing in the highlands and raising their young. Every September, they are rounded up by local farmers and directed across the rugged terrain to reunite with their owners. It’s a breathtaking tradition that unites the country.

Herd in Iceland, a film by Lindsay Blatt and Paul Taggart, documents the annual horse round-up. The result is a unique and moving portrait of Iceland’s people, horses, and stunning landscape.

Herd in Iceland began filming in the fall of 2010, when Lindsay Blatt and Paul Taggart traveled to Iceland to document the Icelandic herders as they collected their horses across the island’s remote terrain.  This valued tradition is a social and cultural touchstone for both the farmers who own the horses and the city dwellers who travel to the countryside to participate.

The horse holds a precious place in Icelandic culture, art and tradition; for over 1,000 years Icelandic law has prohibited the importation of horses onto the island. By telling the story of this annual journey, Herd in Iceland captures the symbolism behind the horses and the nation they represent.

Lindsay and Paul spent time with the herders and others who ensure that this tradition continues. They filmed from land and air, foot and hoof across the vast Icelandic landscape, following and living with the herdsmen. Herd in Iceland takes you into a journey that is largely unknown but filled with meaning and beauty for those who sustain it.

Herd in Iceland is the result of a successful Kickstarter campaign and a partnership with IcelandAir. Accomplished photographer Lindsay Blatt came together with journalist Paul Taggart for three weeks of production in September and October of 2010 across the vast Icelandic landscape. Herd in Iceland has been featured in the New York Times, Harper’s Magazine, The Boston Globe and more.

Janson Media announced today that it has licensed the DVD rights of the documentary Lincoln and Lee at Antietam: The Cost of Freedom (1 x 90′) to Unicorn Entertainment, a video distribution company in Hong Kong. The release of Lincoln and Lee comes on the heels of the theatrical release of Lincoln starring Daniel Day-Lewis. The film also chronicles the battlefield carnage of the Civil War in addition to Lincoln’s fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves.

Lincoln and Lee at Antietam – The Cost of Freedom focuses on the single bloodiest day in American history. Narrated by Ronald F. Maxwell, director of the epic Civil War films Gettysburg and Gods & Generals, and written, produced and directed by Robert Child, the film vividly brings to life the story of America’s fight for freedom in a battle that changed the course of the Civil War.

It’s September 17, 1862 and President Abraham Lincoln needs a victory in order to issue the Emancipation Proclamation and end slavery in the South. But Robert E. Lee has other plans – invade the North. When Lee’s strategy falls into the hands of the Union Army, the result is the single bloodiest day in American history at the Battle of Antietam in Sharpsburg, Maryland. The Battle of Antietam results in more casualties than the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Mexican War and the Spanish American War combined. In fact, the bloodiest day of World War II, D-Day, amounts to only one quarter of the casualties suffered at Antietam.

Lincoln and Lee at Antietam – The Cost of Freedom features commentaries from renowned historians such as Pulitzer Prize winning author James M. McPherson (Battle Cry of Freedom and Crossroads of Freedom:Antietam);two-time Lincoln Prize recipient Allen C. Guelzo; National Park Service historian at Harpers Ferry; author of Antietam Revealed and associate producer of Gods & Generals, Dennis E. Frye; actor/performing historian Patrick Falci and National Park Service historian at Antietam National Battlefield Park, Paul V. Chiles. Each explains the significance of this first Civil War battle fought on northern soil. Also appearing in the film is Stanley Wernz, President of the Association of Lincoln Presenters, as Abraham Lincoln.

Through first person accounts, an original music score from composers Steve Heitzeg and Nicholas Palmer and scarce Antietam commemorative battle footage from the 125th, 135th and 140th Antietam Reenactments, this film tells the tale of the 14-hour epic Battle of Antietam.

Janson Media today announced the release of the travel series Color World with Gary Spetz (13 x 25′) to worldwide television, VOD, digital platforms and non-theatrical markets. In the travelogue series, painter and photographer Gary Spetz travels the world exploring the most picturesque cities and attractions, gaining invaluable inspiration for his award-winning art.

To watch Color World with Gary Spetz in its entirety in the Janson Media Screening Room, register here.

Veteran public television host/artist, Gary Spetz, continues in the travel genre with a new 13-eipisode series Color World with Gary Spetz.  Once again, it is the visual travelogue of an artist, emphasizing “the path traveled” to acquire his art.

Gary sets off for the Mediterranean, where he explores the fabled city of Venice; the legendary city of Rome; the Renaissance birthplace, Florence; the romantic French/Italian Riviera; the quirky, cosmopolitan city of Barcelona; and the exotic Greek Islands.  Then Gary departs for the tropical Hawaiian Island of Maui, followed by episodes of New England and the fall colors of the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

Color World is designed to appeal to artists and non-artists, alike.  It calls upon travelers to open their eyes a bit wider, to further appreciate what may be easily passed by.  It is the series’ premise that—in a world of so many “bells and whistles”—simple beauty is often overlooked.

Through his award winning art, Gary Spetz attempts to enhance the viewer’s appreciation of the colors, shapes and designs that surround us. Gary travels extensively in his quest to both collect painting materials and find new paths to explore. In truth, he enjoys the “going to” as much as the painting or photographic processes, themselves. As an avid outdoors enthusiast, he hikes, skis, sails, and kayaks through the landscapes that he films, photographs and paints.

Janson Media announced today that it has licensed the documentary The Afghan Solution (1 x 60′) to Alhurra Television, airing in the Middle East and Arabic speaking countries in Northern Africa. The film poses viable solutions to the conflict in Afghanistan, as told by Afghans themselves, as well other key players.

The first film of its kind, The Afghan Solution is the story of a people left behind by their newly minted government. The film is a powerful and informative warning about the dangers of believing that a central government can address the gravely important issues that the Afghan people are more than willing to handle locally.

Produced by Cowgirl Media, the film both documents the formidable challenges faced by the Afghan people, and poses viable solutions to the conflict in Afghanistan, as told by Afghans themselves.

Examining the history behind the current conflict in Afghanistan, The Afghan Solution exposes the results of broken commitments and ever changing military strategies. It is a powerful and informative warning about the dangers of imposing a centralized authority on a complex and multi-ethnic nation. This film is a wake-up call: Afghanistan can either move toward a true democracy or once again fall into the clutches of the cruelest tyranny in its history – the Taliban and al Qaeda.

Told from the streets of Kabul, the mountains of the northern tribal regions, and halls of Congress, The Afghan Solution is the only film to investigate the conflict by talking to the people who have lived it. It is a story told by Afghan politicians, citizens, warlords, and tribal leaders, as well as American Special Forces, NATO’s ISAF brass, UN Mediators, and NGO personnel. This candid account of a fragile nation-building experiment is essential viewing for everyone, from students and scholars to policy makers, veterans, scholars, human rights campaigners, and American voters.

The Afghan Solution is Josie Maynard of Cowgirl Media’s documentary debut. Previously Josie created, directed and produced a traveling wine show, Planet Wine for One Media Television; as well as educational shows promoting healthy eating for children, Kids Cook TV. Cowgirl Media Inc. is a collaboration of independent filmmakers, journalists, advocates and storytellers.

Alhurra (Arabic for “The Free One”) is primarily news and information network. Alhurra hosts a number of discussion programs that examine political and social issues of interest to the audience in the Middle East, airing viewpoints not often discussed freely in the region. The network also provides information on a variety of topic such as health, science, technology and sports and entertainment news. Recent surveys by ACNielsen and other international research companies show that Alhurra has consistently averaged approximately 26 million weekly viewers for the last three years. Alhurra broadcasts on the Nilesat and Arabsat satellites in the Middle East.  It is operated by the non-profit corporation “The Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc.” (MBN). MBN is financed by the U.S. Government through a grant from the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), an independent federal agency.  The BBG serves oversight and as a firewall to protect the professional independence and integrity of the broadcasters. For more information on Alhurra visit www.alhurra.com.

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Janson Media today announced the release of the nature series Gary Spetz’s Watercolor Quest (13 x 30′) to worldwide television, VOD, digital platforms and non-theatrical markets. Gary Spetz’s new series takes viewers a step beyond the previous Painting Wild Places by capturing the journey and inspiration behind his award-winning paintings. 

To watch Gary Spetz’s Watercolor Quest in its entirety in the Janson Media Screening Room, register here.

Host/Producer Gary Spetz, moves into the travel: paint-photograph genre, with his new series:  Gary Spetz’s Watercolor Quest.  This is not a how-to-paint series, like his previous 72-episodes of Gary Spetz’s Painting Wild Places.  This is a “travel series” with scene composition and painting tips—from the unique point-of-view of a nationally recognized, award-winning artist.

In the 13-episodes of Watercolor Quest, painter/photographer Gary Spetz takes viewers along on his expeditions, while he searches for painting compositions.  You do not have to be an artist to appreciate his perspective on visual design.  Indeed, this series is created for non-artist-viewers to realize their inherent “inner-artist” selves.  He, essentially, teaches viewers to “open their eyes wider, to see more.”  As Gary is fond of saying, “there is so little time and so much to paint.”  But, he will also tell you “there is so little time and so much to see and appreciate” (that too often, goes unseen).

In this series, Gary provides glimpses of how he approaches and creates various paintings, in his brief step-by-step explanations.  There is just enough painting instruction to intrigue “wannabe artists,” but not too much to bore those who want, simply, to appreciate artwork.

While the series’ emphasis is on spectacular visuals, Gary interjects a subtle dose of humor, as he explains, teaches and entertains.  Gary Spetz’s Watercolor Quest is fun, fast moving, visually stimulating and “stealthily” educational.

Through his award winning art, Gary Spetz attempts to enhance the viewer’s appreciation of the colors, shapes and designs that surround us. Gary travels extensively in his quest to both collect painting materials and find new paths to explore. In truth, he enjoys the “going to” as much as the painting or photographic processes, themselves. As an avid outdoors enthusiast, he hikes, skis, sails, and kayaks through the landscapes that he films, photographs and paints.

Janson Media today announced that it has licensed the Academy-Award winning documentary Kon-Tiki (1 x 60′) to Umbrella Entertainment for the DVD/VOD market in Australia and New Zealand. A modern remake of the classic film that hits theaters on April 26, 2013 was recently nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. 

Kon-Tiki (1 x 60′) is the classic Academy-Award winning documentary film of an astonishing adventure, a journey spanning 4,300 nautical miles across the Pacific Ocean by raft. Intrigued by Polynesian folklore, Norwegian biologist Thor Heyerdahl suspected that the South Sea Islands had been settled by an ancient race from thousands of miles to the east, led by the mythical hero Kon-Tiki.

On April 28, 1947, Heyerdahl and his five crew members embarked from Peru on their daring voyage to the Marquesas Islands, on a balsa wood raft which was built according to the traditions of South America’s pre-Columbian Indians. After 101 suspenseful days on the open sea, alone amid raging storms, whales, and countless sharks, they landed on the Polynesian island of Raroia.

You can watch the original Kon-Tiki documentary in it’s entirety on HULU.

From auspicious beginnings, Umbrella Entertainment was founded in 2001 as an independent, Australian-owned all-rights distribution company driven by expert, hands-on staff with a true passion for feature film, television and music content.

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Janson Media today announced today that it has licensed the award-winning documentaries The Secret Life of Whitetails (1 x 54′) and Elk in America (1 x 50′) to the Korean Broadcasting System. 

The award-winning wildlife documentary Elk in America captures the life cycle of elk amidst the stunning scenery of the Rocky Mountains. Filmed over three years by renowned wildlife cinematographer, Gary W. Griffen, the unforgettable images and original soundtrack will immerse viewers in the elk’s natural environment. Narrated by actor Stacy Keach,  Elk In America provides a better understanding of when elk came to North America, their mystical relationship with Native Americans, and their drastic decline when settlers spread westward.

Filmed in high definition, the stunning images and absorbing soundtrack of The Secret Life of Whitetails will immerse you in the secret domain of the white-tailed deer. Wildlife cinematographer, Gary W. Griffen, spent three years in the field capturing extraordinary behavioral footage of this magnificent creature throughout its annual cycle. Narrated by actor Peter Coyote, this superb wildlife documentary records in brilliant color and clarity, the life-cycle of deer amidst the breathtaking scenes and natural sounds of  the whitetail’s world.

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Janson Media anounnced today that it has licensed the documentary USS Franklin: Honor Restored (1 x 60′) to Czech Television (Ceska Televise) of the Czech Republic. The film chronicles the dramatic campaigns of the class aircraft carrier and the brave United States Navy crew that serviced it through World War II, earning four battle stars in total.

USS Franklin: Honor Restored brings to life the compelling saga of USS Franklin. Directed by award winning director Robert Child (Silent Wings), and narrated by actor-director Dale Dye (Platoon, Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, The Pacific),USS Franklin: Honor Restored constitutes the most extensive and vivid visual account of USS Franklin and the Carrier War in the Pacific. Coupled with these striking images are interviews ofFranklin survivors. You will hear and see the battle as seen through the eyes of the men who were there, as they share their most intimate and emotional memories of the disaster and reveal the anguish from accusations that linger still.

The USS Franklin (CV-13). The men in the American Pacific fleet knew her as “Big Ben.”  She is known throughout history as “The Ship That Wouldn’t Die.”  Even now, more than six decades after the end of hostilities in World War II, the very name Franklinspawns a tidal wave of emotion for her crew and thousands of men in the fleet caught up in what the name represents.

Launched in 1992, Ceska Televise (Czech Television) is the premier public television broadcaster of the Czech Republic. Ceska Televise has 4 channels (CT1, CT2, CT4 Sport and CT24) that includes a wide range of news, sports, film, and documentary programming.

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Janson Media was rewarded with two selections in Realscreen Magazine’s MIPTV Picks, published on the eve of MIPTV 2013 and MIPDOC 2013 in Cannes, France.  Realscreen, the leading trade magazine and web portal covering the world of non-fiction film and television, compiled a list of “can’t miss” projects coming to Cannes. Read the complete article and see the complete list of “MIPTV Picks” here.

Realscreen’s editors picked two of Janson Media’s new one-hour documentaries for its short list of 26 new films and television programs.  The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia and The Typewriter (in the 21st Century) are also both entered in the MIPDOC 2013 Screenings, held at the Martinez Hotel in Cannes the weekend prior to MIPTV. Trailers are available both on Realscreen’s website, and at Janson Media. MIPTV 2013 takes place at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes from April 8th through the 11th.

Janson Media announced today that it has licensed the documentaries Spirit Lands: An American Desert Odyssey (1 x 52′) and Timeless: A National Park Odyssey (1 x 51′) to iPlanet Entertainment of Korea, airing on Pay TV, Cable and Satellite, IPTV. Both programs are the work of Emmy-Award-winning cinematographer David Fortney, renowned for his blend of artistic and technical skills in cinematography.

Spirit Lands: An American Desert Odyssey is a visual and musical journey to some of the most spectacular, beautiful and awe-inspiring natural wonders of the American desert.  David Fortney spent four years collecting imagery for this project, traveling to every desert location in America, including seven National Parks. A variety of innovative filming techniques were used in the production of this non-narrated, visual masterpiece, including motion control, time lapse and low level aerial cinematography.  The film is accompanied by a music score featuring evocative Native American music by John Huling and R. Carlos Nakai. Also included are beautiful and inspiring texts by Native American Wisdom Keepers, with quotations and prayers celebrating our connection with the earth and the need to respect and honor her.

In Timeless: A National Park Odyssey, David Fortney has captured some of the most amazing visuals ever seen of America’s National Parks with a mix of aerial, still, and time lapse photography. The film premiered in primetime on PBS stations nationwide in 2008 as a pledge special. By using special cameras and cinematography techniques, David Fortney has captured the beauty inside the National Parks of the USA and Canada. Fluid, masterful camera work and aerial photography give viewers the sensation of soaring over and through the landscapes. Complemented by an exquisitely lush soundtrack composed by new age musician Patrick O’Hearn, the film contains breathtaking natural beauty of 18 different National Parks, each with its own unique grace and splendor. Timeless is an Emmy Award winner for outstanding achievement in cinematography.

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