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Lifetime Orders 20 Episodes of 'Bianca,' a New Primetime Novela Series From FremantleMedia North America ('American Idol(R)') to Air This Fall on Lifetime
LOS ANGELES, June 5 -- Lifetime has ordered to series
twenty episodes of "Bianca," a steamy weekly primetime novela based on the
massively popular German television series of the same name, created and
produced by FremantleMedia's Grundy UFA. The series will be produced on
location in Australia and comes from FremantleMedia North America, the
producers of the hit television series "American Idol(R)" and
internationally renowned experts in the field of novelas, it was announced
today by Susanne Daniels, President, Entertainment, Lifetime Entertainment
Services. The series will premiere this fall on Lifetime.
"'Bianca' is an exciting series for us -- it's a sexy, flirty, fun
modern soap filled with deception, murder, secrets and betrayal -- and is
an ideal format for our audience," said Daniels.
"Bianca" explores forbidden love between a woman searching for a new
life after being unfairly imprisoned and a wealthy man trapped into an
impending loveless marriage. Nick Malmholt, Head of Creative Development,
Worldwide Drama, FremantleMedia, is the head writer. Mike Murphy,
President, Worldwide Drama, FremantleMedia, is executive producer.
Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, said: "This is a
ground-breaking deal for FremantleMedia North America as it will be the
first time that we will be producing a scripted series in the U.S.
Internationally, however, we have a long tradition of producing popular
serial drama and have recently been very successful at introducing the
telenovela concept to Europe. We look forward to working with Lifetime to
bring the story of "Bianca" to U.S. audiences this fall."
FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) is on the leading edge of global
broadcast production, developing some of television's most innovative and
watched new programming. Based in Santa Monica and with offices in New
York, FMNA has produced such genre-bending shows as the musical/reality
phenomenon American Idol and The Swan (Fox). In 2005, FremantleMedia
programs garnered 16 Emmy nominations, including six for American Idol.
Other credits include The Price Is Right (CBS), the longest-running game
show in television history; the daily syndicated game show Family Feud,
primetime hunt for American ingenuity, American Inventor (ABC), and the
breakout hit lifestyle show How Clean Is Your House? (Lifetime).
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.
SOURCE Lifetime
http://www.lifetimetv.com
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