Ovation to Present A CHANCE TO DANCE Reality Competition Series

Ovation highlighted the network's Upfront presentation for journalists today to introduce them to the producer and stars of its exciting new original dance competition series A CHANCE TO DANCE. The network's executives also unveiled its "destination nights" programming strategy and 2013 development slate. Executive Vice President of Ad Sales Liz Janneman and Senior Vice President of Programming Kris Slava were on hand at the presentation, joined by producer Simon Lythgoe and A Chance to Dance co-stars Michael Nunn and William Trevitt.

A Chance to Dance, which is currently in production and filming in the Berkshires, is Ovation's first reality competition series with the production powerhouse team of Nigel and Simon Lythgoe. The series follows two of the UK's most prominent, contemporary dancers and choreographers, William Trevitt and Michael Nunn, as they travel across the country seeking out the nation's best dancers for a new American dance company they are forming. The series is set to premiere this summer.

"A Chance to Dance is on track to be Ovation's breakout series. Produced by two of the most successful producers of reality competition shows, including So You Think You Can Dance and American Idol, we are confident that this series will appeal to Ovation fans as well as bring many new viewers to the network," said Liz Janneman, EVP, Ad Sales, Ovation. "We are very excited to be able to offer advertisers many creative ways to be a part of this phenomenal show, as well as our ongoing destination nights."

Ovation recently launched three different, arts-focused "destination nights" on the network. Sunday nights are dedicated to "Artists & Icons" and feature movies and documentaries about artists who have set the standard in their profession, whether they are musicians, directors, photographers, painters, actors, dancers, architects or designers. "Movies to Stand Up For" are featured on Thursday nights. These include critics' favorites as well as those worth a second look. And every Saturday night is Ovation's showcase for scripted originals and premieres -- made for TV films, mini-series and series -- called "The Best You've Never Seen." Upcoming premieres include:

Cloudstreet is set in and around Perth, Western Australia during the 1940s and 1950s and tells the story of two rural families who suffer separate catastrophes and flee to the city to pick up the pieces of their lives and start again. Brought together in the same house at No.1 Cloud Street, the Lambs and the Pickles share numerous tragedies and triumphs that draw them closer together, until the roof over their heads becomes a home for their hearts. Cloudstreet is based on the award-winning and best-selling novel by Tim Winton and features an outstanding ensemble cast, including Stephen Curry (The Cup, :30 Seconds), Essie Davis (Burning Man, The Girl With the Pearl Earring), Kerry Fox (Angel At My Table, Bright Star) and Emma Booth (Clubland). Premiering Saturday, April 28 at 10 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT, the series will air on consecutive Saturday nights through June 2.

The Runaway is novelist Martina Cole's tale of star-crossed lovers struggling for redemption against a background of crime and corruption. Childhood sweethearts Cathy Connor and Eamonn Docherty, are brought up together in the East End. When Cathy strikes out to protect her mother from a violent attack, she is institutionalized and abused until she runs away. Meanwhile, Eamonn is rising up the ranks of the East End criminal underworld. Over the years their paths continue to cross, but each time fate intervenes. Stars Joanna Vanderham, Jack O'Connell, with an exceptional performance by Alan Cumming as a drag performer who saves the young Cathy. Premiering Saturday, June 9 at 10 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Bouquet of Barbed Wire is a riveting psychological thriller that revisits Andrea Newman's infamous taboo-busting novel. It's the story of a father's obsessive love for his daughter and how secrets from the past return to haunt them. Adultery, financial ruin and violence all play their part as the Manson family is torn apart. Stars Trevor Eve, Imogen Poots and Tom Riley. Premiering Saturday, July 21 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

What to do When Someone Dies is based on the best-selling novel by Nicci French and is the story of Ellie Manning and the double life she leads until tragic events reveal who she really is. One woman's death brings her closer than ever before to discovering her own husband's killer. This plot-twisting mini series stars Anna Friel (Limitless, Pushing Daisies) as "Ellie Manning" and is directed by Tim Fywell (Mistresses, Waking the Dead, Inspector Lewis). The series premieres Saturday, August 11 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

"We're looking to define the network with powerful emotional storytelling that has an artful, literary connection. All of these titles pass that test with flying colors and work really well as we continue to define our brand," said Kris Slava, SVP, Programming, Ovation. "This is a breakout year for Ovation. We're taking our programming to a whole new level."

Slava also noted a new art-oriented series from Studio Lambert that is currently in development. The Art Factory follows the crazy, charismatic husband & wife team behind Silver Hill Arts, the world's top architectural arts studio. It's not a quiet life, but that's not what Norval and Fay signed up for. He's the spacey but daring artist, she's the funky but kick-ass business woman. Backed by a talented (and slightly tortured) team of artists, they constantly take on amazing challenges for wildly demanding clients – and thus far have always succeeded.

About Ovation

Ovation is the only multi-platform network celebrating art, artists and all forms of artistic story-telling. Its programming tells the stories of artists, their work, and the powerful impact art has on each of us. Ovation programming is a one-of-a-kind mix of original and selectively curated series, films, documentaries and specials. The network reaches a national audience of 51 million homes and is available on cable systems across the country, as well as nationally on DIRECTV, Dish, Verizon FiOS and AT&T U-verse. Ovation is also available in HD and VOD (both in standard and high definition). Ovation extends its linear channel experience for viewers online via its popular website, www.ovationtv.com. 

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