WGN America Begins Production on Scripted Series SALEM

WGN America enters the world of the most notorious witch trials in history with its first original scripted series "Salem," as production begins today in Shreveport, La on the provocative FOX 21 drama. On an expansive set reflecting volatile 17th century Massachusetts, "Salem" explores what really fueled the town's infamous witch trials and dares to uncover the dark, Supernatural truth behind them. Created, executive-produced and written by award-winning writer/producer Brannon Braga ("24," "Star Trek: The Next Generation, Voyager and Enterprise") and Adam Simon ("The Haunting in Connecticut"), "Salem" launches WGN America's strategy to become a dedicated purveyor of innovative scripted fare.

"Salem" stars Janet Montgomery ("Human Target," "Made in Jersey") as the ruthless but vulnerable Mary Sibley, Salem's most powerful enchantress - and Alden's onetime love interest; Shane West ("Nikita," "ER") as handsome, hardened war veteran John Alden; Seth Gabel ("Fringe") as local aristocrat Cotton Mather who fans the flames of Salem's witch hunt; Ashley Madekwe ("Revenge") as Mary's mysterious, carnal accomplice; Xander Berkeley ("Nikita," "The Mentalist") as chief politician Magistrate Hale; Tamzin Merchant ("Jane Eyre") as the forthright Anne Hale, an artist with a perilous attraction to Alden; and Elise Eberle ("The Astronaut Farmer") as the mysteriously afflicted Mercy Lewis.

In "Salem," witches are real, but they are not who or what they seem. The show, which centers on an Epic romance wrapped around this explosive revelation, delivers a bold new vision of Salem - and an even bolder new vision of witches.

Alongside Braga and Simon, Prospect Park's Josh Barry and Jeff Kwatinetz executive produce, with co-executive producers Liz Sarnoff, Tricia Small, Jon Feldman and Vahan Moosekian. Richard Shepherd directs. WGN America has ordered 13 episodes of the drama, which hails from FOX 21 ("Homeland," "Sons of Anarchy"), the trailblazing cable production arm of Twentieth Century FOX Television. "Salem" is slated to premiere in Spring 2014 on WGN America.