Lifetime Television Orders Half-Hour Comedy Series 'Lovespring' from Eric McCormack/Michael Forman's Big Cattle Productions and Lionsgate

Series Marks Initial Scripted Series Commitment by Entertainment President Susanne Daniels

PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 11 -- Marking her first scripted series commitment since assuming her position in September, Lifetime Entertainment Services President of Entertainment Susanne Daniels has ordered production of "Lovespring," a half-hour comedy series about looking for love in all the wrong places, from Eric McCormack and Michael Forman's Big Cattle Productions and Lionsgate. "Lovespring" is scheduled to premiere on Lifetime in summer 2006.

"Lovespring" is the name of a matchmaking agency marketed to customers as an "elite Beverly Hills" company, despite its location in Tarzana, California. The ensemble is made up of relationship counselors and a staff psychologist who try to convince loveless people that the service can lead clients to the perfect mate.

"'Lovespring' is exactly what we're looking for, in that it's fresh, funny and relatable. Eric and Michael have put together an outstanding cast and a terrific show, and we're thrilled to be in business with Big Cattle Productions and Lionsgate," said Daniels.

"We really wanted a good home for this show, somewhere that it would be coddled and nurtured, so where better than the best women's network?" said McCormack.

"We're looking forward to a great collaboration with Eric, Michael and Lifetime on 'Lovespring,'" said Kevin Beggs, President, Television, Lionsgate. "It's a wonderfully inventive comedy with distinctive characters and unique voice, and we believe it has the potential to become a breakout show."

McCormack and Forman will executive produce alongside Brad Isaacs and creator Guy Shalem, who will also direct.

Big Cattle Productions recently inked a multi-year production deal with NBC Universal Television Studio. Along with McCormack ("Will & Grace"), Forman, former VP of programming for NBC and UPN Senior Vice President Programming, heads up the company.

Shalem's "Life of Leisure" is in development at ABC. He also developed and sold "The Roxy," written by Sally Robinson, and "Anatomy of an Affair," written by Tommy Swardlow, to NBC.

Isaacs will soon be directing his first feature, "A West Texas Children's Story," which he also penned. He served as consulting producer for "King of the Hill," co-executive producer of "NewsRadio," consulting producer of "The Larry Sanders Show" and began his writing career on such shows as "Newhart" and "Roseanne."

Lionsgate is the premier independent producer and distributor of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment and video-on-demand content. Its prestigious and prolific library is a valuable source of stable, recurring revenue and is a foundation for growth of the Company's core business. The Lionsgate brand name is synonymous with original, daring quality entertainment in markets around the globe.

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, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women, Lifetime Home Entertainment and Lifetime Online are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.

*Photography is available at http://www.lifetimepress.com

SOURCE Lifetime Television
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