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OTF, Smithsonian deal yields HD sales MIPCOM NEWS: Dutch factual distributor Off the Fence (OFT) and Smithsonian Networks have sealed further high-definition sales, on the back of a deal the two signed at MipTV in April.  OFT has already tapped the growing demand for HD programming by selling over 100 hours of Smithsonian's HD programming outside North America.Smithsonian Networks has "one of the most exciting and compelling HD catalogues," said Off the Fence's head of sales Bo Stehmeier. The latest round of licensing encompasses a further 16 broadcasters and programme suppliers across the Middle East, Asia and Europe. History Channel UK and Germany's N24 have both picked up the one-hour documentary Carrier at War, about wartime aircraft carriers. History Channel UK and Planet Cable France have also secured the one-hour special Stealth: Flying Invisible, on the quest for the ultimate undetectable aircraft. Spain's Multicanal Spain has bought Golden Age of Zeppelins (1x30') and Factoria de Canales has picked up Critter Quest! (3x30'). Sweden's pubcaster SVT has secured two programmes, Hunt for the Double Eagle, a docudrama on the infamous coin, and Unbelievable Flying Objects, a humorous look at the black sheep of aviation. Modern Times Group's Viasat, meanwhile, has picked up four shows including Hover Racers (1x60'), Designing Dogs (1x60'), Stealth: Flying Invisible and Supercar Story. Over in the Ukraine, Direct Sight has picked up two shows, Tiger Tales (1x30') and Baby New at the Zoo (1x30'), while Russian Historic Channel has taken the two-part All Dolled Up, which explores the world of doll collecting. Middle Eastern sales are also growing, with Alhurra picking up nine hours of content, including America Wild and Wacky (6x60'), on bizarre US festivals, and the one-hour World's Finest Cars, a behind-the-scenes look at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance festival. Additionally, Tel-Ad Israel has bought the two-part series All Dolled Up, while Delta Productions have acquired the rights to Carrier at War, Hunt for the Double Eagle (1x60') and Stealth: Flying Invisible. In Asian markets, Japan's NHK has picked up Zoo Vets, a one-off looking at the Smithsonian's National Zoo; Ways Media China has acquired the single documentary Designing Dogs, on the growing international trend for hybrid dogs; and China's Wuhan TV has picked up Carrier at War. TVB Hong Kong, meanwhile, has bought America's Wild and Wacky and Supercar Story. OFT has also secured a couple of non-broadcast in-flight sales, with US airlines Delta and Continental both picking up two one-hour specials: America's Greatest Monuments and America's Treasures. WPP-owned in-flight entertainment company Spafax has also picked up Hidden Armor, Found Treasures (1x30') and World's Finest Cars. Gün Akyuz 14 Oct 2008 © C21 Media 2008 
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