Penthouse TV, when it officially launches this summer, is expected to give competitors Playboy and New Frontier Media a run for their money. But Monday’s $1.765 million acquisition is hoped to catapult the brand further, with a bigger stock of content that will help drive Penthouse’s DVD, Internet and mobile divisions, as well.
“The JKP assets contain a treasure trove of more than 400 high-quality adult feature films and compilations, including more than 60 as-yet-unreleased titles,” Penthouse CEO Marc H. Bell said. “In this case, Jill Kelly's devoted fan base will drive viewership and sales of adult products and services to the mutual benefit of Penthouse and its mobile licensees, Internet webmasters and cable and satellite television affiliates.”
Penthouse TV, which will originate from a new 50,000-square-foot studio in Glendale, Calif., will include an array of branded programming, including “Pet Confessions,” “Penthouse Letters” and “Variations.” It also will include live shows, including “Dr. Z’s Sex Tips,” “Speed Swap,” “Call the Shots,” “Fresh” and “Stripper Confidential,” from a number of Penthouse clubs throughout the nation.
The company, which rolled out much of its TV product at the National Cable show, has signed up producer and director Michael Ninn to design the look and feel of the network, which will offer video-on-demand, subscription VOD, pay-per-view and subscription to cable and satellite operators. The network also will offer its broadcast in standard or high-definition.
“Platform wise, the JKP acquisition will have a positive impact across the board, but [it] will provide the greatest boost to our Penthouse TV broadcast network,” Penthouse President of Entertainment Jim English said “The JKP library of movies will be a welcome addition to our much anticipated adult lineup of original programs and movies.”
Penthouse learned about the JKP auction just recently, according to court documents. The company wired a deposit of $100,000 to a trust account held by JKP’s creditors committee shortly before the auction Monday.