January 1st was an exciting day for many reasons: It was the start of a new year, it’s the first day of the month, and it marked the return of the Ovation channel to Time Warner Cable customers. The arts channel, which plays host to the CFDA’s Fashion Fund show, was bumped out of New York by the cable company. But now, they’re back, and outfitted with a brand new SVP of programing and production, Scott Woodward. We caught up with him to talk all about Ovation, The Fashion Fund, and, of course, Anna Wintour.
We’re very excited that Ovation is returning to Time Warner Cable, and subsequently New York City. What’s the deal with this change?
Throughout the past year, Ovation and TWC never stopped negotiating and listening. To their credit, they restored America’s only arts network to all of the Time Warner Cable systems where it has been previously dropped. They even added a few more, including Ovation HD in additional markets around the country.
How will this change affect Ovation, and the premiere of The Fashion Fund?
Ovation’s ratings have been strong throughout. The re-launch means more viewers will have the opportunity to see the channel and the exciting new programming we have in store for 2014, including our original series The Fashion Fund, which premieres on January 22nd.
Did Anna Wintour call you personally when the return of Ovation was announced?
No, she’s a busy woman! But of course, everyone involved with the show is pleased that it will be available in New York, where much of the fashion industry is based.
Do you expect The Fashion Fund to draw a certain stylish crowd to your channel?
Ovation has featured other fashion-themed programming before, but this show is particularly exciting because it features a well-established fashion competition run by the pillars of the fashion industry. I think anyone interested in Anna Wintour and the legitimate fashion world will want to tune in to see this series.
If we’re into The Fashion Fund, what other series should we check out?
Season two of The Art Of, which is an original weekly series. It’s a lot of fun and celebrates all kinds of artistic expression. There are episodes that focus on costume design, and fashion. Music Mavericks is another original series on the network, which focuses on groundbreaking musicians.
Can we look forward to season two of The Fashion Fund?
It’s a little early to say, but The Daily will be among the first to know if we greenlight Season two!
