Ty Pennington to host new Cineflix series for W Network

Cineflix Productions is teaming up with network television sensation Ty Pennington to challenge would-be interior designers to see if they can walk the walk and not just talk the talk.

TORONTO, May 20 /CNW/ - Ty Pennington is bringing his design expertise to Canadian homes in a fun, informative and fast-paced new series that puts 'armchair designers' to the test in Inside the Box with Ty Pennington. Produced by Cineflix Productions in association with W Network, the series starts filming this month, with a broadcast launch set for fall 2010.

Lots of people think they know about interior design - and many are confident they could do better than the experts given the chance. In each 30-minute episode of Inside the Box with Ty Pennington, two keen amateurs who could be friends, relatives, neighbours or work colleagues, go head to head in an all-out design duel. They and their teams have just 48 hours to create a themed room in each of their homes - but there's a catch: they can only use the materials that arrive in a mystery crate, complete with helpful hints.

The contents of each crate have been chosen specially and personally by Ty himself, based on his interpretation of the challengers' design styles. But he's not out to match their styles - he wants to stretch their design imaginations and push them into places they never imagined they would go. Design associate and celebrated Canadian designer Janette Ewan will also be on hand to check in on the rivaling design teams every step of the way.

"We are thrilled to be shooting with Ty in Toronto and to be partnering with W Network to offer Canadian audiences a dynamic new design series with international appeal," said Executive Producer and Cineflix Programming CEO Simon Lloyd. "Ty's immense talent and popularity speaks for itself, and this project reflects the tremendous growth at Cineflix, and our aim to produce more programmes with the biggest talent from the US and abroad."

"This playful approach to the home design genre combined with the much loved Ty Pennington should have huge appeal with the W Network audience," said Vibika Bianchi, Director, Original Productions, W Network. "Ty is going to be a wonderful addition to the W Network family of experts; his design expertise and hosting style paired with Janette's design sense are going to make this a must-watch series."

Since first appearing as the quirky and creative carpenter on the groundbreaking home improvement series Trading Spaces, charismatic TV personality Ty Pennington has become a household name. A true believer in random acts of kindness, Ty has helped transform the lives of thousands - while inspiring millions more around the world - both as the star host of the People's Choice- and Emmy Award-winning series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC), and of Ty's Great British Adventure, the highest-rated series ever on UKTV Home. He is also the author of How Good Design Can Change Your Life (2008) and the New York Times bestseller Ty's Tricks, he has a line of seasonal home décor called Ty Pennington Style (Sears), and recently teamed with industry leader Howard Miller to create his own signature line of furniture.

For over a decade, Janette Ewen has been reporting on the hottest design trends for style publications including Chatelaine, Canadian House & Home and The Globe and Mail. Janette is a regular guest on CityLine, Breakfast Television, Canada AM and Urban Rush.

About Cineflix Productions

Currently involved in the production of over 250 hours per year of original non-fiction, multi-genre television programming for international broadcasters, Cineflix Productions is recognized as a leading provider of factual entertainment, entertainment, reality, documentary, drama-documentary and specialist factual programming.

With production spread across our offices in Toronto, London, New York and Montreal, Cineflix Productions prides itself on its ability to attract and retain an exceptionally talented international production staff and top on-screen personalities.

About W Network

Watched by over 10 million viewers in an average month, W Network delivers compelling entertainment for women, ranging from blockbuster movies to popular dramas and lifestyle series. Its website, www.wnetwork.com offers in-depth show information featuring expert advice from hosts in addition to a popular games section and a rich online community. W has built a leadership position as "marketing to women experts" through its various research initiatives, including The Her Report.

About Corus Entertainment Inc.

W Network is owned by Corus Entertainment Inc., a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. Corus is a market leader in specialty television and radio with additional assets in pay television, advertising services, television broadcasting, children's book publishing and children's animation. The company's multimedia entertainment brands include YTV, Treehouse, Nickelodeon (Canada), W Network, CosmoTV, VIVA, Sundance Channel (Canada), Movie Central, HBO Canada, Nelvana, Kids Can Press and radio stations including CKNW, CFOX, CKOI, 98,5 FM, Q107 and 102.1 the Edge. Corus creates engaging branded entertainment experiences for its audiences across multiple platforms. A publicly traded company, Corus is listed on the Toronto (CJR.B) and New York (CJR) exchanges. Experience Corus on the web at www.corusent.com.

For high-resolution images, please visit http://mediacentre.corusent.com

For further information: Media Contact: Cineflix: Aislinn Mosher, Cineflix Director of Communications, [email protected], [phone]; W Network/Corus Entertainment: Lindsay Sutcliffe, Communications, Corus Entertainment, [email protected], [phone]