Expanding its slate of original programming (From sleazy,
Game of Thrones knockoff
Salem & the critically acclaim Mad Men-like
Manhattan), WGN America today
announced its next straight-to-series order for the scripted drama
"Titans," and the start of pre-production and a writers' room, with an
eye toward a series order, for the scripted series "Underground." Both
series will be produced by Sony Pictures Television (SPT) and Tribune
Studios for an expected 2015 premiere.
"These projects, each exploring a world we find to be unique and
fascinating, continue our aggressive expansion into original scripted
programming," said
Matt Cherniss,
president and general manager, WGN America and Tribune Studios.
"Everyone at WGN America is pleased to enter this next phase of our
growth with Sony Pictures Television as an important partner on these
projects, along with such talented creators and producers."
"WGN America has made a commitment to quality programming and we are
happy that working together is a significant part of their growth
strategy," said
Zack Van Amburg,
president of programming and production for SPT. "High-quality original
series have consistently helped establish channel brands with the
audience, and WGN appreciates and takes that value proposition
seriously," added
Jamie Erlicht, president of programming and production for SPT.
For a slave living in the pre-Civil War South, the only road to
freedom was a dangerous journey where failure often meant
death.
"Underground" follows the slaves who set foot on the fabled
Underground Railroad, the secret network of men and women who risked
their lives aiding them, and the mercenaries tasked with hunting them
down at any cost.
"Underground" is created and written by
Misha Green ("Sons of Anarchy," "Heroes") and
Joe Pokaski ("Heroes," "CSI") who also serve as Executive Producers with Academy Award
®-winning writer
Akiva Goldsman ("A Beautiful Mind," "I Am Legend") from Weed Road Pictures, along with
Tory Tunnell ("King Arthur," "Holy Rollers") and
Joby Harold ("King Arthur," "Edge of Tomorrow") from Safehouse Pictures. No stars or roles have been named,including the famed Harriet Tubman position.
A struggle for power and control set in the rugged and mysterious
hills of Appalachia, "Titans" tells the story of the Farrell clan, a
family of outsiders who've been in these parts since before anyone can
remember. Living off the grid and above the law on their mountaintop
homestead, they'll protect their world and defend their way of life
using any means necessary. "Titans" is created and written by
award-winning playwright
Peter Mattei who also serves as Executive Producer with Emmy Award
®-winning
Peter Tolan ("Rescue Me," "Analyze This") from Fedora Entertainment.
Emmy Award
®-winning actor
Paul Giamatti ("
John Adams," "Sideways") and
Dan Carey ("All Is Bright") from Touchy Feely Films and Fedora Entertainment's
Michael Wimer ("2012," "Rake"). WGN America has ordered 13 episodes of the one-hour drama.