Los Angeles/New York/Toronto – December 10, 2013 – Demonstrating its commitment to bringing audiences outstanding original content, Sundance Channel announced a deal today with leading independent studio Entertainment One (eOne) to co-develop a television series based on the groundbreaking Israeli format Reaching for Heaven, produced by Assaf Amir’s Norma Productions.
Reaching for Heaven is a family drama about what happens to a marriage and family when one parent suddenly becomes religious. eOne and Sundance Channel will partner to adapt and co-develop a US version of the series and have attached writer Mike Seid, who will set the show in Las Vegas — and explore religion in the city of sin.
Nena Rodrigue, SVP, Programming and Production, Sundance Channel, stated, “Sundance Channel has always been drawn to original stories that explore the emotional truth and intimate nature of relationships. Reaching for Heaven does that and introduces the provocative topic of religion within a family dynamic in a way we have never seen before. We are very excited to continue our relationship with eOne and collaborate with them on this distinctive project.”
eOne recently announced that it had acquired the US and UK format rights from Israel’s A-Cappella Media Content Hub. The original version of Reaching for Heaven aired for two seasons on Keshet in Israel and totaled 14 episodes.
“We are thrilled to partner on Reaching for Heaven with Sundance Channel. The network consistently brings bold and compelling original television to its audiences,” said Carrie Stein, EVP Global Productions, eOne Television. “Exploring the challenges of ideology within the microcosm of one family, this series is relatable, timely and universal. Our team’s ability to discover and attract premium formats that can cross many borders speaks to our aptitude and understanding of the international marketplace and what works where. As the US market recognizes the advantages of investing in content that has been tried and tested, it’s really becoming an exciting time for formats.”
This deal sees the two companies joining forces once again and broadening their already successful relationship. Earlier this year, eOne and AMC Networks signed an exclusive multi-year distribution agreement whereby eOne acquired international distribution rights for original scripted series from U.S. based AMC Networks’ AMC and Sundance Channel, including Sundance Channel’s upcoming series The Red Road. The Red Road is a hard-hitting drama that revolves around a local cop struggling to keep his family together while simultaneously policing two clashing communities.
eOne is also the studio and international distributor behind the AMC series Hell on Wheels, and along with Fox International Channels, eOne handles international distribution of the zombie-phenomenon, The Walking Dead. In addition to Hell on Wheels, eOne’s slate of current scripted series include Discovery Channel’s highly-anticipated foray into scripted television Klondike, a mini-series co-produced by Discovery, eOne, and Nomadic Pictures in association with Scott Free Television; Rookie Blue on ABC and Shaw; suspense-drama Rogue, starring Thandie Newton, for DIRECTV’s Audience Network; Call Me Fitz on DIRECTV’s Audience Network and HBO Canada; and preschool-phenom Peppa Pig on Nick Jr., among many others.
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About Entertainment One
Entertainment One Ltd. (LSE:ETO) is a leading international entertainment company that specializes in the acquisition, production and distribution of film and television content. The company’s comprehensive network extends around the globe including Canada, the U.S., the UK, Ireland, Benelux, Spain, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South Korea. Through established Entertainment and Distribution divisions, the company provides extensive expertise in film distribution, television and music production, family programming and merchandising and licensing. Its current rights library is exploited across all media formats and includes more than 35,000 film and television titles, 2,800 hours of television programming and 45,000 music tracks. http://www.entertainmentone.com/
About AMC Networks Inc.
Dedicated to producing quality programming and movie content for more than 30 years, AMC Networks Inc. owns and operates several of the most popular and award-winning brands in cable television. AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv, and IFC Films produce and deliver distinctive, compelling and culturally relevant content that engages audiences across multiple platforms. The company also operates AMC/Sundance Channel Global, an international programming business, and AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology, a full-service network programming feed origination and distribution company.
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