‘Lost’ Exec Producer Adds Gravitas to WGN America’s ‘Salem’

Network’s first scripted series will premiere in the second quarter of 2014

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The population of “Salem” has grown by five.

WGN America’s first scripted series “Salem” has tapped Liz Sarnoff (“Lost,” “Alcatraz”) as a co-executive producer, along with four others as the drama begins production in Shreveport, La., the network said Friday.

Also read: Shane West to Star in WGN America Series ‘Salem’

In addition to Sarnoff (pictured), Tricia Small, Jon Feldman (“Tru Calling,” “No Ordinary Family”) and Vahan Moosekian (“The Unit”) have also signed on as co-executive producers, joining already announced executive producers Josh Barry and Ryan Kwatinetz.

David Von Ancken, who directed the pilot of AMC’s “Hell on Wheels” and served as am executive producer.  has also signed onto the show as an executive producer/director. In addition to overseeing the show’s production, Von Ancken will also direct many of the “Salem” episodes.

Co-creators and writers Brannon Braga (“24,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation”) and Andy Simon (“The Haunting in Connecticut”) are also executive producing.

Also read: WGN America: ‘Salem’ Ordered as Network’s First Scripted Series

The series takes a new twist on the Salem witch trials, presenting a world where witches are real, but they are not who or what they seem. Centering on an epic romance, the series “delivers a bold new vision of Salem — and an even bolder new vision of witches.”

Janet Montgomery (“Made in Jersey”) stars as Mary Sibley, Salem’s most powerful enchantress, while “ER” alum Shane West plays Jon Alden. He’s a hardened, handsome war veteran and Mary’s one-time love interest.

Seth Gabel, Ashley Madekwe and Xander Berkeley are also among the cast.

“Salem” will premiere in the second quarter of 2014.

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