Ridley and Tony Scott are going to be hanging around with a bunch of characters soon.
USA Network announced on Monday that the Brothers Scott have signed on to present the latest phase of the network's Character Project, which will comprise eight short films by as many different directors.
The films will "explore the theme of American character through moving image."
The short films will include "Fish," a documentary by "The September Issue" R.J. Cutler that will chronicle the efforts of celebrity chef Jon Snook to open a seafood restaurant, and "The Dude," about Jeff Dowd, who's become a popular fixture at festivals celebrating the Coen Brothers' film "The Big Lebowski."
The Scotts are going to be quite busy in the coming months; in addition to helping USA out with its marketing initiative, the siblings are working on a TV adaptation of the "Transporter" movie series for Cinemax, and are producing "World Without End," the small-screen adaptation of the Ken Follett best-seller of the same name, for Starz via their Scott Free Productions.
Read USA's full press release below.
USA NETWORK, RSA FILMS AND RIDLEY & TONY SCOTT PRESENT
CHARACTER PROJECT SHORT FILMS, CELEBRATING QUINTESSENTIAL AMERICAN STORIES
Eight Directors. Eight Short Films. Every Character Has a Story.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 2, 2011 – USA Network announced today the launch of a series of short films representing the next evolution of Character Project, an ongoing artistic initiative with the mission\ to explore extraordinary people, from all walks of life, who make this country unique. In partnership with RSA Films and Ridley & Tony Scott, USA commissioned eight talented filmmakers to create short films that explore the theme of American character through moving image.
Character Project represents USA’s consistent efforts to cultivate new voices and
develop content opportunities. The curated films will be housed online in a digital hub at
characterproject.usanetwork.com, as well as available via FOD, Itunes, mobile platforms, syndicated widgets, and social media. USA will exhibit the films in select markets in highly designed custom built screening pods. Lexus is the presenting sponsor for Character Project on behalf of the all-new CT Hybrid.
“The beauty of independent film is that it offers the opportunity to tell stories with both personal significance and universal resonance,” said Alexandra Shapiro, senior vice president, brand marketing & digital, USA Network. “Through the Character Project short films we celebrate not only the unique perspectives of the filmmakers and characters, but the American experience in all its richness and diversity. We are proud to partner with RSA Films and the Scotts to bring these compelling stories to life and share them with the world.”
“As storytellers, it is part of our DNA to share the stories that make people interesting through the lens of our unmatched roster of directors,” said Ridley Scott. “USA is an ideal partner because they also specialize in bringing to light the distinct tales of unique characters.”
