In Its First Major International Co-Production Deal, Lifetime Networks Joins with French Media Giant TF1 International to Produce and Distribute Original TV Movies Worldwide
Initial Project Will Be 'Miracle Mountain' (wt) Starring Jami Gertz & Dylan
Walsh
NEW YORK and PARIS, April 4 -- Concluding its first major
international co-production agreement, Lifetime Networks, comprising the
two most popular women's cable networks in the United States, is partnering
with TF1 International, the distribution arm of France's number one
broadcaster, on a creative and business collaboration that begins with the
production and distribution of three original television movies for release
in worldwide markets, it was announced today by executives of the two major
media companies.
The new venture launches with "Miracle Mountain,"(working title)
starring Jami Gertz ("Still Standing") and Dylan Walsh ("Nip/Tuck") as an
estranged couple caught in a holiday snowstorm, scheduled to premiere on
Lifetime Television later this year and which will be distributed by TF1
International outside North America at the end of 2007.
"We are very pleased of that first step in a long term partnership with
Lifetime, one of the most creative and dynamic cable television networks,"
says Annabel Bighetti, TF1 International Senior Executive VP sales &
acquisitions.
"Through this new partnership, we will begin the process of owning our
own movies, instead of merely licensing them, which is a critical
ingredient for success in this multi-platform era. We're thrilled that
we're partnering with a company which is synonymous with successful and
prestigious programming," said Susanne Daniels, President, Entertainment,
Lifetime Networks.
"Miracle Mountain" is produced by Nomadic Pictures for Lifetime
Television. Chad Oakes ("Broken Trail"), Mike Frislev ("The Mermaid Chair")
and Greg Goodell ("Down Will Come Baby") serve as producers. Greg Goodell
also wrote and directed the movie.
LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated
basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME
is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information
programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and
their families. LIFETIME Television, LMN, Lifetime Real Women, Lifetime
Home Entertainment, and Lifetime Online (http://www.lifetimetv.com) are part of
LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst
Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.
TF1 INTERNATIONAL, the worldwide distribution arm of the TF1 group (a
diversified French communication group), acquires children's programmes
("Kung Foot ", "Zoe Kesako"), various series ("Lost Signs", "Julie, Police
Commissioner ", "Zodiac Murders") and documentaries ("Once upon a Time Walt
Disney", "Ushuaia Nature"), feature films for international distribution.
TF1 INTERNATIONAL runs a large catalogue of French, European and American
feature films (over 600 feature films). TF1 INTERNATIONAL is also involved
in theatrical distribution via TFM Distribution.
SOURCE Lifetime Networks
http://www.lifetimetv.com
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