Movie mogul Weinstein purchases TV channel

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- After making high-brow films financially successful, producer Harvey Weinstein is now tackling television with the purchase of the cultural channel Ovation.

The New York Post reported that the producer behind such successful artsy films as "Shakespeare in Love" is now attempting to weave that same magic in the TV industry with plans to revamp the channel towards a more exciting arts-and-culture medium.

"Once upon a time, channels like Bravo and A&E serviced the arts community," said 54-year-old producer. "They were there for music, culture, fine arts and interesting cinema -- now they're not."

After purchasing the 10-year-old TV channel for $55 million, along with numerous other investors, including his brother Bob, Weinstein has revealed some of his ambitious plans to emulate the Food Network's ability to enliven an otherwise stodgy medium.

"In my wildest dreams, I'd love to see Eric Clapton teaching children how to play the guitar," said Weinstein.

"It could be the ultimate school of rock, the ultimate classical music school." he added to the paper.