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