National Geographic Channel U.S., Relativity and Tandem announced today at MIPCOM 2013 their collaboration on the series "Act of Valor." The series is the first scripted series for both NGC and Relativity. Production begins in early 2014. The series, which is inspired by the successful feature film bearing the same name, will be produced by Tandem Communications (a STUDIOCANAL company) and Relativity.
The series will be written by Erik Jendresen (Band of Brothers). Tandem Communications (The Pillars of the Earth, Crossing Lines) will act as both the studio on the production as well handle international distribution. Relativity's Act of Valor, which was an unprecedented blend of real-life heroism and original filmmaking, opened #1 at the U.S. box office with $24.5 million and went on to gross more than $80 million worldwide.
This greenlight further solidifies NGC's stake in the scripted content arena. NGC garnered record-breaking ratings for its first forays into scripted with the factually based feature films SEAL Team Six becoming the highest-rated program in 2012 for the network and Killing Lincoln achieving the highest-rated program in 2013 to date, both Emmy nominated. In addition, NGC is heading into the fall with the highly anticipated Rob Lowe starrer, Killing Kennedy, bowing on November 10th.
"Act of Valor" the series focuses on pararescuemen, also known as PJs, who are the
UnSung heroes that are tasked with recovery and medical treatment of personnel in humanitarian and combat environments.
Ryan Kavanaugh, CEO of Relativity, said: "Relativity's unique model allows us to successfully transform a film such as Act of Valor into a highly engaging television series. Through this process, networks are able to broadcast shows with built-in-audiences of viewers already invested in a story, while the studio monetizes our content in new ways."
Tom Forman, CEO of Relativity Television, added: "The film Act of Valor was ground-breaking in its unique approach, and we look forward to applying its gritty, realistic vision to television. We could not ask for a better home for the series than National Geographic Channel."
Howard Owens, President of National Geographic Channels, said: "With the incredible success of our original scripted feature films, we are expanding our offerings with a high quality scripted series we know will resonate with our viewers. After the success of our documentary series
Inside Combat Rescue about PJs in Afghanistan, we wanted to tell more incredible stories of these heroes, and this series will allow us to do so in an exciting and dramatic way, while still delivering real, authentic stories our viewers expect from us. We could not have a better partner than Relativity to take this next step."
Tim Halkin, COO of Tandem Communications, added: "With a powerful contemporary storyline of global anti-terrorism, Act of Valor is an intense, fast-paced series that will resonate with viewers worldwide. We are excited to work with Relativity, as well as the talented Erik Jendresen, who is so skilled and creative in this genre of entertainment."
Kavanaugh is scheduled to deliver a MIPCOM Media Mastermind Keynote on 8 October at 16.45 at the Palais des Festivals, Grand Auditorium.
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