El Rey Network and Shaw Brothers

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Celestial signs pacts with El Rey
27 February, 2014 | By Liz Shackleton

Hong Kong-based Celestial Pictures has signed a multi-year content deal with El Rey Network, the new cable channel established by filmmaker Robert Rodriguez.

Under the agreement, El Rey Network will offer subscribers titles from the Shaw Brothers library such as The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin, The Sword Of Swords, The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter and The Flying Guillotine.

The films, which will be presented with English subtitles and English dubbed tracks, will screen throughout the network’s schedule and during its monthly Saturday kungfu marathon. The next marathon will air March 1 and features The One Armed Swordsman trilogy.

Robert Rodriguez said: “Long before El Rey Network was born, I had many of the Shaw Brothers films on my playlist at home. It was a hard drive that had my hit list of personal favorites and certainly these titles were among the best in kung-fu films.

“They are action-packed and still have cult status among fans of the genre. We are thrilled to partner with Celestial Pictures on this collection as it is a perfect addition to our existing line-up of renegade programming.”

Celestial Pictures, Saban Capital and Lionsgate jointly own Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE), which operates pay-TV channels such as Celestial Movies and KIX and distributes content for Asian audiences.

El Rey is a 24-hour English-language network curated by Rodriguez and his artistic collective. Content includes original dramas, feature films, grindhouse genre, cult classic action, horror/sci-fi and next-generation sports. Rodriguez and FactoryMade Ventures jointly own the network with a minority stake held by Univision Communications.

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This is the first I've heard of El Rey. Anyone subscribe to it already?

Gordon Liu’s “The 36th Chamber of Shaolin” and Stephen Chow’s “Out of the Dark” are available on iTunes now here in America. I'm just waiting for a free night to watch 36 again. :D

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El Rey: Robert Rodriguez's ambitious, flawed attempt to launch 'the people's network'
The upstart channel and its flagship original series both have problems — but they're the first step toward a more diverse TV landscape
By Scott Meslow | 6:15am ET

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Give Rodriguez credit for coming out guns blazing. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)


n 1992, director Robert Rodriguez clawed his way into the film industry with the $7,000 indie movie El Mariachi, which he partially financed by serving as a human lab rat. It's been 22 years and 14 movies since then, but his latest project — an upstart TV channel called El Rey, which premiered its first original series last night — is his most ambitious yet. Whether it can live up to that ambition is another question.

In a promotional video for El Rey, Rodriguez outlined his grand vision. "I had a quest for diversity in filmmaking and in media. I have now founded the El Rey television network, which is going to be exciting, addictive, visceral entertainment — but with an eye towards keeping that diversity. Having the face of the network more resemble the face of the country. This is the people's network."

The truth, of course, is a little more modest than that. El Rey launched in December 2013, and its current collection of programming consists mainly of syndicated shows like Starsky & Hutch, Dark Angel, Miami Vice, and The X-Files — a collection that seems less like a concentrated effort to increase TV diversity and more like a grab bag of cheap content that has earned Rodriguez's stamp of approval.

But he is unquestionably serious about the question of diversity. At a recent event, Rodriguez explained the genesis of the idea that led to El Rey. As Rodriguez tells it, Bob and Harvey Weinstein — the producers behind his successful Spy Kids series — didn't understand why the central family was of Hispanic descent. Rodriguez was only able to make them understand by putting his idea in the context of another, more famous superspy franchise: "You don't have to be British to watch James Bond." He believes that with the right series featuring actors of Hispanic descent, he can achieve similar crossover appeal, offering new opportunities for actors and filmmakers who have been traditionally marginalized by Hollywood.

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(Facebook.com/Spy Kids)

In person, Rodriguez is both enthusiastic and thoughtful about his work, and his approach to television is unconventional — but in an age of streaming content and binge-watching, it's also forward-thinking. He scoffs at the idea of a pilot season, arguing that "it's better just to do a series" than spend so much time and money on something that might never see the light of day. And he's not particularly concerned about how his projects are initially received. "You don't really care if the audience gets it first," Rodriguez explains. "You're making something for the long haul."

That belief has made Rodriguez something of a trailblazer in the film industry. It led to films like Sin City — a hyper-stylized, hyper-violent black-and-white anthology film. (Despite Rodriguez's own low expectations, Sin City was a solid theatrical hit.) It led him to experiment with 3D movie-making in 2003's Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over and 2005's The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, which came long before major Hollywood studios saw the potential of the format. It has also led Rodriguez to a string of flops, including Grindhouse, a 2007 collaboration with Quentin Tarantino, and last year's Machete Kills.

And now, that belief has formed the backbone of El Rey, which is clearly a direct product of Rodriguez's personal and idiosyncratic interests. Rodriguez likes to tell an anecdote about an early, rudimentary attempt to make his own "television network": A continuous stream of his favorite movies and TV shows, which he played on a loop on a television at his house.

In its current form, El Rey doesn't seem all that different than a public version of the trick Rodriguez employed to make sure he could always watch something he liked on his TV. El Rey's official website doubles as a kind of mission statement, dividing its programming into five categories: Grindhouse, cult horror, kung fu flicks, bullets & brawlers, and badass TV. Yesterday, El Rey aired the Shaw Brothers-produced kung fu movie Executioners From Shaolin, the long-overlooked action flick Rolling Thunder, and Rodriguez's own El Mariachi; today, El Rey is showing long, uninterrupted blocks of X-Files and Starsky & Hutch reruns, along with three hours of the syndicated courtroom show Texas Justice.

http://media.theweek.com/img/generic/Rodriguez1.jpg
(Facebook.com/From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series)

But the next phase of El Rey's evolution came last night, when the network premiered its first original drama: From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series, which is based on Rodriguez's 1996 action/horror flick of the same name. Rodriguez explains that El Rey "wanted to come out swinging" with its first original drama, but it's an odd choice. The movie From Dusk Till Dawn follows a pair of bank-robbing brothers as they take shelter in a Mexican strip club that turns out to be a vampires' lair — and despite the much-maligned direct-to-DVD sequels, it is a very closed-ended story. (Glancing over Rodriguez's filmography, Sin City, Machete, and even Spy Kids seem to have far more series potential.)

The pilot was the only episode screened for critics, and it extends the original narrative while hewing very closely to its original plot. Rodriguez himself shot the pilot, and it shows. D.J. Cotrona makes for a fine small-screen facsimile of George Clooney, and — at the risk of ****ing with faint praise — Zane Holtz is actually an improvement on Quentin Tarantino, who co-starred in the original film. The TV show's major innovation is a second protagonist: A Texas Ranger played by Jesse Garcia, who vows to hunt the brothers down.

It all feels frustratingly familiar, and it comes alongside a heaping dose of sexism: There are four women in the pilot, and three of them are victims. It's a glaring problem, and it will only get worse if From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series doesn't address it within the first five minutes of episode two. If El Rey really wants to become "the people's network," it needs to stop being the Robert Rodriguez network — which will mean offering more than the violent genre content that makes up the vast majority of El Rey's current programming.

For all its flaws, the pilot for From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series does make good on one aspect of the promise of El Rey: It really is far more diverse than the average TV series, in a way that's both immediately apparent and immediately gratifying. It's a mission that El Rey is poised to double down on with Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman's Matador, a "Latino James Bond-type series" scheduled to debut in July.

In an attempt to boil down El Rey's mission statement, Rodriguez says he wanted to make "a network that was for everybody, yet had an eye for more diversity." He's halfway there.

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The last fight scene betwen Hung WaiTing and PaiMei's cohort in Clan of the White Lotus is on El Rey right now in full 1080p!

Flying Five Finger One Armed Eight Pole Shaolin Exploding Death Touch Thursdays ROCK! A classic Kung Fu double feature uncut every Thursday. I'm totally hooked and have dedicated my Thursdays to EL REY. As wenshu said, last night was Clan of the White Lotus (1980) the sequel to Executioners of Shaolin (1977) PLUS Clan of Amazons (1978) which was a very amusing film that I hadn't seen before (or at least, don't remember).

I'm thinking this needs its own thread soon.

I just got the following press release from EL REY NETWORK.

What an amazing line-up of films! :D

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TUNE IN: “WAY OF THE TURKEY” THANKSGIVING KUNG FU MARATHON FEATURING 48 HOURS OF ACTION-PACKED KUNG FU FILMS BEGINNING
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27th AT 6 AM ET ON EL REY NETWORK

Marathon Includes a Special Tribute Airing of “Enter the Dragon” on November 27th at 10:12 AM: The Exact Day and Time of Bruce Lee’s Birth

Join El Rey Network for a Thanksgiving kung fu marathon that brings you 48 hours of some of the greatest kung fu films of our time, airing Thursday, November 27th starting at 6 AM ET and concluding on Saturday, November 29th at 3:15 AM ET

The marathon will begin at the crack of dawn with “Challenge of the Masters” on Thursday, November 27th at 6 AM ET, and culminate with “Blood Brothers” on Saturday, November 29th at 3:15 AM ET. El Rey Network will also honor film star and martial arts master Bruce Lee, airing his final film “Enter the Dragon” on what would have been his 74th birthday.

The films will air in the following order:

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27th

“Challenge of the Masters” at 6 AM ET
A young man (Gordon Liu) wants to learn kung fu and to enter the traditional Lion Dance Festival. In the midst of all of this is a mysterious killer with a lethal death kick. This story teaches the essence of what true kung fu is all about.

“The Deadly Breaking Sword” at 8 AM ET
The Deadly Breaking Sword elevated director Sun Chung to the martial arts director ranks of Chang Cheh. Starring the incomparable Ti Lung and Jackie Chan's kung-fu comedic rival Alexander Fu Sheng, acclaimed fight choreographer Tang Chia had a field day increasing the stars' venomous fighting appeal. Armed with the "Deadly Breaking Sword" technique, Tuen Cheng-tsin (Ti Lung) unites with thief Ko Mun (Alexander Fu Sheng) to defeat an assassin being "acupuncturingly" controlled by the evil Dr. Kuo.

“Enter the Dragon” at 10:12 AM ET (7:12 PT the time Bruce Lee was born on this day in 1940 in San Francisco, the year and hour of the Dragon)
A martial arts expert named Lee is hired by a government agency to infiltrate the operation of a criminal, organizing a martial arts tournament to front his illegal drugs empire. Han, the leader of this operation, is a former member of Lee’s Shaolin Temple turned rogue and Lee is considered the best candidate to enter the tournament as a competitor, giving him the opportunity to investigate.

“All Men Are Brothers “at 12:30 PM ET
This is the long-awaited sequel to the martial arts blockbuster "Water Margin", which was released in America on video as "Seven Blows of the Dragon." So now, finally, its many international fans can see this action-packed follow-up, based on one of China's most enduring 14th Century novels. Also known as "Seven Soldiers of Kung Fu" and "108 Heroes," it is truly an epic by any name, featuring a cast of perennial kung fu favorites, and no less than four action choreographers!

“The Kung-Fu Instructor” at 2:45 PM ET
The Kung-fu Instructor was director Sun Chung's loose homage to Akira Kurosawa's Yojimbo where unlike hero Sanjuro being a gruff, snarling, drunk swordsman looking for a drink, beloved actor Ti Lung plays an upright, righteous, weapon instructor looking to keep his limbs. Sun became the first Shaw Brothers' director to use a Steadicam giving the action a unique brand of tension and rhythm. Celebrated martial arts choreographer Tang Chia did wonders with the pole fights.

“Ten Tigers of Kwangtung” at 5:00 PM_ET
Two men seek to avenge the death of their relative, who was searching for the Anti-Change leader. They locate five students who were trained by the Ten tigers. As they talk, you learn how the Ten Tigers got involved.

“The Deadly Breaking Sword” at 7:00 PM ET
[See description above]

“All Men Are Brothers “at 9:15 PM ET
[See description above]

“The Kung-Fu Instructor” at 11:30 PM ET
[See description above]

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28th

“Kid from Kwangtung” at 1:45 AM_ET
Respected actor and action choreographer Hsu Hsia didn't waste his chance to direct -- inviting three other kung-fu designers to help on this fight-filled thriller. Wang Yu, co-star of such classics as Dirty Ho and The Kid With A Tattoo, here takes center stage as a young rascal caught between master martial arts actor Jen Shih-kuan (“Once Upon A Time In China”) and violent Huang Cheng-li (“Snake In The Eagle's Shadow”). From there on, it's one masterful kung-fu bout after another.

“Challenge of the Masters” at 4:00 AM_ET
[See description above]

“Ten Tigers of Kwangtung” at 6:00 AM_ET
[See description above]

“Kid from Kwangtung” at 8:15 AM_ET
[See description above]

“Mad Monkey Kung Fu” at 10:30 AM ET
Liu Chia Liang and Kara Hui Ying Hung star as traveling stage performers in an opera troupe. They wander into a town where an evil rich man (Lo Lieh) falls for his sister and frames him for the rape of his wife, so that his sister will agree to be his concubine. He takes a mischievous, but kind-hearted street kid (Hsiao Ho) under his wing and teaches him the secrets of "Monkey-boxing".

“Legendary Weapons of China” at 1 PM ET
Foreigners have invaded China and the Boxer Rebellion has begun. The kung fu schools band together against their new enemy - the Gun. The head of the I-Ho Society Lei Kung (Liu Chia Liang) disbands his school, knowing that they're no match against the foreign weapons and goes into hiding as a woodcutter. Masters from other school send hired killers after him to silence him because they want others to believe that kung fu practitioners are invincible against guns.

“Golden Swallow” at 3:15 PM ET
The indomitable martial arts team of director Chang Cheh and stunt choreographer Liu Chia-liang bring the Golden Swallow of King Hu's Come Drink With Me back to life again in this sequel of heartbreaking romance, intrigue and stunning action. Cheng Pei-pei's Golden Swallow finds her peaceful life shattered when an unrequited suitor starts a killing spree in her good name, the two men in her life also race towards a final showdown.

“Blood Brothers” at 5:30 PM ET
Set in the waning years of the Ching Dynasty, this dramatic, tragic, romantic, blood-soaked martial arts tale of betrayal and revenge explores one of the most sensational scandals in Chinese history and marked the true ascension of its director and actors to superstar status. In fact, Ti Lung won Taiwan's Golden Horse Award for Outstanding Performance as the challenging role of a jealous provincial governor who kills his friend in order to steal the man's wife.

“Mad Monkey Kung Fu” at 8:30 PM ET
[See description above]

“Legendary Weapons of China” at 10:45 PM ET
[See description above]

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29th

“Golden Swallow” at 1:00 AM ET
[See description above]

“Blood Brothers” at 3:15 AM ET
[See description above]

We hope you will consider posting about or highlighting the marathon for your readers.

About El Rey Network
El Rey Network is a new 24-hour English language network founded by maverick filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. Curated by Rodriguez and his artistic collective, the network unites the most culturally diverse generation in history through fearless, badass and original content that awakens the renegade in everyone. The network's action-packed content is anchored by original signature dramas, feature films, grindhouse genre, cult classic action, and horror/sci-fi. El Rey Network LLC (www.elreynetwork.com) is jointly owned by Robert Rodriguez and FactoryMade Ventures with a minority stake held by Univision Networks & Studios, Inc.

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Check this out: http://www.elreynetwork.com/vault/kung-fu
Like this: https://www.facebook.com/ElReyNetwork
And RIDE WITH EL REY!

https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...3d&oe=54E0980A

El Rey is advertising with us, so they have my attention. And even though it's not martial arts, who here can resist a Kaiju Christmas? ;)

From Press Release:

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Join El Rey Network for a “Kaiju Christmas” marathon that brings you over 48 hours of giant monster mania featuring the original King of the Monsters, Godzilla. El Rey Network is celebrating the iconic fire-breather with a mega marathon that befits this behemoth’s pop culture impact.

The Godzilla marathon stomps into homes with the original film that started it all, Gojira on Wednesday, December 24, at 6 PM ET and culminates with Godzilla vs. Biollante on Saturday, December 27, at 3:45 AM ET.

The “Kaiju Christmas” Godzilla films will air in the following order:

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24

Gojira at 6:00 PM ET
In the very first Godzilla film, a 400-foot-tall mutant dinosaur called Gojira, awakened from the depths of the sea, becomes a rampaging nuclear nightmare, complete with glowing dorsal fins and fiery, radioactive breath. Crushing ships, villages, and buildings in his wake, Gojira marches toward Tokyo.

Godzilla: King of the Monsters at 8:15 PM ET
American reporter Steve Martin witnesses a 400-foot amphibious monster, brought back to life by underwater nuclear testing, go on a rampage through Tokyo.

Rodan at 10:30 PM ET
A giant pterodactyl whose wings create massive, destructive winds as it flies by makes its way to Japan.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25

Ghidorrah: The Three-Headed Monster at 12:15 AM ET
The citizens of Tokyo are subjected to an ill-tempered atomic mutant: the triple-headed Ghidrah, who breathes electric volts in all directions.

Godzilla Raids Again at 2:15 AM ET
Tsukioka and Kobayashi fly scout planes for a small fishing fleet, based in Osaka. A mechanical problem forces Kobayashi to set his plane down on remote Iwato island, and as he and Tsukioka are trying to make repairs, they are drawn to the sound of a horrendous conflagration and discover two enormous dinosaurs battling each other amid the snowy wastes of the island.

Godzilla vs. Monster Zero at 4:00 AM ET
Following discovery of the mysterious Planet X in our solar system, a joint U.S./Japanese space exploratory mission is organized. The explorers discover aliens who claim their planet has been under constant attack from the powerful Monster Zero.

Godzilla vs. Mothra at 6:00 AM ET
A battle royale between two of Japan’s most dangerous threats.

Godzilla’s Revenge at 8:00 AM ET
A precocious little boy has real-life traumas including harassment by bullies and kidnapping by a gang of bank robbers. He escapes these dilemmas mainly by taking frequent naps, during which he dreams of journeys to Monster Island to partake in Godzilla’s exploits.

Terror of Mechagodzilla at 9:45 AM ET
A race of malevolent aliens bent on world domination unleash the ultimate weapon of destruction on mankind, leaving them with no hope for survival but the power of the mighty Godzilla.

Godzilla vs. Biollante at 11:30 AM ET
After rising from his volcanic grave, Godzilla is threatened by a mutated rosebush.

Gojira at 1:45 AM ET
[See description above]

Godzilla: King of the Monsters at 4:00 PM ET
[See description above]

Rodan at 6:30 PM ET
[See description above]

Ghidorrah: The Three-Headed Monster at 8:15 PM ET
[See description above]

Godzilla Raids Again at 10:15 PM ET
[See description above]

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26th

Godzilla vs. Monster Zero at 12:00 Midnight ET
[See description above]

Godzilla vs. Mothra at 2:15 AM ET
[See description above]

Godzilla’s Revenge at 4:15 AM ET
[See description above]

Terror of Mechagodzilla at 6:00 AM ET
[See description above]

Godzilla vs. Biollante at 7:45 AM ET
[See description above]

Gojira at 10:00 AM ET
[See description above]

Godzilla: King of the Monsters at 12:15 PM ET
[See description above]

Rodan at 2:30 PM ET
[See description above]

Ghidorrah: The Three-Headed Monster at 4:15 PM ET
[See description above]

Godzilla Raids Again at 6:15 PM ET
[See description above]

Godzilla vs. Monster Zero at 8:00 PM ET
[See description above]

Godzilla vs. Mothra at 10:15 PM ET
[See description above]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27th

Godzilla’s Revenge at 12:15 AM ET
[See description above]

Terror of Mechagodzilla at 2:00 AM ET
[See description above]

Godzilla vs. Biollante at 3:45 AM ET
[See description above]

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http://www.kungfumagazine.com/admin/...arathon_R2.gif

Visit www.elreynetwork.com/vault/kung-fu. :cool:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.n...81a9fdf606425f

The Chinese New Year Marathon on EL REY is called Mutton For Punishment (2015 is the year of the Ram). They are showing five films - I think one is Five Deadly Venoms from the preview - but I'm not sure. As soon as I see a full roster, I'll post it here.

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El Rey Network to Launch on Suddenlink
2/03/2015 04:59:04 PM

Austin, TX, Feb. 3, 2015 -- Today, Suddenlink and El Rey Network announced that the network is now available to Suddenlink customers in selected cities across the country. El Rey Network is an English-language general entertainment network founded by maverick filmmaker Robert Rodriguez (From Dusk Till Dawn, Sin City, Spy Kids, Machete). Curated by Rodriguez and his artistic collective, the network unites the most culturally diverse generation in history through fearless original scripted and unscripted programming, movies, and cult-classic acquired series that awaken the renegade in everyone. Current original series airing on El Rey Network include “From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series”, the Lucha Libre wrestling series “Lucha Underground” and “El Rey Network presents: The Director’s Chair”.
”El Rey provides unique programming that enhances the variety of entertainment choices we offer customers,” said Senior Vice President and Chief Programming Officer Kathy Payne. “We’re pleased to add it to our growing list of viewing options.”
"We're excited that Suddenlink customers will now have access to El Rey Network's cutting edge programming," commented El Rey Network Chairman and Founder Robert Rodriguez. "Our content reflects the changing face of the American television viewer and we're proud that Suddenlink and other distributors support this new and growing audience.”

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I don't really know what Suddenlink is, but I get a lot of people asking me about how to view El Rey nowadays, and I direct them to this thread. :cool:

Read Robert Rodriguez on Shaw Brothers and EL REY NETWORK, another exclusive extra to our March+April 2015 issue.

An old friend mentioned they couldn't get EL REY on DISH on a facebook comment on the article above. I thought I posted this already. Maybe it disappeared in a forum blip. It's posted now.

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El Rey Network to Launch on DISH
January 29, 2015 11:07 AM Eastern Standard Time

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, DISH Network L.L.C. and El Rey Network announced that El Rey Network is now available to DISH customers.

“We are pleased that DISH understands the importance of providing something truly different for their subscribers and we couldn't be more excited about our launch”

El Rey Network is an English-language general entertainment network founded by maverick filmmaker Robert Rodriguez (From Dusk Till Dawn, Sin City, Spy Kids, Machete.) Curated by Rodriguez and his artistic collective, the network unites the most culturally diverse generation in history through fearless original scripted and unscripted programming, movies, and cult-classic acquired series that awaken the renegade in everyone.

“DISH is pleased to deliver El Rey Network’s cutting-edge content to our broad customer base,” said Warren Schlichting, DISH senior vice president of programming. “El Rey’s unique original series and films allow us to deliver a new style of programming to our customers.”

"We are pleased that DISH understands the importance of providing something truly different for their subscribers and we couldn't be more excited about our launch," noted Robert Rodriguez, Founder and Chairman, El Rey Network. He added: "In addition to being a destination for exciting and action-packed content, El Rey has also become synonymous with iconic programming that better reflects the diverse face of America. We are proud of what we've accomplished both in front of and behind the camera and want to thank our friends at DISH for supporting that mission."

El Rey Network is available on channel 253 in DISH programming packages including America’s Top 200, America‘s Top 250 and America’s Everything Pak, and Dish LATINO packages including Plus, Dos and Max.

About DISH

DISH Network Corp. (NASDAQ: DISH), through its subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., provides approximately 14.041 million satellite TV customers, as of Sept. 30, 2014, with the highest-quality programming and technology with the most choices at the best value. Subscribers enjoy a high definition line-up with more than 200 national HD channels, the most international channels, and award-winning HD and DVR technology. DISH Network Corp. is a Fortune 250 company. Visit www.dish.com.

Subscribe to DISH email alerts: http://about.dish.com/alerts

Follow @DISHNews on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DISHNews

About DishLATINO

DishLATINO is the market-leading suite of English and Spanish language programming packages in the United States. It offers its customers more than 40 Spanish-language news, entertainment, and sports channels in combination with DISH’s broad English-language programming lineup of more than 200 channels. DishLATINO customers can receive the Hopper, the industry’s most awarded DVR, and take advantage of in-language customer service as well as payment options such as FlexTV, a no-term contract, prepaid pay-TV product.

About El Rey Network

El Rey Network is a 24-hour English language network founded by maverick filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. Curated by Rodriguez and his artistic collective, the network unites the most culturally diverse generation in history through fearless, badass and original content that awakens the renegade in everyone. The network's action-packed content is anchored by original signature dramas, feature films, grindhouse genre, cult classic action, and horror/sci-fi. El Rey Network LLC (www.elreynetwork.com) is jointly owned by Robert Rodriguez and FactoryMade Ventures with a minority stake held by Univision Networks & Studios, Inc.

About Univision Communications Inc.

Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) is the leading media company serving Hispanic America. The Company, a leading content creator in the U.S., includes Univision Network, one of the top five networks in the U.S. regardless of language and the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the country reaching approximately 94% of U.S. Hispanic television households; UniMás, a leading Spanish-language broadcast television network reaching approximately 88% of U.S. Hispanic television households; Univision Cable Networks, including Galavisión, the country’s leading Spanish-language cable network, as well as Univision tlnovelas, a 24-hour cable network dedicated to novelas, Univision Deportes Network, a 24-hour cable network dedicated to sports, ForoTV, a 24-hour Spanish-language cable network dedicated to news, and an additional suite of cable offerings - De Película, De Película Clásico, Bandamax, Ritmoson and Telehit; Univision Television Group, which owns and/or operates 61 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Radio, the leading Hispanic radio group which owns and/or operates 67 radio stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; an Interactive network of online and mobile apps and products including UVideos, the first bilingual digital network serving Hispanic America, Uforia, the leading Hispanic digital music service, Univision.com, the No. 1 most-visited Spanish-language website among U.S. online Hispanics, and Univision Partner Group, a specialized advertising and publisher network. UCI’s assets also include a minority stake in El Rey Network, a 24-hour English-language network founded by maverick filmmaker Robert Rodriguez, and a joint venture with Disney/ABC Television Network for Fusion, a news, pop culture and satire TV and digital network. Headquartered in New York City, UCI has television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States. For more information, please visit www.Univision.net.

Contacts

DISH
John Hall, 303-723-1968
johnw.hall@dish.com
@DISHNews
or
El Rey Network
Katie Lanegran, 646-560-4986
Katie@elreynetwork.com

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El Rey's Chinese New Year Kung Fu Marathon list is posted:

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THU, FEB 19, 2015

6:00 am
Shaolin Mantis

8:30 am
The Five Fingers of Death

11:00 am
Five Elements Ninjas

1:15 pm
Heroes of the East

3:45 pm
The Five Deadly Venoms

6:15 pm
Shaolin Mantis

8:30 pm
The Five Fingers of Death

10:45 pm
The Five Deadly Venoms

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Today will be a good day. :)

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THIS WEEKEND: MOVIE MADNESS ON EL REY NETWORK

TWO SPECTACULAR MOVIE EVENTS IN ONE WEEKEND: SATURDAY SCREAM-A-THON HORROR MOVIE MARATHON AND KUNG FU LADY MARATHON

March 5 – Austin TX – Starting on March 7th El Rey Network will highlight some of its best film collections with two movie marathons featuring horror, classic Shaw Brothers Kung Fu, and jam-packed action. Join the El Rey Network on March 7th and dive deep into some gruesome slasher terror with the Saturday Scream-a-Thon Horror Movie Marathon featuring films never before seen on El Rey Network including DON’T TORTURE A DUCKLING, and ZOMBIE among others. Tune-in again on March 8th for a Kung Fu Lady Marathon as El Rey Network celebrates International Women’s Day by featuring some of the most intrepid and unapologetic women in Kung Fu history and in film.
Below, please find the programming schedule for El Rey Network’s Weekend Movie Madness Marathons airing on Saturday, March 7th at 12:30PM/ET and Sunday, March 8th at 6AM/ET.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7th
Saturday Scream-a-Thon Horror Movie Marathon
Get ready for some chills and scrams as this horror movie marathon invades your TV set. Filled with classic Italian and film noir horror films never before seen on El Rey Network’s air this marathon reunites viewers with some of the most graphic and horrific brutal killers.
“Don’t Torture a Duckling at 12:30PM/ET
“The Church” at 2:45PM/ET
“Inferno” at 5:00PM/ET
“Shock” at 7:30PM/ET
“Zombie” at 9:45PM/ET
“The Fifth Cord” at 11:45PM/ET
“Deathdream” at 3:00AM/ET

SUNDAY, MARCH 8th
Kung Fu Lady Marathon
El Rey Network celebrates their favorite type of ladies, the fighting kind. Join in as the Network celebrates International Women’s Day with 16 hours of classic Shaw Brothers Kung Fu films featuring strong female protagonists kicking and screaming their way to justice.
“Lady of the Law” at 6:00AM/ET and 2:00PM/ET
“Lady with a Sword” at 8:00AM/ET and 4:00PM/ET
“The Lady is The Boss” at 10AM/ET and 6:00PM/ET
“The Lady Assassin” at 12:00PM/ET and 8:00PM/ET

To find El Rey Network in your area please check out the channel finder at http://bit.ly/ElReyChannelfinder
About El Rey Network
El Rey Network is a new 24-hour English language network founded by maverick filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. Curated by Rodriguez and his artistic collective, the network unites the most culturally diverse generation in history through fearless, badass and original content that awakens the renegade in everyone. The network's action-packed content is anchored by original signature dramas, feature films, grindhouse genre, cult classic action, and horror/sci-fi. El Rey Network LLC (www.elreynetwork.com) is jointly owned by Robert Rodriguez and FactoryMade Ventures with a minority stake held by Univision Networks & Studios, Inc.

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Tonight for Flying Five Finger One Armed Eight Pole Shaolin Exploding Death Touch Thursday, El Rey is playing the 36 Chamber Trilogy. Yeah, you know where I'll be tonight. :D
2:30 PM THE 36TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN
5:00 PM RETURN TO THE 36TH CHAMBER
7:15 PM DISCIPLES OF THE 36TH CHAMBER
9:15 PM THE 36TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN
11:45 PM RETURN TO THE 36TH CHAMBER

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This is from the interview I did with Robert Rodriguez for our March April 2015 issue (the full interview was posted online and listed above).

Tonight is Flying Five Finger One Armed Eight Pole Shaolin Exploding Death Touch Thursday on EL REY, although it looks like they may have dropped that laborious title and now are just going with Kung Fu Flicks.

Scheduled for tonight:
2:30 pm Legend of the Bat
4:45 pm Shaolin Mantis
7:00 pm Flying Guillotine
9:15 pm Flying Guillotine 2
11:15 pm Flying Guillotine

Best. Channel. Ever.

I have so many kung fun movies on DVR now.

This Thursday is Challenge of the Masters and Mad Monkey Kung Fu.

I have to say, though, I'm not a big Lo Lieh fan, except when he's playing Pai Mei.

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CHANG CHEH MARATHON ON EL REY NETWORK - FATHER OF KUNG FU CINEMA - THIS SATURDAY JUNE 20 STARTING AT 6 AM ET

El Rey Network is celebrating Father’s Day all weekend long, featuring ten films from The Father of Kung Fu Cinema, Chang Cheh. Join us for a legendary, action-packed weekend beginning Saturday, June 20 at 6:00a ET. For further information, contact Erin Mahon / erinm@ferencomm.com / 212.983.9898


CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY ALL WEEKEND LONG WITH EL REY NETWORK AS THEY SALUTE THE FATHER OF KUNG FU CINEMA, CHANG CHEH, WITH OVER 40 HOURS OF HIS MOST HARD HITTING WORK

Watch the promo here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d9njyH5kbA


June 17, 2015 (Austin, TX) -- El Rey Network will celebrate Father’s Day with a Kung Fu marathon dedicated to the most prolific director Shaw Brothers’ history and the Father of Kung Fu Cinema, Chang Cheh. Starting Saturday, June 20th at 6am ET, El Rey Network will be playing 10 of his most action packed fan favorites including: The Five Deadly Venoms, Disciples of Shaolin, and One-Armed Swordsman. Join El Rey Network in celebrating the unique action-packed style of this master of Kung Fu cinema.

Below, please find the programming schedule for El Rey Network’s Chang Cheh Father of Kung Fu Cinema Marathon airing on Saturday, June 20th and Sunday, June 21st.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20th (all times ET)
“The Assassin” 6:00am and 6:00pm
“The Boxer from Shantung” 8:30am and 8:30pm
“The Heroic Ones” 11:15am and 11:15pm
“Disciples of Shaolin” 1:45pm and 1:45am
“The Kid with the Golden Arm” 4:00pm

SUNDAY, JUNE 21th (all times ET)
“Masked Avengers” 4:00am and 5:15
“The Kid with the Golden Arm” 6:00am
“One-Armed Swordsman” 8:00am and 7:45pm
“Return of the One-Armed Swordsman” 10:30am and 9:45pm
“The Five Deadly Venoms” 12:45pm and 12:00am
“Crippled Avengers”3:00pm and 2:15am

To find El Rey Network in your area please check out the channel finder at http://bit.ly/ElReyChannelfinder

About El Rey Network
El Rey Network is a 24-hour English language network founded by maverick filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. Curated by Rodriguez and his artistic collective, the network unites the most culturally diverse generation in history through fearless, badass and original content that awakens the renegade in everyone. The network's action-packed content is anchored by original signature dramas, feature films, grindhouse genre, cult classic action, and horror/sci-fi. El Rey Network LLC (www.elreynetwork.com) is jointly owned by Robert Rodriguez and FactoryMade Ventures with a minority stake held by Univision Networks & Studios, Inc.

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I've been enjoying the 200+ Shaw Brothers flicks but I wish EL REY would dig a little deeper into that library. They seem to keep replaying the same two dozen titles over and over. I'd like to see some of the more obscure stuff get shown.

Nice marathon. I wish El Rey would dig deeper into their Shaw Brother archive. Of the 250+ films they have acquired, I doubt they've shown 50 of them. They just keep showing the same ones over and over. They've cherry-picked the best ones for sure, but I've seen all of these several times by now. I want to see the ones I might have missed or only seen once.

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EL REY NETWORK PROVIDES A SECOND HELPING OF KUNG FU WITH THE SECOND ANNUAL
"WAY OF THE TURKEY" THANKSGIVING MARATHON FEATURING 72 HOURS OF ACTION-PACKED KUNG-FU FILMS BEGINNING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26th AT 6 AM ET ON EL REY NETWORK

Marathon Includes Films Hosted by Shannon Lee and Dario Cueto

Give thanks for Kung Fu when El Rey Network presents the second annual “Way of the Turkey” Thanksgiving marathon featuring 96 hours of kung-fu films, airing Thursday, November 26th starting at 6 AM ET and concluding on Sunday, November 29th at 6:00 AM ET. Shannon Lee, daughter of the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee, and Dario Cueto of El Rey Network’s “Lucha Underground” will host select films.

The marathon will begin "Ten Tigers of Kwangtung" on Thursday, November 26th at 6 AM ET, and culminate with "House of Traps" on Sunday, November 29th at 4:00 AM ET (see schedule on the attached page).

Films that will air in alphabetical order:

“The 36th Chamber of Shaolin”
The anti-Ching patriots, under the guidance of Ho Kuang-han, have secretly set up their base in Canton, disguised as school masters. During a brutal Manchu attack, Lui manages to escape and devotes himself to learning the martial arts in order to seek revenge. In a short period of time he masters the deadly use of his fists, feet and palms, along with such weapons as swords, sticks, and lances. With his learning complete, he takes on the Manchus.

“The Big Boss”
Hosted by Shannon Lee & Dario Cueto
A young man sworn to an oath of non-violence works with his cousins in an ice factory where they mysteriously begin to disappear.

“Challenge of the Masters”
Teenager Wong Fei-hung is sent to train in the art of hung gar kung fu from his father's teacher, Luk Ah-choy. With training complete, Wong must fight an assassin and regain the honor of his school.

“Clan of the White Lotus”
A martial artist learns special skills to exact revenge from a group of fighters that killed his friends.

“Come Drink With Me”
A group of bandits kidnaps the governor's son and demands their imprisoned leader to be set free in exchange.

“Crippled Avengers”
Three men, crippled by an evil warlord, become friends and learn kung fu with the help of an old teacher and his idiot pupil.

“Executioners from Shaolin”
Hosted by Dario Cueto
A couple unite - she is fluent in the crane style of kung fu, he in tiger style. They have a son, but the boy's father is killed by the evil eunuch Bai Mei. Disguised as a girl, his mom trains him in crane style while he secretly learns tiger style from his father's training manual.

“The Five Deadly Venoms”
A dying master sends his last student to check up on five former pupils, who each know a special style of kung fu.

“Five Fingers of Death”
Hosted by Dario Cueto
Promising young student Chi-Hao is sent away to train under a new master in order that he may be able to win a martial arts tournament and thus prevent the local thugs from getting the power and prestige that would come were they to win it.

“Fist of Fury (AKA The Chinese Connection)”
Hosted by Shannon Lee & Dario Cueto
Chen Zhen (Bruce Lee) has left his homeland of China and relocated to stay with family in Thailand. Chen, who swore to his mother that he would avoid violence in his new life and even wears a necklace to remind himself of this oath, is tested when he confronts trouble at his job. When he finds out the factory he works at is a cover for a drug ring, and his family members are murdered by members of the gang, he can avoid fighting no more and decides to confront his corrupt boss.

“The Flying Guillotine”
Chen Kuan-tai battles assassins that use a deadly, beheading weapon to kill dissidents. Based on true events, the film's weapon was completely fabricated because in real life, no one ever survived to tell what the weapon actually looked like.

“Game of Death”
Hosted by Shannon Lee
An actor (Bruce Lee) shot by gangsters fakes his death, has plastic surgery and seeks kung-fu revenge.

“House of Traps”
From the great Chang Cheh comes this highly sought after action spectacular about a team of skilled fighters navigating a house rigged with an array of ingenious and deadly traps.

“Legendary Weapons of China”
A band of killers from an ailing kung fu and magic society are sent on a manhunt for a former member of the society, whose bad mouthing threatens its existence.

“One-Armed Swordsman”
A betrayed kung fu student retreats to live a peaceful existence, until duty forces him to learn a deadly new fighting style and return to a world of violence and vengeance.

“Opium and the Kung-Fu Master”
Opium and the Kung-Fu Master is a 1984 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Tang Chia, who also serves as one of the film's action directors, and stars Ti Lung as the titular protagonist.

“Ten Tigers of Kwangtung”
Assassins stalk a group of martial-arts students whose fathers risked their lives to save a revolutionary years before.

“Vengeance”
China 1925, a man returns to track down a kill the men who murdered his brother.

“Way of the Dragon”
Hosted by Shannon Lee & Dario Cueto
A man visits his relatives at their restaurant in Italy and has to help them defend against brutal gangsters harassing them.

To find El Rey Network in your area please check out the channel finder at http://bit.ly/ElReyChannelfinder

El Rey Network social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/ElReyNetwork
Twitter: twitter.com/ElReyNetwork
Instagram: instagram.com/ElReyNetwork
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ElReyNetwork
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+ElReyNetwork

About El Rey Network
El Rey Network is a 24-hour English language network founded by maverick filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. Curated by Rodriguez and his artistic collective, the network unites "the new mainstream" through badass content that awakens the renegade in everyone. El Rey's action-packed slate is anchored by signature series including the original drama, "From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series", the one-on-one interview program, "El Rey Network Presents: The Director's Chair" and "Lucha Underground," a freestyle wrestling series from Mark Burnett. El Rey Network's lineup also showcases a wide range of iconic feature films and TV series including genre, cult classics, action, and horror/sci-fi. El Rey Network LLC is jointly owned by Robert Rodriguez and FactoryMade Ventures with a minority stake held by Univision Networks & Studios, Inc.

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I just got this press release from El Rey. I'm surprised they went this direction instead of with Lucha Underground for Cinco de Mayo.

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GET READY FOR BATTLE WITH EL REY NETWORK DURING THE

“CINCO DE MAYHEM” MARATHON BEGINNING

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016 AT 6:00 AM ET/PT

Join us for El Rey Network’s “Cinco De Mayhem” marathon featuring iconic kick-ass kung-fu films including GOLDEN SWALLOW, COME DRINK WITH ME, THE BLACK TAVERN, DIRTY HO, OPIUM AND THE KUNG-FU MASTER, AND LEGENDARY WEAPONS OF CHINA. The chaos will hit your television screen on Thursday, May 5 at 6:00AM ET/PT.

Grab your tacos & tequila with a side of nunchuks and commemorate the arduous Battle of Puebla that took place on Cinco De Mayo and enjoy the mayhem!

THURSDAY May 5, 2016

6:00 AM ET/PT “GOLDEN SWALLOW”

8:00 AM ET/PT “COME DRINK WITH ME”

10:00 AM ET/PT “THE BLACK TAVERN”

11:45 AM ET/PT “DIRTY HO”

1:45 PM ET/PT “OPIUM AND THE KUNG-FU MASTER”

3:45 PM ET/PT “LEGENDARY WEAPONS OF CHINA”

6:00 PM ET/PT “GOLDEN SWALLOW”

8:00 PM ET/PT “COME DRINK WITH ME”

10:00 PM ET/PT “THE BLACK TAVERN”

11:45 PM ET/PT “DIRTY HO”

1:45 AM ET/PT “OPIUM AND THE KUNG-FU MASTER”

3:45 AM ET/PT “LEGENDARY WEAPONS OF CHINA”

El Rey Network’s “Cinco De Mayhem” Marathon Film Schedule


GOLDEN SWALLOW (1968)
The indomitable martial arts team of director Chang Cheh and stunt choreographer Liu Chia-liang continues the compelling saga of Golden Swallow from King Hu's Come Drink with Me in this sequel of heartbreaking romance, jianghu intrigue and stunning action.

COME DRINK WITH ME (1966)
A group of bandits kidnaps the governor's son and demands their imprisoned leader to be set free in exchange.

THE BLACK TAVERN (1972)
This sword-filled thriller centers on the title location--an inn where the down and dirty meet to plot nefarious doings. Award winning actor Ku Feng stars as the "Whip Devil," while the luminous and lethal Shih Szu plays "The Lady Hermit" who has a surprise in store for all the double-crossing masters of mayhem.

DIRTY HO (1976)
A prince enlists a thief to serve as his bodyguard to protect him from assassins.

OPIUM AND THE KUNG-FU MASTER (1984)
A Kung Fu master finds out that an opium den is destroying the lives of the town he lives in, and vows to put an end to the den, but first he must try to defeat the strongest enemy he has ever faced: his addiction to the drug itself.

LEGENDARY WEAPONS OF CHINA (1982)
A band of killers from an ailing kung fu and magic society are sent on a manhunt for a former member of the society, whose bad mouthing threatens it's existence.

GOLDEN SWALLOW (1968)
The indomitable martial arts team of director Chang Cheh and stunt choreographer Liu Chia-Liang continues the compelling saga of Golden Swallow from King Hu's Come Drink with Me in this sequel of heartbreaking romance, Jiangsu intrigue and stunning action.

COME DRINK WITH ME (1966)
A betrayed kung fu student retreats to live a peaceful existence, until duty forces him to learn a deadly new fighting style and return to a world of violence and vengeance.

THE BLACK TAVERN (1972)
This sword-filled thriller centers on the title location--an inn where the down and dirty meet to plot nefarious doings. Award winning actor Ku Feng stars as the "Whip Devil," while the luminous and lethal Shih Szu plays "The Lady Hermit" who has a surprise in store for all the double-crossing masters of mayhem.

DIRTY HO (1976)
A prince enlists a thief to serve as his bodyguard to protect him from assassins.

OPIUM AND THE KUNG-FU MASTER (1984)
A Kung Fu master finds out that an opium den is destroying the lives of the town he lives in, and vows to put an end to the den, but first he must try to defeat the strongest enemy he has ever faced: his addiction to the drug itself.

LEGENDARY WEAPONS OF CHINA (1982)
A band of killers from an ailing kung fu and magic society are sent on a manhunt for a former member of the society, whose bad mouthing threatens it's existence.

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By sheer luck I found myself in front of the tube last night at just the right time to watch Dirty Ho again. Luv that film. One of my all-time fav Shaw Brothers.

Gracias El Rey! Feliz Cinco de Mayhem!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RDGtM1RE2A

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El Rey picks up “Man at Arms,” “Rite of Passage”
By Selina Chignall January 16, 2017

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Texas-based lifestyle net, El Rey Network, has picked up two original unscripted series, Man At Arms and Rite of Passage.

The digital series Man At Arms will be brought to television in a copro with Defy Media, the digital studio behind the series. El Rey has ordered eight, one-hour episodes of the series where expert craftsmen reproduce famed weapons and armor from scratch. Using technology from the time they were originally produced, along with state-of-art technology, the craftsmen create “historical, modern and mythological works of martial art,” a statement from the network said. The weaponry is then tested by experts for functionality and strength.

Man at Arms will be produced by Defy, led by heads of Television/OTT production and development Jared Hoffman and Chris Pollack, chief content officer Barry Blumberg and El Rey Network. Hoffman and Pollack will also serve as series’ executive producers and showrunners.

David Sherman at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment negotiated the deal.

El Rey has also picked up the 12-part docuseries Rite of Passage. Award-winning producer, reporter and cameraman Tim Noonan (pictured) scours the earth, immersing himself in local cultures where he participates in the rituals that define the transition to manhood. These rituals land Noonan in environments like the anaconda-infested plains of Venezuela, and in Cameroon, West Africa, where he crawls headfirst into the home of a giant rock python to wrestle it from its lair.

Seven Productions, a division of The Seven Network in Australia, produced Rite of Passage.

Both Man at Arms and Right of Passage will air in the first half of 2017 on the El Rey Network.

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For more on Man at Arms, see our Katana Forging thread.

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TONIGHT! The 36th Chamber brings our Kung Fu classics to their new night - It's Flying Five Finger One Armed Eight Pole Shaolin Exploding Death Touch TUESDAY! 6p ET only on El Rey Network!

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SCHEDULE ALL TIMES ET
6:00 PM THE 36TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN
8:30 PM RETURN TO THE 36TH CHAMBER
10:30 PM DISCIPLES OF THE 36TH CHAMBER

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I've been wondering what would happen to Flying Five Finger One Armed Eight Pole Shaolin Exploding Death Touch Thursdays with Man At Arms: Art of War taking the Thursday slot. Last night was Ilya & Matt hosting Last Action Hero. Will tonight be my hosting of THE 36TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN? It starts in a less than an hour.

And if it is, I will only be able to watch a little of it because I have an appointment.

Alas. It's the old RZA one. False alarm.

This isn't Shaw Brothers related but it is more martial arts and El Rey.

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Bushido Battleground: El Rey Orders Martial Arts TV Show
by Regina Avalos, July 31, 2017

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Get ready to see some MMA style fighting on El Rey Network. The network has ordered Bushido Battleground. The season will feature 10 episodes, which are two hours long each.

El Rey Network revealed more about the new series in a press release. Check that out below.

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“Expanding its slate of adrenaline charged event programming, El Rey Network has greenlit the martial arts series Bushido Battleground. The new, ten-episode, two-hour series showcasing elite fighters in the full contact sports of MMA, submission Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai matches from around the world, was announced today by El Rey Network President and G.M. Daniel Tibbets.

Part documentary and part travelogue with fights that are 100% real, Bushido Battleground is a multifaceted sporting event that feels like a feature film. Matches will be held in locations around the world ranging from Thailand to the Mexico to Los Angeles. But unlike traditional broadcasts, cameras not only cover the action of the fights, but also track the drama before, during and after the bouts. The series is be a uniquely immersive experience, following the fighters and their teams, experiencing their unique training, learning the fighters’ different strategies and seeing how those strategies come to life in the action of the ring. Then the lens goes deeper still, staying in the corners between rounds and finally following the aftermath of the contest into the training rooms.

“El Rey Network has found great success with our lucha libre wrestling series Lucha Underground and our weekly Martial Arts film blocks. Like Lucha and the Martial Arts Films, Bushido Battleground will feature great storytelling, compelling fights and incredible skill,” remarked Tibbets. “Just as Lucha Underground has taken lucha libre wrestling to another level through Robert Rodriguez’s cinematic eye, the fight world will be enhanced by the El Rey Network lens as well.”

Executive producers of Bushido Battleground are George Chung and Andy Horne. Chung is the CEO and co-founder of JUNGOTV and is a former five-time world martial arts champion and member of the Black Belt Hall of Fame. Horne was co-producer on Blade and Blade II and developed La Femme Nikita and the animated series Spawn.”

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I hope you all enjoyed MAN AT ARMS. Even more, I hope we get renewed for Season 2.

Now just get a second season for Man at Arms: Art of War.

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Robert Rodriguez & go90 Ink Programming Deal; Unveil New Series With Michael Madsen, Danny Trejo, More
by Denise Petski
August 23, 2017 2:48pm

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Verizon’s go90 is partnering with the studio division of Robert Rodriguez’s El Rey Network on a programming deal that includes a new animated short series and an independent filmmaking event inspired by Rodriguez’s career.

RelatedChris Castallo Joins Verizon as Head of Development for Go90

Animated short series Explosion Jones, starring Michael Madsen, Jaylen Barron, Carl Weathers, James Hong, Danny Trejo and Vivica A. Fox, will debut September 5 on go90. Rebel Without a Crew, an independent filmmaking event to commemorate the 25th anniversary of El Mariachi, Rodriguez’s filmmaking debut, will begin production this fall.

Rebel Without a Crew is designed to mentor and inspire a new wave of independent filmmakers. Rodriguez created his first feature-length film El Mariachi on a budget of just $7,000. To mark the 25th anniversary of the film, Rodriguez will invite five amateur filmmakers to take on the same challenge. They will write, shoot and edit a brand-new feature length film with only $7,000. Go90 will stream the six-episode, one-hour series capturing the filmmakers’ process as well as their final feature films. As the selected filmmakers work on their projects, Rodriguez also will write, shoot and edit a new feature film for $7,000.

Go90 also will stream a 12×10 docuseries that documents his journey, explores the philosophy of his process and shows him re-experiencing ultralow-budget indie filmmaking.

In the 1980s-set 12-episode animated short series Explosion Jones, Bruce “Explosion” Jones is an ex-Special Forces commando-turned-rogue detective/single dad just trying his best. Jones fights through endless armies of mercenaries, smarmy mini-bosses, old friends, new enemies and just might dig too deep to reveal a plot that goes all the way to the top.

Explosion Jones is produced by El Rey Network’s studio division and the animation house Octopie Studios.

“I wanted to re-create my El Mariachi experience with up and coming filmmakers to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the film’s release,” said Rodriguez. “I think the young, tech-savvy go90 audience will appreciate and be inspired by the inside look at the ultralow-budget independent feature filmmaking process. Also, I am a huge fan of animation, and our new series Explosion Jones is cool content you can watch on any device in any location.”

Applications for Rebel Without a Crew can be found here.

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Bushido Battleground needs its own indie thread from the El Rey Network one.

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UFC veteran Nate Quarry bringing ‘Bushido Battleground’ to El Rey Network on Oct. 18
by Press Release Sep 28, 2017, 7:02pm EDT

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https://twitter.com/NateRockQuarry

El Rey Network’s “Bushido Battleground,” the new, ten-episode series showcasing elite fighters from around the world in Mixed Martial Arts, submission Jiu Jitsu, full contact Kick Boxing and Muay Thai will debut on October 18th at 10:00pm ET. The premiere episode airs immediately following the season 3 finale of “Lucha Underground.” “Bushido Battleground” is hosted by former NFL safety Tony Parrish and former mixed martial artist Nate Quarry.

Expanding El Rey’s slate of adrenaline charged event programming, “Bushido Battleground” combines documentary with fights that are 100% real. Each episode is a multifaceted sporting event filmed at locations around the world including Thailand, Mexico, Canada and Los Angeles. The first episode features MMA Fighters Chris “Taco” Padilla and Ivan “Choco” Castillo in a match at the historic Plaza Del Toros Bullfight Arena in Tijuana, Mexico followed by Muay Thai fighters “Tu” Warren Stavone and Janerob Pumpanuang at the world-famous Max Muay Thai Stadium in Pattya, Thailand.

“El Rey Network has found great success with our lucha libre wrestling series ‘Lucha Underground’ and our weekly Martial Arts film blocks. Like Lucha and the Martial Arts Films, ‘Bushido Battleground’ features great storytelling, compelling fights and incredible skill,” remarked El Rey Network President and GM Daniel Tibbets. “Just as Lucha Underground has taken lucha libre wrestling to another level through Robert Rodriguez’s cinematic eye, the fight world will be enhanced by the El Rey Network lens as well.”

Tony Parrish is a former American football safety that played nine seasons in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft with the 35th overall pick. He played college football at the University of Washington. He was an Associated Press All-Pro in 2003, and is listed on the 49ers' All-2000s team. Parrish was also a member of the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, and Las Vegas Locomotives.

Nathan Parker "Nate" Quarry is a retired American mixed martial artist. He appeared on “The Ultimate Fighter” well as co-hosted the television show “MMA Uncensored Live.”

Executive producers of “Bushido Battleground” are George Chung and Andy Horne. Chung is the CEO and co-founder of JUNGOTV and is a former five-time world martial arts champion and member of the Black Belt Hall of Fame. Horne was co-producer on “Blade” and “Blade II” and developed “La Femme Nikita” and the animated series “Spawn”.

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Looks like Nate is at the Reclining Buddha in Wat Po in Bangkok. Been there, taken that same photo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Go80wci7yA

I'm so proud to be a part of the El Rey Network family. Happy Thanksgiving!

El Rey Network is under Univision Communications. I heard it was dropped from Sling, and the Dish drop likely affects El Rey too. Nasty timing because it's the finals for the World Cup, and Univision had the best coverage in the U.S. Hope this gets resolved before the 2nd season of Man at Arms: Art of War premieres (scheduled for later this summer).

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Univision channels blocked from Dish, companies blame each other
The standoff is bad news for Spanish-language viewers.
BY MARRIAN ZHOU
JULY 2, 2018 12:24 PM PDT

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Univision

A standoff between Dish and Univision may last indefinitely, leaving US Spanish-language viewers in the dark.

Over the weekend, Univision networks and stations disappeared from Dish. Both companies blame each other for the outage.

On Monday, New York-based Univision said in a release that Dish dropped most of Univision's networks and stations from its streaming service indefinitely on Saturday. The removal of its channels followed Colorado-based Dish's rejection of a Univision offer to an extend an existing contract, the network said.

Earlier, Dish disputed that account, saying Univision was trying to gain leverage in a contract dispute by withholding its programming.

Univision is attempting to increase the rate it charges Dish by roughly 75 percent, Dish said on Saturday. The Spanish-language network blocked Dish users' access to its flagship Univision network, as well as its Galavision and UniMás channels, Dish said. Univision also blocked Dish's Sling users from accessing all Univision channels, it said.

"Univision's attempted price hikes target Hispanics despite the fact that fewer members of our community are watching Univision," Alfredo Rodríguez Diaz-Marta, vice president of DishLATINO and Sling Latino, said in a release. "We call on Univision to return its signal to Dish, DishLATINO and Sling TV customers as soon as possible."

Univision said additional affected stations include Univision Deportes Network, El Rey Network, TLNovelas and Foro TV.

"Despite the success of our programming with its customers, Dish insists on paying Univision only a fraction of what it pays our English-language peers, including some with far fewer viewers," Jessica Herrera-Flanigan, vice president of corporate affairs at Univision, said in the release.

"We stand by ready to find a path forward when Dish is ready to truly negotiate," said Bobby Amirshahi, senior vice president of corporate communications at Univision, in an email statement.

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THREADS:
Man at Arms: Art of War
El Rey Network and Shaw Brothers

On the upside, El Rey Network is running another WAY OF THE TURKEY MOVIE MARATHON - solid Kung Fu flicks for the entire 4 days of the Thanksgiving weekend.

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Nov 14, 2018, 01:51am
Univision-DISH Dispute Intensifies With Blackout Of Univision Deportes And El Rey Network
Veronica Villafañe
Contributor
Hollywood & Entertainment
I’m an expert in the Hispanic media industry.

https://thumbor.forbes.com/thumbor/9...ElRey-Dish.jpg
Univision Deportes and El Rey Network are now also off the air on DISH.UNIVISION, DISH

The he said-she said battle in the carriage dispute between Univision and DISH continues to heat up with another four more of the Hispanic media company's networks going dark on the satellite provider.

Univision Deportes, El Rey Network, FOROtv and TLNovelas join the blackout, which has now entered its fifth month. The four networks went dark on DISH on Monday, November 12 at 10 p.m. ET.

The carriage deal with Univision, Unimás and Galavisión expired June 30. Univision Deportes and El Rey are newer networks, so carriage was negotiated on a separate contract. Only Fusion remains on the satellite provider, which was secured on another agreement.

Univision blames DISH and DISH blames Univision for pulling the networks and not being able to strike a deal on retransmission fees.

In August, DISH warned the blackout could be permanent. The company reported its worst net subscriber losses to date during the third quarter of 2018, losing 367,000 customers. There's no way to know how much of those losses are due to subscribers who are upset over the loss of the Univision networks.

In a statement, Univision insists it has "made every reasonable effort and beyond to reach an agreement, but Dish refused to make a deal that was in the interests of our audience, its customers and, ultimately, of Dish itself. Given that Dish experienced its worst-ever quarterly subscriber losses after dropping the bulk of Univision’s networks and stations, its unwillingness to recognize the power of Hispanic consumers and the popularity of Univision’s leading news, sports and entertainment programming is bizarre and disappointing."

But DISH has a different take.

"DISH actually offered Univision a contract extension so that talks could continue without the channels being removed. Univision refused and took the channels down," a said a DISH spokesperson.

“The Univision story remains the same: its content, on the whole, continues to decline in viewership, and as a result, the economics of their proposals do not make sense. Meanwhile, Univision continues to sell its direct-to-consumer product, Univision NOW, at a lower price than Univision proposes charging DISH customers. We don’t think that’s right," DISH said in a statement.

Univision Now costs $7.99 a month. According to DISH, Univision is demanding a higher retransmission fee.

In the meantime, DISH contends it's providing replacement content for its customers on DishLATINO, including Telemundo, ESPN Deportes, Fox Deportes, Azteca and Pasiones. It's also offering customers and over the air antenna and a $5 discount on their bill. According to a spokesperson, DISH has handed out about 100,000 antennas to customers affected by the Univision blackout.

Since the dispute, Univision has done some lobbying of its own, calling on viewers to drop DISH and switch to other providers.

* Story updated to include number of antennas DISH has sent to customers who requested them.

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Man at Arms: Art of War - Original Series from EL REY Network

El Rey is broadcasting another Way of the Turkey Marathon for T-day so MAN AT ARMS is off this week. We'll be back with Weapons of KUNG FU episode on 11/29. I like to think of the Way of the Turkey Marathon as a warm-up to that episode. STAY SHARP!

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El Rey Network
25 mins ·
Are you the ultimate Kung-Fu movie fan? Prove it below.

https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...07&oe=5CB1BF35

Catch the Way of the Turkey Marathon starting on THURSDAY on El Rey Network!

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El Rey Network and Shaw Brothers
Man at Arms: Art of War - Original Series from EL REY Network

Be sure to tune in next week. I'll be back in the War Room and this episode is my forte. STAY SHARP!

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Man At Arms Season 2 Haitus

El Rey Network

563 Views · 12 hours ago ·
One thing to be thankful for on Thanksgiving: Man At Arms: Art of War Season 2!

Returns November 28th at 9p ET on El Rey Network!

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And tomorrow, tune into El Rey Network's Way of the Turkey Marathon. Just one more reason why I RIDE WITH EL REY.

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60 Kung-Fu Zooms in 60 Seconds

El Rey Network

What Kung-Fu Movie has YOUR All-Time Favorite ZOOM?

Watch Way of the Turkey, starting Thanksgiving Day on El Rey Network!

#BruceLee #ShawBros #WayoftheTurkey #ElReyNetwork #Thanksgiving #TurkeyDay

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THREADS
El Rey Network and Shaw Brothers
Man at Arms: Art of War - Original Series from EL REY Network

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAZoTGnzYS0

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Saturday

SHAOLIN MANTIS
A government spy infiltrates a wealthy family and falls in love with the daughter.
6:00 AM ET

VALLEY OF THE FANGS
A righteous swordsman tries to protect another hero's wife and daughter from a corrupt minister's murderous plans.
8:00 AM ET

RENDEZVOUS WITH DEATH
A young fighter is tasked with delivering a box which he is not allowed to know the contents of, but will be paid a fortune for once it's delivered.
10:00 AM ET

THE 36TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN
A man studies kung-fu at the Shaolin Temple to fight back against the oppressive Manchu government.
12:00 PM ET

RETURN TO THE 36TH CHAMBER
The workers of a dye factory have their pay cut when the factory owner brings in some Manchu thugs to try and increase production. Desperate to reclaim their full wages, the workers hire an actor to impersonate a priest and kung-fu expert from the temple of Shaolin. The factory owner proves the actor a fraud, and punishes all those involved. The young actor feels he has let the workers down, and promises to atone. He sets out for Shaolin, determined to be accepted as a kung-fu pupil at the elite temple.
2:30 PM ET

DISCIPLES OF THE 36TH CHAMBER
When a young man picks a fight with Manchu officials, he is forced to seek refuge in the Shaolin Temple, a martial arts training school. His disdain for authority sets him at odds with a legendary monk and he unwittingly plays into the hands of the Manchu governor.
4:30 PM ET

SHAOLIN PRINCE
An eye-filling, mind-bending martial arts tale of two royal princes battling for the rightful recovery of the throne.
6:30 PM ET

THE WEB OF DEATH
The head of the Snake Sect, one of five sects that make up the group the Five Poison Web, plots to gain control of the group by taking possession of the hidden super-weapon the Five Venom Spider.
8:30 PM ET

THE BATTLE WIZARD
A bookish young man and his sword-loving sister find themselves battling a trio of villains, one of them a beautiful but masked woman who has promised to either marry or murder the first man to see her unmasked.
10:30 PM ET

CRIPPLED AVENGERS
Three men, crippled by an evil warlord, become friends and learn kung fu with the help of an old teacher and his idiot pupil.
12:00 AM ET

VALLEY OF THE FANGS
A righteous swordsman tries to protect another hero's wife and daughter from a corrupt minister's murderous plans.
2:00 AM ET

RENDEZVOUS WITH DEATH
A young fighter is tasked with delivering a box which he is not allowed to know the contents of, but will be paid a fortune for once it's delivered.
4:00 AM ET

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Sunday

SHAOLIN PRINCE
An eye-filling, mind-bending martial arts tale of two royal princes battling for the rightful recovery of the throne.
6:00 AM ET

THE WEB OF DEATH
The head of the Snake Sect, one of five sects that make up the group the Five Poison Web, plots to gain control of the group by taking possession of the hidden super-weapon the Five Venom Spider.
8:00 AM ET

SHAOLIN MANTIS
A government spy infiltrates a wealthy family and falls in love with the daughter.
10:00 AM ET

THE BATTLE WIZARD
A bookish young man and his sword-loving sister find themselves battling a trio of villains, one of them a beautiful but masked woman who has promised to either marry or murder the first man to see her unmasked.
12:00 PM ET

THE FLYING GUILLOTINE
An assassin, trained in the use of a throwing weapon that can behead its victims from a distance, questions the morality of his missions and becomes a fugitive hunted by his former comrades.
1:30 PM ET

THE FLYING GUILLOTINE 2
The heroic Ma Teng has developed a counter to the Flying Guillotine's attack, and when word reaches The Emperor, who is more bloodthirsty than ever, he creates a new, deadlier version and rains a squad of female assassins to use it. Now Ma must help the gang of rebels trying to overthrow the evil tyrant and create a new counter-weapon to defeat the improved Guillotine.
4:00 PM ET

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I'm just going to leave the TV on this weekend. :D

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El Rey Network: Robert Rodriguez Channel to End on Thursday
by Regina Avalos, December 30, 2020

https://tvseriesfinale.com/wp-conten...9293606477.jpg

El Rey Network is going dark. The channel, started by Robert Rodriguez in December 2013, is going off the air tomorrow. At its high point in March 2015, the network aired in 40 million households. Last November, that number was down to 33 million.

When Univision backed out of a partnership with the network in November of this year, that number dropped even more drastically. Earlier this month, only 13 million households still received El Rey Network, per Programming Insider.

The network aired “action genre films, beginning with From Dusk till Dawn: The Series, and reality, animation, and lifestyle programming.” Rodriguez announced that the network would come to an end earlier this month.

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I'm so saddened to hear this. Working for El Rey was one of the best jobs I've ever had.

I WILL ALWAYS RIDE WITH EL REY.

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Aug 8, 2021,09:20pm EDT|826

Robert Rodriguez's El Rey Cable Net Streams Back To Life With Cinedigm Partnership
Veronica Villafañe
Contributor
Hollywood & Entertainment
I’m an expert in the Hispanic media industry.
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Robert Rodriguez, Founder and Chairman of El Rey Network. MATT SAYLES/INVISION FOR EL REY NETWORK/AP IMAGES
El Rey is coming back to life. Director Robert Rodriguez's struggling cable network, launched in 2013, came to an abrupt end December 31, 2020. When the niche cable net went off the air, fans hoped it would be revived, even suggesting he should launch an El Rey streaming channel. Well, that's apparently in the works.

El Rey Network, founded and owned by Rodriguez, John Fogelman and Cristina Patwa, and FactoryMade Ventures signed a partnership deal with streaming company Cinedigm. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The alliance will help El Rey transition from a linear to free ad-supported streaming channel. Cinedigm will have exclusive rights to El Rey’s content catalog and will exclusively distribute Rodriguez's feature film Red 11 and the companion docuseries Rebel Without A Crew: The Robert Rodriguez Film School.

Plans are for an El Rey over-the-top streaming service to be made available to all OTT distribution platforms, connected TVs, digital set-top boxes, media-streaming devices, as well as the web later this year. No date has been announced yet.

“El Rey has always been a network for the people - a mainstream outlet where we discover diverse, independent voices. The fact that we can also now make our catalogue of kick-ass programming available for free to all gives me enormous joy,” said Rodriguez. "As audiences move deliberately to streaming, it was important for me to democratize our platform so that the masses have the opportunity to see themselves in our lineup of curated, inclusive and entertaining content. This is a huge win in every way, and I want to thank Cinedigm for putting fans first with this new alliance."

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Behind the scenes of the Red 11 docuseries "Rebel Without A Crew The Robert Rodriguez Film School." EL REY

Rodriguez envisioned creating a culturally diverse "action-packed, general entertainment network in English for Latino and general audiences." Among the cable net's original and popular programs: From Dusk Till Dawn, Lucha Underground, The Chuey Martinez Show, and The Director's Chair, a series of specials featuring Rodriguez interviewing other directors, including Quentin Tarantino, John Carpenter, Francis Ford Coppola and Guillermo del Toro.

“What was once only available to those with expensive cable packages is now available through a variety of mediums. The partnership with El Rey allows the channel to broaden its digital footprint, as well as expand the access of its incredible programming to audiences worldwide,” said Erick Opeka, President & Chief Strategy Officer at Cinedigm.

Rodriguez previously partnered with Univision before the network's launch in 2013, which helped in the promotion, sales and distribution. At the time, Univision was also trying to tap into the English-language Hispanic market. But the Spanish-language media efforts fizzled and El Rey struggled to find its audience and wide distribution on cable and satellite providers. The relationship with Univision ended in November 2020, a month before El Rey ceased operations.

Taking a full dive into the streaming space will give El Rey broader and direct access to its fan base. Cinedigm’s president is confident its strong advertising partner relationships "will allow the channel to generate substantial advertising revenue among a key demographic in the growing AVOD & FAST space.”

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