Knitting Factory Entertainment Launches Groundbreaking New Digital Content Services Initiative

Knitting Factory Entertainment Launches Groundbreaking New Digital Content Services Initiative

"Knitting Factory Digital Services" Live Concert Audio/Video to Fuel Record Label Marketing and Promotions Efforts Via KFE's Extensive Distribution Network

Multi-Platform Distribution Partners to Include Brightcove, Last.FM, Napster, Rhapsody, YouTube and Others, in Addition to XM Satellite Radio

NEW YORK, May 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Knitting Factory Entertainment (KFE), the nation's most prolific presenter of emerging and established music, today announced the launch of its groundbreaking new digital content services initiative. "Knitting Factory Digital Services (KFDS)" provides record label partners with live concert video collection and distribution services to power their artist marketing and promotion efforts. Utilizing new, state-of-the-art HD video capture systems in both Knitting Factory New York and Los Angeles venues, KFDS offers record labels a cost-effective means to generate live performance content in the highest possible quality, and provides customized delivery to a variety of broadcast, web 2.0, wireless, and other media distribution platforms on the behalf of label partners.

"The industry is hungry for a cost-effective way to generate the high- quality video content essential for viral marketing, HD Broadcast, and enhanced CD and DVD projects" said Jared Hoffman, President and CEO of Knitting Factory Entertainment. "No one showcases more of the most exciting emerging and established artists than we do, positioning us to provide sophisticated content capture services, as well as assistance in the packaging and delivery, to label-directed distribution partners. By focusing on a fee- based services offering, we are staying clear of complicated rights issues and ensuring positive alignment with our partners. It's a win-win proposition that benefits labels, distribution platforms, and most importantly our artists and audiences."

Knitting Factory's recently installed state-of-the-art, automated, high- definition A/V capture systems allow a single operator to capture a four- camera HD shoot ready for broadcast or post-production. The KFDS system is readily expandable with an additional three to 10 cameras for the most sophisticated live applications. KFDS will also provide basic editing and clip compilation services to deliver upload-ready video and metadata to record label and artist partners, or directly, at the content owner's direction, to partner distribution platforms. Stereo and advanced multi-track audio capture are available, as is basic entry level direct-to-DVD capture for bands on limited budgets.

At Launch, Knitting Factory Digital Services' first-class partners include AOL Music's Spinner.com, Brightcove, iThentic, Last.FM, Napster, Rhapsody, Revver, Veoh, Virtual Life.TV and YouTube. Many of the launch partners have existing direct label relationships which will be further enhanced with content flow from the KFDS pipeline. In addition, each of the partner companies has forged strategic relationships to present Knitting Factory branded live concert programming to music fans nationwide, furthering the recognition of Knitting Factory's editorial voice as an arbiter of "what's next" and "what's new." The KFDS initiative comes close on the heels of the launch of "Live from the Knitting Factory," a weekly series available to XM Satellite Radio's eight million subscribers, on the popular indie music channel, XMU.

"With the launch of KFDS, the Knitting Factory is providing a wonderful service for music fans across the globe, with exceptional value both to Napster and to our record label partners." said Matthew Adell, Vice President of Music Services for Napster. "Discovering music and video by up and coming bands is among the most sought after experiences we deliver to our members 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the world. Knitting Factory Digital Services provides us with a reliable pipeline of bands hand picked by the Knitting Factory's top-notch team, and an opportunity to showcase the great energy that defines these live shows. This kind of material is what our members want."

About Knitting Factory Entertainment

Founded in 1987, Knitting Factory Entertainment is America's most prolific presenter of new and emerging musical talent. With more than 5,000 live music performances each year at its multi-stage New York and Hollywood venues, this treasured New York cultural icon has been transformed into a leading national arbiter and filter of 'what's next' in the emerging music scene. Rising stars such as M.I.A., The Arcade Fire, Fall Out Boy, and Sufjan Stevens have all appeared on Knitting Factory stages, as have some of today's best-known artists, such as Beck, PJ Harvey, Fall Out Boy, and Death Cab for Cutie, early in their careers.

With a focus on the creation of a national platform with direct, demonstrable contact with the urban active demographic, the Knitting Factory is actively creating a next-generation music venue by developing a presence in the digital content space through unique media partnerships that harness KFE's power as an aggregator of exclusive live performance content.

KFE's Bravo Entertainment division is a leading regional concert promoter with operations across 18 states and wholly owned venues in Boise, Idaho, and Spokane, Wash.

For more information, please visit www.knittingfactory.com.

Contact: Deana Graffeo
MATTER for Knitting Factory Entertainment
212-819-4827
Deana.Graffeo@matterent.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Knitting Factory Entertainment

CONTACT: Deana Graffeo for KFE, +1-212-819-4827,
Deana.Graffeo@matterent.com

Web site:

http://www.knittingfactory.com/

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