YouTube, the world's leading Internet video platform, and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), a premier next generation global content leader, today announced that Youtube has ordered a full season of Lionsgate's drama series STEP UP, based on the film franchise that grossed $650 million at the global box office.
Adam Shankman, Jennifer Gibgot and Meredith Milton, all producers of the original Step Up films, will executive produce the series, along with Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Tatum, who both co-starred in the original Step Up film.
Based on the fan favorite films, the Step Up series is a heart-pounding, sexy, music-filled drama about dancers in a contemporary performing arts school. The show will begin production later this year and will debut exclusively as the first original scripted series on
Youtube Red next year.
The original Step Up (2006) featured Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan. Four more films followed in quick succession - Step Up 2: The Streets, Step Up: 3D, Step Up: Revolution and Step Up: All In - as the franchise grew into a wildly popular global dance and film phenomenon. The last two films of the Step Up series were released by Lionsgate's Summit Entertainment label.
"I've been a fan of the Step Up movies for years and always believed the films would translate into an awesome original series," said Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content, YouTube. "We know that dance is a hugely successful global category on YouTube, so I'm excited to have a series rooted in such an enormously popular genre on our platform."
"Step Up is an incredible property with the global appeal to launch both a blockbuster film franchise and an exhilarating, high-energy series," said Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs. "After five exciting and successful movies, we're proud to partner with
Youtube Red, a major new force on the programming landscape, to adapt the films into an adrenaline-filled original drama series driven by its non-stop energy, spectacular dancing and A-list creative talent."
"The Step Up franchise has been a significant and joy-filled part of all of our lives for over a decade, and introduced the world to Channing and Jenna, who we are so excited to be collaborating with on this show," said executive producers Shankman, Gibgot and Milton. "This original series is a natural extension of our creative passion, and we cannot wait to inspire a whole new audience with our partners at
Youtube Red, which has always been an organic online home for many dancers, and a vital part of the dance community."
YouTube Red is a paid membership that enables the ultimate
Youtube experience. Members get all of
Youtube uninterrupted, a premium
Youtube Music experience, and exclusive access to new original series and movies from top
Youtube creators.
Youtube Red is currently available in the United States, Australia and New Zealand, with plans for additional international expansion throughout 2016.
Image courtesy of Lionsgate
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