MIPCOM 2012: Sierra Affinity Enters TV Business With Engine TV, Georgeville

CANNES - Indie film group Sierra Affinity has made a bold move into the small screen space, launching a new television distribution and production venture with Chris Philip's TV venture Engine Entertainment and a deal with Marc Rosen and Leon Clarance's fast-growing Georgeville Television.

Sierra/Engine Television, the 50-50 joint venture between Sierra and Engine Entertainment, arrives for its market debut at MIPCOM with two straight-to-network-series orders courtesy of Georgeville: the pirate-themed Crossbones, which British writerNeil Cross (Luther) is creating together with producer Parkes MacDonald and which has a 10 episode order from NBC; andHunters, a pandemic thriller from Michael Straczynski andWill Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment, which ABC has commissioned for a full 13-episode first season.

"To have straight to series orders with NBC and ABC: nobody in the (independent) marketplace has this," Chris Philip, who will run Sierra/Engine Television told THR. "These are the sort of series that will be our focus as we launch the company: content that can travel around the world. We are definitely looking to be a distribution-led production company."

The third Georgeville-produced series Sierra/Engine Television will be shopping to international buyers at MIPCOM is The After, the new series from The X Files creator Chris Carter.

Philip and Sierra/Affinity's Nick Meyer said while their joint venture would be launching with drama series at MIPCOM, their upcoming slate will also include non-scripted product and series produced for digital distribution. Meyer told THR the move to TV was "a logical extension" of Sierra's independent feature business and would see Sierra/Affinity applying its skills in packaging content and financing to the independent TV business.

It's no accident that Sierra is moving into TV now. The U.S. television business is beginning to resemble the feature film business - as the studios/networks reduce the volume of in-house production and increasingly look to outside suppliers to provide new series. The expertise of sales and financing operations such as Sierra - accustomed to tapping private equity and international funding to bankroll feature films which are then sold to studio distributors - seems custom designed for this new world of indie-financed TV. Later this week, Harvey Weinstein will give a keynote address here at MIPCOM in which he is expected to announced a similar push into international television production and distribution by The Weinstein Company.

"If you look at the situation now - networks are not wanting to finance shows on their own," commented one veteran sales exec at MIPCOM. "They would rather pay a license fee and have someone else deficit finance a show and take on the risk. It's very much like the independent film business."

Source: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/mipcom-2012-sierra-affinity-enters-tv-business-377017

Sierra/Affinity Furthers Move Into TV Biz With Engine Entertainment Venture

The companies’ newly launched Sierra/Engine Television creates a new distribution and production venture for the global TV marketplace. The entity will debut at MIPCOM this year and combine Sierra/Affinity‘s international film sales and distribution expertise with Engine Entertainment‘s strength as a distributor of TV programming for global audiences. It will be run by Engine CEO Chris Philip. It’s the latest move into the TV business for Sierra/Affinity, which earlier this month pacted with Georgeville Televisionto distribute overseas Georgeville’s  Crossbones, a 10-episode order for NBC from Luther creator Neil Cross and producers Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald; Hunters (aka Epidemic), a 13 episode order for ABC from J. Michael Straczynski and Will Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment. The new Sierra/Engine will offer the titles to MIPCOM next month.

Source: http://www.deadline.com/2012/09/sierraaffinity-furthers-move-into-tv-biz-with-engine-entertainment-venture/

Sierra/Affinity teams with Engine Entertainment

Venture eyes overseas TV distribution, production

Nick Meyer's Sierra/Affinity banner is diving into the fast-growing arena of internationally focused TV production and distribution.

Sierra/Affinity has teamed with Engine Entertainment to launch Sierra/Engine Television, which aims to finance and distribute TV programming on a worldwide basis. The company will make its debut at the Mipcom sales confab in Cannes next month.

Sierra/Affinity had already pacted with Georgeville Television, the startup indie production venture backed by Reliance Entertainment, to handle international sales of its budding slate of series, which encompasses the NBC pirate drama "Crossbones" and "Hunters," a thriller in development at ABC from sci-fi vet J. Michael Straczynski. Sierra/Engine Television will shop those series to international outlets during Mipcom, which runs Oct. 8-11. The company also intends to develop and produce its own content.

Engine Entertainment was launched in 2010 by NBCUniversal alumnus Chris Philip. Company has a first-look pact with Ben Silverman's Electus Entertainment.

"Chris' experience in studio television distribution and in the independent financing and packaging of programming is a perfect fit for our expansion into television," said Meyer. "Partnering with Chris and Engine accelerates our movement into this space, and we are looking to continue to work with great creative partners in television as we have done in film."

Philip credited the "financial strength" of Sierra/Affinity as a boon for the new venture.

"We are ready to offer our global clients a raft of new high-quality programming and taking three new U.S. network series to Mipcom is an outstanding way to launch," he said.

Source: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118059947.html?cmpid=RSS%7CNews%7CLatestNews

Engine Latino Takes On Two Titles from Canana Films

LOS ANGELES: Engine Latino has signed a distribution deal with Canana Films, the production company founded by Mexican actors Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna, for two scripted series: Niño Santo and Soy Tu Fan.

Niño Santo is produced by Pablo Cruz, Mauricio Katz and Pedro Peirano. The hit Mexican drama is about doctors who are attempting to vaccinate people in a remote village against a world epidemic. The town is protected by a cult-like leader who miraculously cures the sick and teaches that the village is touched by the hand of God. The show airs on Canal Once and is in production on its second season.

Pablo Cruz and Constanza Novick are behind the romantic comedy Soy Tu Fan. The series follows Charly and Nicolas, who find each other, only to create uncertainty in their lives. As their relationship grows, they will discover if the bond that unites them is love or an excuse to avoid solitude.

“We are excited to be involved with Canana and the superb production quality they deliver,” said Paulette Bensussen, the managing director of Engine Latino. “Engine is proud to introduce their product to Latin American broadcasters and to clients from all over the world.”

Cruz added, "This is very exciting and we believe we are in the best hands possible, and I know the Engine group shares common goals with Canana."

Engine Latino is a joint venture between Chris Philip’s Engine Entertainment and Mexico’s Bross al Cuadro .

Source: http://www.worldscreen.com/articles/display/2012-6-15-engine-latino-canana-films

Palatin, Engine to handle international sales on Kick

June 1, 2012 - Marcus Warren’s football thriller is currently shooting in London.

Palatin is to handle international sales in Europe, excluding the UK
on British feature Kick, whilst Engine will sell to the US and the
rest of the world. Both sales agents are selling all rights including
theatrical and DVD.

The film, directed by Marcus Warren and shooting in London, centres
around two aspring young footballers who have bribed their way into a
premier league football stadium to play illicit underground football
only to discover that they are trapped in a game of survival.

The cast includes Brit actors Daniel Bayle, Rik Young, Richard
Strange, Kellie Shirlie and Pete LeWilson.

The film is being produced by Geoff Austin, David Ravden and Jon
Thompson for Contraption Media, who are handling UK sales on the
project.


Source: http://www.screendaily.com/news/distribution/palatin-engine-to-handle-international-sales-on-kick/5042961.article?blocktitle=Latest-news&contentID=1846

La Gran Royal, nueva serie web de Engine Latino

La división de Engine Entertainment dirigida al mundo hispano presentó su nuevo contenido -a cargo de los populares mexicanos Aisemberg y Bucay- para el canal de YouTube NuevOn, lanzado recientemente por Electus.


Engine Latino, división de Engine Entertainment -compañía fundada y dirigida por Chris Philip- enfocada en el mercado hispanohablante de TV, ha anunciado que comenzó la producción de La Gran Royal, una serie cómica del reconocido dúo de escritores y directores mexicanos Marcos Bucay y Moisés Aisemberg, para el nuevo canal hispano de YouTube NuevOn. Este canal ha sido lanzado el pasado 16 de abril por Electus, el estudio de producción y distribución de Ben Silverman, y Latin World Entertainment, la compañía hispana de producción, gestión y marketing de Luis Balaguer.

La Gran Royal es un programa semanal dirigido a los jóvenes latinos, que incluye parodias de videos musicales y situaciones irreverentes, ridículas y de comedia. Los videos virales de Aisemberg y Bucay ya son conocidos alrededor del mundo, con decenas de millones de vistas. Su logro de derribar las barreras de la comedia hispana convencional se refleja en los premios obtenidos y en su sólida base de fans en redes sociales. Ahora, esta plataforma digital se presenta como un espacio ideal para sus videos, que podrán llegar a nuevas audiencias y en una escala mucho mayor. La Gran Royal estrenará un nuevo episodio cada martes en NuevOn.


"NuevOn dará a los hispanos de EEUU y latinos del mundo contenidos de entretenimiento de calidad mundial", dijo Luis Balaguer, fundador y CEO de Latin World Entertainment. "Pero lo más importante es que NuevOn también se convertirá en una incubadora de talentos, productores y formatos que trascenderán en otros medios". "Estamos encantados de estar trabajando con el equipo de La Gran Royal, y emociona estar ofreciendo uno de los primeros contenidos de NuevOn", agregó Paulette Bensussen, directora ejecutiva de Engine Latino.


Source: http://www.todotvnews.com/scripts/templates/estilo_nota.asp?nota=46556&numero=miriarte@todotv.tv

Engine Latino Producing Web Show for Electus' NuevOn

LOS ANGELES: Engine Latino is behind the new web series La Gran Royal for the new Hispanic YouTube channel NuevOn, which was launched last week by Ben Silverman's Electus.

From the Mexican comedy writing and directing duo of Marcos Bucay and Moises Aisemberg, La Gran Royal is a weekly show that includes musical video parodies, irreverent situations, impersonations and comedic happenings targeted at young Latino audiences. A new episode will run every Tuesday on NuevOn.

"NuevOn will give U.S. Hispanics and Latinos around the world high entertainment content, humor, gossip, drama series, and a chance to enjoy their favorite stars as never before," said Luis Balaguer, the founder and CEO of Latin World Entertainment. "But, most importantly, NuevOn will also become an incubator of talented stars, producers and formats that will transcend into other media."

“We are delighted to be working with the superbly-talented La Gran Royal team, and it is hugely exciting to be supplying some of the first content for NuevOn,” added Paulette Bensussen, the managing director of Engine Latino.

Source: http://www.worldscreen.com/articles/display/34270

Electus Strikes International Distribution Deals for Holiday Variety Special "A Michael Buble Christmas" in Over 60 Global Markets

Electus Strikes International Distribution Deals for Holiday Variety Special "A Michael Buble Christmas" in Over 60 Global Markets Including Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, Latin America & More


NEW YORK, Dec. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ben Silverman's multimedia entertainment studio Electus, an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq: IACI), today announced that its global distribution arm Electus/Engine Distribution has secured international distribution deals in over 60 markets around the world, including major networks in Australia (Channel 7), Canada (CTV), Brazil, (Globosat), Latin America (Televisa Networks), Mexico (TV Azteca) , South Africa (Mnet), Asia and Europe for "A Michael Buble Christmas." This star studded holiday variety show is set to air in the United States on NBC, Tuesday, December 6th from 8-9pm ET.


Hosting his very first holiday variety show, Michael Buble, a multi-Grammy Award winning Canadian, will sing songs from his new Christmas album, including such classics as "White Christmas, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Feliz Navidad," and "Jingle Bells," and will be joined by guest superstars Justin Bieber, Kellie Pickler, Thalia, Oscar the Grouch, The Puppini Sisters and Naturally 7. The special will also include comedy shorts featuring Michael and stars Tracy Morgan ("30 Rock") and Ed Helms ("The Office").


"One of Electus' main focal points is to create, produce and distribute the very best, universal content to our partners around the world," said Chris Grant, CEO of Electus. "We are privileged to partner with Grammy-award winning artist Michael Buble, Brad Lachman Productions and our international network partners in bringing this incredible holiday special to audiences all over the globe."


Buble's lifelong dream of creating an album to honor his favorite holiday was realized with the recently released CD "Christmas" which entered the Billboard Top 200 charts at No. 3. The artist's previous CD "Crazy Love" sold seven million copies worldwide and won two Grammy Awards in 2011 for Best Traditional Pop Vocal album and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for his No. 1 self-penned single, "Haven't Met You Yet." Buble also wrote two previous Number One singles, "Everything" and "Home." The Vancouver native's recent "Crazy Love" Tour sold out 80 cities and was seen by over a million people in the US alone. A superstar in his native Canada as well, Buble is the recipient of 10 Juno Awards including a Juno Album of The Year for "It's Time." In less than a decade, Michael Buble's international record sales have topped 30 million. Buble arrived on the music scene nine years ago with the release of his self-titled debut CD which was followed up by the multi-platinum "It's Time." He also performed at the 2010 Olympics Ceremony which was seen by an audience of over one billion people.


"A Michael Buble Christmas" is produced by Electus ("Fashion Star," "Mob Wives," "Rocco's Dinner Party") and Brad Lachman Productions ("Christmas in Rockefeller Center," "The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade") withElectus/Engine Distribution owning distribution rights across all platforms including television, motion picture, and digital.


About Electus


Electus is the first integrated multimedia entertainment studio to unite producers, creators, advertisers and distributors under one roof and produce all forms of content for distribution across a variety of platforms around the world. Headed by Ben Silverman, in partnership with IAC, the company connects advertisers, distributors and content creators early on in the development process, enabling marketers and advertisers to be a true partner in campaigns and content creation. For more information on Electus, visit http://www.electus.com/.


About Electus/Engine Distribution


Electus/Engine Distribution was formed in 2010 by Electus and TV veteran Chris Philip's Engine Entertainment. The company, spearheaded by Chris Philip, is the global distribution arm of Electus that handles all international sales for Electus' programming as well as scripted and non-scripted programs and formats from other well-known 3rd party providers.


Source - http://iac.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1976

Electus Strikes International Distribution Deals in Over 20 Key Territories

Electus Strikes International Distribution Deals in Over 20 Key Territories Including Australia, Canada and Latin America for Television Series "Mob Wives" as VH1 Greenlights Second Season & Reunion Special


NEW YORK, June 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Echoing its domestic success, Ben Silverman's multimedia entertainment studio Electus, an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq: IACI), today announced that its global distribution arm Electus/Engine Entertainment has already secured international distribution deals with major networks in over 20 territories — including Australia (XYZnetworks), Canada (Shaw Media) and Latin America (MTV Latin America)— for "Mob Wives," the newest hit reality television series airing on VH1. Averaging 1.3 million viewers in each of its first five weeks on the air, "Mob Wives" has just been picked up by VH1 for a second season and a reunion special after only five episodes.

"Electus' focus is to produce and distribute premiere content across every platform for the very best partners worldwide," said Ben Silverman, CEO and founder of Electus. "We are extremely proud to partner with The Weinstein Company, VH1 and our international network partners in bringing this -our first traditional, non-scripted show and hit- to audiences around the world."

"Mob Wives," created by Jennifer Graziano of JustJenn Productions and co-executive produced by Electus and The Weinstein Company (TWC), gives viewers an unfiltered look into this closed-door society of Renee, Karen, Carla and Drita, four struggling "allegedly" associated women who have to pick up the pieces and carry on while their husbands or fathers do time for Mob-related activities. United by a bond which few understand, the women are all struggling with their identities and their futures as they raise their kids as single parents. "Mob Wives" can be seen currently on VH1 on Sunday nights at 8:00pm et/pt. Season two is slated to premiere this fall.

"We are thrilled that not only the U.S., but the global marketplace as a whole has really embraced 'Mob Wives.' While the situation of the women featured in the series is unique, their compelling, real-life stories have a universal appeal that is clearly resonating in markets around the world," said Chris Philip, President of Electus/Engine Distribution. "We are proud to bring this groundbreaking series to the world and look forward to adding tremendous range to our rapidly growing slate of international programming."

"Mob Wives" is produced by TWC, Electus, JustJenn Productions (Jennifer Graziano) and Left/Right (Banks Tarver, Ken Druckerman and Nina Diaz), with Electus/Engine Distribution owning distribution rights across all platforms including television, motion picture, and digital. Executive producers for VH1 include Shelly Tatro, Kari McFarland, Rick Hankey and Jeff Olde.

Actively developing television and digital programming for an extensive line-up of top cable channels, broadcast networks and online entities, Electus is the first integrated multimedia entertainment studio to unite producers, creators, advertisers and distributors under one roof to develop all forms of content for distribution across a variety of platforms around the world. Headed by Silverman, the company connects all parties early on in the development process, creating better content and enabling marketers and advertisers to be a true partner throughout the creative process to develop campaigns. Electus/Engine Distribution handles worldwide sales for Electus' content including television, motion picture and digital.

About Electus

Electus is the first integrated multimedia entertainment studio to unite producers, creators, advertisers and distributors under one roof and produce all forms of content for distribution across a variety of platforms around the world. Headed by Ben Silverman, in partnership with IAC, the company connects advertisers, distributors and content creators early on in the development process, enabling marketers and advertisers to be a true partner in campaigns and content creation. For more information on Electus, visit http://www.electus.com/.

About The Weinstein Company

The Weinstein Company (TWC) is a multimedia production and distribution company launched in October 2005 by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who founded Miramax Films in 1979. TWC also encompasses Dimension Films, the genre label founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein, which has released such popular franchises as SCREAM, SPY KIDS and SCARY MOVIE. Together TWC and Dimension Films have released a broad range of mainstream, genre and specialty films that have been commercial and critical successes, including Tom Hooper’s THE KING’S SPEECH, winner of four 2011 Academy Awards®, including Best Picture. Since 2005, TWC and Dimension Films have released such films as GRINDHOUSE; I’M NOT THERE; THE GREAT DEBATERS; VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA; THE READER; THE ROAD; HALLOWEEN; THE PAT TILLMAN STORY; PIRANHA 3D; INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS; A SINGLE MAN; BLUE VALENTINE, THE COMPANY MEN; MIRAL; and SCRE4M. Upcoming releases include SPY KIDS 4, APOLLO 18, OUR IDIOT BROTHER, THE DETAILS and MY WEEK WITH MARILYN. Recently wrapping are I DON’T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT and COGAN’S TRADE.

TWC is also active in television production, with credits including the Emmy Award -winning reality series "Project Runway," the new VH1 reality series "Mob Wives," and the critically acclaimed HBO comedy/crime series "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency." The company is producing two "Project Runway" spin offs, "Project Runway: Masters" and "Project Runway: Accessories," which are expected to debut in 2011. The company currently has 17 series in different stages of development, including "Marco Polp," a scripted series about the great explorer; "The Nanny Diaries," based on the hit book; and "The Mad Ones," adapted from the Mafia novel of the same name.


About Electus/Engine Distribution

Electus/Engine Distribution was formed in 2010 by Ben Silverman's multimedia studio, Electus and TV veteran Chris Philip's Engine Entertainment. The company, spearheaded by Chris Philip, is the global distribution arm of Electus that handles all international sales for Electus' programming as well as scripted and non-scripted programs and formats from other well-known 3rd party providers.

About IAC

IAC operates more than 50 leading and diversified Internet businesses across 30 countries. Our mission is to harness the power of interactivity to make daily life easier and more productive for people all over the world. To view a full list of the companies of IAC please visit our website at www.iac.com.Source - http://iac.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1918

Electus Acquires Engine Entertainment, Announces Formation of New Global Distribution Division

--Engine CEO and Industry Veteran Chris Philip to Oversee the New Entity--



NEW YORK, Jan. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ben Silverman's multimedia entertainment studio, Electus, an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq: IACI), today announced the acquisition of Engine Entertainment and the formation of a new in-house global distribution arm, Electus/Engine Distribution. The new division will handle worldwide sales for Electus' content including television, motion picture and digital.

Engine Entertainment CEO Chris Philip will assume the role of President of Electus/Engine Distribution with offices in London, Miami, New York and Los Angeles. With over twenty years of major studio and independent experience in the film and TV industry, Philip will oversee the day-to-day operations of the division, handling distribution of Electus' programming as well as programs and formats from other well-known 3rd party providers. Chris Moreton, currently the COO of Engine Entertainment, will assume the role of Executive Vice President of the new division.

"I'm thrilled to have the Engine team on board, led by an innovator like Chris Philip, to build an exceptional new international distribution arm that taps into unconventional models and platforms, bringing outstanding new content to the world," said Ben Silverman, CEO of Electus. "The content distribution business is changing, and I believe Chris and his team are a force in international TV distribution with top-level experience in the global TV industry that will prove to be a huge asset to Electus."

Prior to today's acquisition, Electus and Engine Entertainment had already established a history of working together to create and distribute innovative programming. Announced last year, Electus and Engine co-produce and distribute Thumb Wars, a ground-breaking interactive Smart Phone treasure hunt game show for the U.S. and global markets with sales in multiple territories, originally brought to Engine by format consultant Michel Rodrigue. The partnership packages a hybrid reality competition format to involve network, advertising and digital integration offering an untapped platform for advertisers and electronic applications. Since its launch, Engine Entertainment has sourced over six hundred hours of content for distribution (a mix of U.S. shows that aired on Fox Sports Net, Showtime, PBS, Hulu, and HGTV) and has also partnered with the creator of Baywatch, Greg Bonann, and QED's Bill Block, for the international distribution of Greg Bonann's latest series, Pt. Dume, which is being cleared throughout the U.S. by Twentieth Century Fox and Tribune Broadcasting.

"Ben's game-changing pre-eminence in the global TV market place consistently raises the bar," said Chris Philip, President of Engine/Electus Distribution. "In a very competitive landscape for fresh ideas and product, this deal now puts us at the front of the line."

Today's news rounds out the Electus global distribution strategy and allows the studio to seamlessly handle content creation and distribution in every region of the world and across every format. Electus/Engine Distribution complements the existing Electus international distribution partnerships, including one with Elizabeth Murdoch's Shine Group, which will continue international distribution of its current deals such as Cuckoo's Nest,Master of the Mix, P.I. Moms and Hiccups. As part of the partnership between Electus and Guy Hameiri's Abbot Reif Hameiri Production Company, the leading production company in Israel, Electus/Engine Distribution now serves as the international sales team for the company's programming.

Actively developing television and digital programming for an extensive line-up of top cable channels, broadcast networks and online entities, Electus is the first integrated multimedia entertainment studio to unite producers, creators, advertisers and distributors under one roof to develop all forms of content for distribution across a variety of platforms around the world. Headed by Silverman, the company connects all parties early on in the development process, creating better content and enabling marketers and advertisers to be a true partner throughout the creative process to develop campaigns.

About Electus

Electus is the first integrated multimedia entertainment studio to unite producers, creators, advertisers and distributors under one roof and produce all forms of content for distribution across a variety of platforms around the world. Headed by Ben Silverman, in partnership with IAC, the company connects advertisers, distributors and content creators early on in the development process, enabling marketers and advertisers to be a true partner in campaigns and content creation. For more information on Electus, visit http://www.electus.com/.

About Engine Entertainment

Engine Entertainment was founded in 2009 by a management team with top-level experience in the global TV industry, high-level contacts across the world's TV markets, and in-depth knowledge of international co-production structures. As well as sourcing over 600 hours of content for distribution, it launched a specialized formats division with Michel Rodrigue as consultant, the first project of which was the ground-breaking interactive Smart Phone treasure hunt game show Thumb Wars, which Engine is co-producing with Electus, for the US, Canada, and the UK. The format has also sold in France, Spain, Poland, and Mexico. Engine also launched Engine Latino, a Spanish language production JV with Simon Bross, one of Mexico's most awarded director/producers who has strong ties to advertisers.

About IAC

IAC operates more than 50 leading and diversified Internet businesses across 30 countries... our mission is to harness the power of interactivity to make daily life easier and more productive for people all over the world. To view a full list of the companies of IAC please visit our website at www.iac.com.Source - http://iac.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1876

Electus International Unveils Scripted Television Slate For MIPTV 2012 Global Marketplace

NEW YORK, March 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ben Silverman's multimedia entertainment studio Electus, an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq: IACI), today unveiled highlights of its scripted television programming slate. These include the priority titles from an ever-growing slate that will be brought to market at MIPTV in Cannes, France, which begins on April 1st. This new block of television programming includes original series concepts developed by Electus and its creative partners, as well as successful third party international formats that Electus has acquired for both international distribution and U.S. production.

"From comedies and dramas to epic action/adventure series, our diverse set of scripted programming demonstrates our Company's ongoing commitment to creating premium, creative content that resonates with TV audiences around the world," said Chris Grant, CEO of Electus. "We look forward to working with our domestic and international partners to bring these stories to life on a global scale."

Electus' block of original scripted programming includes:

• MARCO POLO: Written and created by John Fusco, Marco Polo is a fantastical new martial arts epic about the thirteenth century explorer, chronicling the famous adventurer's early years in the court of Kublai Khan. Conscripted into service as the ruler's spy, ambassador, and explorer, young Polo is trained in the scholar-warrior tradition of thirteenth century China. In a court filled with political betrayal and forbidden relationships, Marco must use his martial arts training to survive, but it is his ability to enchant Khan with imaginative tales of his kingdom that is often his best tool to stay alive.Marco Polo is a series order (10 hours) with Starz in association with The Weinstein Company that will air in the U.S. on Starz Premium Network. Electus (Ben Silverman, Jimmy Fox), The Weinstein Company (Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein, Meryl Poster), John Fusco and Dave Erickson (Son's of Anarchy) will executive produce. Erickson will co-show run the epic adventure series with Fusco. Electus and The Weinstein Company will co-distribute Marco Polointernationally.
• CASCA: Based on the cult favorite book series by Barry Sadler, this action/adventure series follows Casca, a soldier who was cursed into a life of immortality by Jesus Christ on the day of the crucifixion. For 2000 years, Casca has battled the Brotherhood of the Lamb with the fate of the world hanging in the balance, becoming history's ultimate warrior. Now in present day, the Biblical signs and wonders are returning, and the Second Coming is at last at hand. Casca will need to find and protect the chosen mother to insure the Messiah's birth, and, with it, his own merciful death. Jason Smilovic (My Own Worst Enemy, Kidnapped and Lucky Number Slevin) will write the pilot and executive produce. Electus (Ben Silverman, Jimmy Fox), Michael Taddross, Jr. and Phil Ferrara will executive produce.
• THE LAM: Written, directed and executive produced by Wayne Kramer (The Cooler), The Lam is a dark drama set in modern day Chicago centered around The Lambert Arms, a full service hotel for criminals. Whether it is money laundering, rescue from the scene of a crime or identity transformation, the hotel offers a refuge for criminals on "the lam." The show's lead character is Phil Donagan, the hotel's general manager who must deal with the Chicago mob heads, the crooked cops and the criminals staying under his watch, all the while trying to shield his wife and young daughter from his work life. The Lam is executive produced by Electus (Ben Silverman, Chris Grant, Jimmy Fox), Chris Philip (Engine Entertainment), Kramer and Renee Tab of Sentient. Muse Entertainment Enterprises, Inc. is the Canadian Production Company on the series with Executive Producers, Joel S. Rice and Michael Prupas.
• CRUX: Written by Rod Lurie and Marc Frydman (Commander in Chief, Straw Dogs, The Last Castle, The Contender), The Crux is a drama whose revolutionary concept explores the mystery surrounding George Gabbler, a polished and enigmatic cult leader. The series traces Gabbler's past from his shady beginnings as a community college art professor to his transformation into a powerful, charismatic leader whose empire of 55,000 followers worldwide now threatens to unravel. The Crux is executive produced by Electus (Ben Silverman, Chris Grant, Jimmy Fox), Chris Philip (Engine Entertainment), Kevin Spacey and Scott Lambert. Shaftesbury is the Canadian Production Company on the series.
• WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR: Created by hit director Pierre Morel (Taken) and British writer Stewart Harcourt (Jericho),William the Conqueror is a historical epic series following the iconic French monarch through his rise to power and invasion of England in 1066. The series will be infused with a contemporary style, depicting The Conqueror as the world's first gangster. Electus (Ben Silverman, Chris Grant, Jimmy Fox), Chris Philip (Engine Entertainment), Pierre Morel and Renee Tab will executive produce.

Electus has also acquired the rights to distribute various successful international formats for global and domestic distribution, including:

• BLUE NATALIE: Based off of an Israeli format (DBS) created by Avner Bernheimer and Guy Sidis, Blue Natalie is a dynamic drama series centered around a family who runs a busy sex trafficking business out of their yacht (Blue Natalie) that is supposedly used to accommodate honeymooning couples, bar mitzvah parties and birthday celebrations. The series highlights the events that befall the main characters as the world of women trafficking and prostitution runs parallel with the normative, bourgeois lives they lead with their families. Electus has set the format up in the U.S. with Lifetime Network. Wendy West (Dexter, The Closer, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit) will write and executive produce the adaptation.
• WORLD'S END: Based off of a successful Icelandic format (Channel 2) produced and created by Sagafilm, World's End is a dark comedy set in 1992 at an isolated mental hospital on the outskirts of Reykjavík. The hospital, referred to as 'World's End' is a last resort for many mental patients, many of whom consider it a home. Elementary school teacher, Einar, is committed against his will after a severe nervous breakdown during which he had to be coaxed down from a rooftop, stark naked. Einar is unhappy about his stay at the hospital. He is critical about how things are run and before long he's gotten most of the patients on his side, rooting for change. Finally, fed up with his arguments falling on deaf ears, he stages a revolution and takes over the hospital, declaring it a state within a state, a Utopia for the mentally ill.
• ZANZURI: Based of off of a successful Israeli format (DBS) created by Yuval Fridman, Yuval Semo and Ben Bachar,Zanzuri centers on Pini Zanzuri, an average family man who suffers a heart attack at a surprise party on his 40th birthday and discovers that every man in his family has died of a heart failure at that same age. Pini comes to grips with his fate in a very short time and decides to go for it, making a promise to himself that he will use the time he has left to realize any dream or fantasy he has ever had. Electus has set the format up in the U.S. with Viacom's TV Land. Writer Jon Sherman(Frasier, Royal Pains) will write and executive produce the adaptation.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/electus-international-unveils-scripted-television-slate-for-miptv-2012-global-marketplace-144608315.html