ABC FAMILY STARTS PRODUCTION ON NEW DRAMA SERIES "THE FOSTERS"

Burbank, CA (April 5, 2013) - Production began today in Burbank for the new ABC Family original series "The Fosters," a compelling one-hour drama about a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids being raised by two moms (played by Teri Polo and Sherri Saum). Acclaimed director Tim Busfield, who also directed the pilot, is directing the episode.

"The Fosters" premieres on ABC Family on Monday, June 3rd, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT during a month when cultural attention will be turned toward Supreme Court rulings on the legalities of the Defense of Marriage Act and California's Proposition 8 ban on gay marriage. In addition to gay marriage and parenting, the groundbreaking and thematically diverse series addresses the foster care system, mixed race families and teen issues that will keep the conversation going.

From executive producer Jennifer Lopez, ("American Idol," "What to Expect When You're Expecting," "The Back-Up Plan") and created by Bradley Bredeweg and Peter Paige ("Queer As Folk"), who also serve as writers and executive producers, "The Fosters" stars Teri Polo, Sherri Saum, Jake T. Austin, Hayden Byerly, David Lambert, Maia Mitchell, Danny Nucci and Cierra Ramirez. Joanna Johnson ("Make it or Break it"), Elaine Goldsmith Thomas, Benny Medina and Greg Gugliotta also serve as executive producers. The series is produced by Nuyorican Productions, Inc., and Prodco, Inc.

Part of the Disney/ABC Television Group, ABC Family is distributed in over 97 million homes. ABC Family features programming reflecting today's families, entertaining and connecting with adults through relatable programming about today's relationships - told with a mix of diversity, passion, humor and heart. ABC Family's programming is a combination of network-defining original series and original movies, quality acquired series and blockbuster theatricals. Emmy(R) Award-winning ABCFamily.com provides a variety of interactive entertainment and community features from rich, fan-centric programming -- including blogs, viewing parties, webisodes, full episodes of the network's hit programming, along with sneak peek exclusive previews and behind-the-scenes clips. ABC Family is also the destination for annual Holiday events with "13 Nights of Halloween" and "25 Days of Christmas." ABC Family. A New Kind of Family.