NBC Acquires Rights to Action Crime Series CROSSING LINES

NBC has acquired the U.S. television rights to the one-hour action-crime series "Crossing Lines," from producers Tandem Communications ("The Pillars of the Earth", "World Without End") and Bernero Productions ("Criminal Minds," "Third Watch").

Series is produced in co-production with TF1 Production/TF1 Network and commissioned by Sony Pictures Television Networks.

The network will air 10 episodes beginning in summer 2013. Set in exotic locations, "Crossing Lines" taps into the charter of the International Criminal Court to investigate serialized cross-border crimes and to hunt down global criminals. The series stars William Fichtner, Donald Sutherland, Marc Lavoine, Gabriella Pession, Tom Wlaschiha, Moon Dailly and Richard Flood.

"Crossing Lines" was created and developed by Edward Allen Bernero and Tandem president Rola Bauer. Both serve as executive producers.

"We're making scripted projects a priority for our summer lineup, and this is a great fit," said Robert Greenblatt, Chairman of NBC Entertainment. "The special unit of 'Crossing Lines' brings global criminals to justice with the help of the International Criminal Court. We have every reason to believe that our viewers will enjoy these compelling and well-told stories."

"Fans of procedural crime shows will feel very much at home with 'Crossing Lines' and adopt its team of characters as their new family," said Bernero, who previously was an executive producer on NBC's long-running drama "Third Watch." "I couldn't be more pleased to come home to NBC, which recognized the show's potential."

Added Rola Bauer, who leads Tandem Communications from the company's home in Munich: "This is Tandem's entry into the one-hour series arena and, with Ed aboard and with this cast, we feel NBC is the perfect home for our show in the U.S."

Bernero, a former police officer who made his television debut writing for CBS' cop drama "Brooklyn South," is represented by CAA and counseled by Tom Hoberman, who also reps Tandem with Randolph M. Paul.

Bernero Productions has developed several projects over its three-year existence across different broadcast and cable networks.

Tandem Communications, which focuses on production and worldwide distribution, was formed in 1999 by Rola Bauer and Tim Halkin. In 2007 Jonas Bauer was named partner. Last year StudioCanal took a major stake in the company to strengthen Tandem's one-hour series strategy.

Germany's SAT.1 and Italian public broadcaster RAI have also acquired the series.

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