Brannan unveils entertainment focus for TechTV

US technology channel TechTV's new svp of programming and production Greg Brannan has begun ramping up the network's entertainment programming efforts with the acquisition of a UK series about espionage.

TechTV, which uses technology as a backdrop to all its programming, has picked up Spy School, a (15×30') series produced by UK indie Ten Alps for Flextech-owned men's channel Bravo.

Presented by controversial former British intelligence officer David Shayler, the series reveals the secrets of the world's most elite spy organisations, from the CIA to the KGB. The series will premiere in the second quarter of 2003 on TechTV.

Brannan said: {This espionage series will excite and engage our current viewers and entice our new viewers for what's to come.{

Other new entertainment shows for early 2003 include Wired For Sex, which will provide viewers with a look at technology's ever-changing role between the sheets.

Meanwhile, TechTV has launched an anime strand. Entitled Anime Unleashed, it premiered December 30 and airs nightly at 01:00. The strand comprises half-hour series and feature-length movies such as Crest of Stars, Betterman, Serial Experiments: Lain, Silent Mobius, Dual! and Armitage III: Poly-matrix.

Brannan said: {We wanted to expand TechTV's breadth of lifestyle-entertainment programming; adding Japanese animation is a perfect stepping stone for what is to come in the future.{