The Sundance Channel said Tuesday it's launching into the world of original scripted series, starting with miniseries "Carlos," to premiere this fall, and four properties in development.
The full text of the cable channel's statement follows:
New York, NY – February 9, 2010 – Sundance Channel announced today it is launching an original scripted strategy, with its first scripted miniseries, CARLOS, to premiere in Fall 2010, and with four properties in development. A next step in Sundance Channel’s evolution, the move builds on the network’s successful original programming strategy as it applies the strength of its brand to scripted series storytelling.
The network also announced its 2010 programming slate, which includes new series “Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys” as well as returning series “The Lazy Environmentalist,” “Man Shops Globe,” “Iconoclasts” and “The Day Before.”
Commented Sarah Barnett, EVP and GM Sundance Channel, "Leading off with the thrilling miniseries ’Carlos,’ our scripted strategy at Sundance Channel is rooted in our desire to tell original stories that are both entertaining and culturally relevant, while utilizing great talent in front of and behind the camera to bring those stories to life in a fresh and urgent way.”
CARLOS stars Edgar Ramirez (Che, Domino) in a compelling and timely portrait of international terrorist Carlos the Jackal, who masterminded a wave of terror attacks in Europe and the Middle East in the 70s and 80s. Directed by acclaimed French filmmaker Olivier Assayas (Summer Hours), the three-part mini-series examines the life of this infamous criminal, who was alternately seen as a hero and revolutionary or a villainous assassin. CARLOS was shot in various countries including Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Lebanon and Morocco. It is produced by Film en Stock for Canal Plus and in association with Sundance Channel.
The network’s four scripted properties currently in development include “Triple Crossing,” a geopolitical crime drama set in South America; “The Clinic,” a suspense thriller set in the near future; “Fear of Flying,” an adaptation of Erica Jong’s iconic novel; and “Shutterbabe,” the adventures of a globetrotting female photojournalist, (see below for additional information).
Commenting on the network’s 2010 slate, Barnett said: “Sundance Channel is creating a reinvented arts and entertainment destination showcasing talented innovators, tastemakers, and trendsetters from the worlds of fashion, design, and politics, and featuring them in a way that is accessible, relevant and lots of fun to watch.”
2010 ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING LINEUP
· GIRLS WHO LIKE BOYS WHO LIKE BOYS (New Series)- Through the lives of four couples, this series explores the relationships between women and their gay best friends and the emotional and social tensions that frame them. Produced by World of Wonder. (8x30) August 2010.
· THE LAZY ENVIRONMENTALIST - Season 2 - returning for a second season, the series is hosted by eco-entrepreneur and author Josh Dorfman whose clever, stylish and convenient green innovations prove his credo that greening the planet doesn’t have to be complicated -- even for this self-described “lazy environmentalist.” Produced by Free Range Media. (8x30) (April 20 @
