Weinstein Co. refines its digital gameplan

Weinstein Company COO David Glasser is closely involved in the companys digital strategy. Whether they're interested or not, Hollywood's executives need to understand all of the different platforms their content can play on.For many like David Glasser, chief operating officer of the Weinstein Co., CES provides the opportunity to learn."We know the product we make goes somewhere," Glasser told Variety. "To know ancillary revenues and how it gets out there is very important to running a studio, especially if you're a company like us who's making those deals directly."Those deals have included partnering with Google to rent movies directly through YouTube, and others with Netflix, Hulu and Apple's iTunes, among others.More deals are expected after TWC launched a new label in September to deliver films through digital distribution channels including video-on-demand as they're playing in theaters, tapping ex-Magnolia execs Tom Quinn and Jason Janego to serve as co-presidents of the NY-based venture.Making those deals is easier when you know the players. Glasser said that by gathering together so many people from different parts of the industry CES provides a great opportunity for film execs to meet those involved in all areas of distribution once pics leave theaters."We'll want to know who the players are and who the new guys on the block are, and that's what CES will allow us to see," Glasser said.That allows Glasser and others to gauge a rapidly evolving marketplace, one that may prove instrumental as Hollywood continues to experiment with alternative release strategies and windowing.Glasser is a major part of TWC's activity in the digital space, having spearheaded the launch of the company's VOD division.With VOD still its nascent stages, the potential for technology to shape its future remains unknown and experimental.Glasser, who started at TWC in 2008 as president of international distribution, now has his sights set on mobile options for cars.For automakers and content owners, the road ahead could include VOD in the backseat. This year's CES includes a seminar on new ways that movies and TV shows could wind up playing in cars."There is no question there could be a potential VOD app down the road," Glasser said. "I probably scratched my head and said, 'Really?' But I guess if kids could get VOD in the back of the car rather than me carrying the DVD that gets caught on the floor and stepped on, (I think that's) coming." Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com

TNT, The very best spinner's order series

Turner Broadcasting acquired possible skein for TNT together with a pal comedy for top spinner's. TNT gave a ten-episode greenlight to have an unscripted series named "The Fantastic Escape," from "Amazing Race" professional producers Elise Doganieri and Bertram van Munster. Series, situated by Wealthy Eisen, is known to as losing participants to the middle "that goes for them epic action/adventure movie" and challenging those to avoid amazing situations. "Great Escape" arises from Fox Television Art galleries, Imagine Entertainment, The Hochberg Ebersol Co. and Profiles Television Prods. The very best spinner's bought 10 segs of "Males in the office,In . in the new the new sony Pictures TV and Jamie Tarses' Fanfare banner. Multiam laffer four males who use a novel was created by Breckin Meyer, who professional produces with Tarses and Fanfare's Julia Franz. Series stars Danny Masterson, James Lesure, Michael Cassidy and Adam Busch. Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com

Keck's Exclusives: Springfield Plays Cleveland

Rick Springfield Rick Springfield is coming to Cleveland, but concert tickets are not available. The '80s Jesse's Girl icon, who appeared as Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital, will pop up this summer on an episode of TV Land's Hot in Cleveland. Rather than going after Jesse's girl, Rick will have his eye on Joy (Jane Leeves). In the storyline, Rick has relocated to Cleveland to live a quieter life (where he, too, is considered hotter!) and tells people his name is Tom. But while on a date with Joy he reveals his true identity, which makes her the most joyful girl in the world. That is until she discovers he has some very unsettling habits. Nail biting? Nose picking? Singing? We'll have to wait and see. It was also revealed that Liza Minnelli will appear on an upcoming episode as a talent agent to Wendie Malick's Victoria Chase. Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!