Disney Media Distribution today premiered its full 2011-12 lineup of scripted series from ABC Studios and ABC Family, including 13 new and 11 returning scripted series, to the international TV market at its annual International Upfront event.
Held at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, CA, the event showcased the Disney Media Distribution slate in advance of the Los Angeles Screenings market. Ben Pyne, president, Global Distribution, Disney Media Networks, hosted over 600 international TV buyers, who got an inside look at upcoming programming from ABC Studios and ABC Family.
“We are excited to bring to our partners around the world the tremendous power of strong brands, an innovative culture, and incredible storytelling — all backed by the strength of The Walt Disney Company,” said Pyne. “This year we’re proud to introduce a lineup that delivers even more drama, more laughter and more adventure to our deep library of high-quality, sought-after content. Our new offerings are sure to draw viewers in, capture their imaginations and grab their attention.”
Joining the Upfront event were stars from the new and returning series including Felicity Huffman (“Desperate Housewives”), Dana Delany (“Body Of Proof”), Jeri Ryan (“Body Of Proof”), Ginnifer Goodwin (“Once Upon a Time”), Robert Carlyle (“Once Upon a Time”) and Madeleine Stowe (“Revenge”).
Here follow full descriptions of the new ABC Studios and ABC Family network and cable scripted series:
NETWORK SERIES
ONE HOUR
“G.C.B.” (“Good Christian Belles”) (ABC — midseason)
The soap returns to Dallas in this wicked new drama that shows that you can go home again… but only if you’re ready to face the sins of your past.
Amanda Vaughn (Leslie Bibb), once the ultimate high school “mean girl,” is forced to return home in disgrace after her marriage ends in scandal. Amanda is nothing like the girl she was 20 years ago, but as her old classmates reacquaint themselves with the new Amanda, will her home town welcome her with open arms or seek revenge? No one in this town is a saint, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a heart. As Amanda and her teenage kids try to adjust to their new lives, the ladies from her past alternate between sympathy and scheming.
“G.C.B.” stars Leslie Bibb (“Iron Man”) as Amanda Vaughn, Kristin Chenoweth (“Pushing Daisies”) as Carlene Cockburn, Annie Potts (“Law And Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Joan of Arcadia”) as Gigi Stopper, Jennifer Aspen (“Rodney”) as Sharon Peacham, Miriam Shor (“Swingtown” “Damages”) as Cricket Caruth-Reilly, Marisol Nichols (“24”) as Heather Cruz, Brad Beyer (“Jericho”) as Zack Peacham, Mark Deklin (“Lone Star”) as Blake Reilly and David James Elliott (“JAG”) as Ripp Cockburn.
Based on Kim Gatlin’s hit book, Good Christian Bitches, “G.C.B.” is executive-produced by Darren Star (“Sex and the City”), Robert Harling (“Steel Magnolias”) and Aaron Kaplan.
The pilot is written by Robert Harling and executive-produced and directed by Alan Poul. “Good Christian Belles” is produced by ABC Studios.
“MISSING” (ABC — midseason)
Becca Winstone (Ashley Judd) learns that her son, Michael, disappears while studying abroad, and it’s a race against time when she travels to Europe to track him down. A surprising turn of events reveals just how far one mother will go to protect her family. Exotic locations and thrilling twists will keep you riveted in “Missing.”
How far would you go to save the only thing you have left in the world? At 8 years old, Michael watched as his father, CIA Agent Paul Winstone, was murdered. Now 10 years later, Paul’s wife, Becca, is faced with the reality of her son growing up. When Michael is afforded the opportunity to study abroad, his mother reluctantly agrees it’s time to let him go. Just a few weeks into his trip Michael disappears, and Becca immediately suspects foul play. When she arrives in Rome, she begins piecing together the clues left behind. It isn’t long before the kidnappers realize they’ve picked a fight with the wrong woman. Becca Winstone has a secret of her own — before Paul’s death, she was also a lethal CIA Agent. But if she wants to find her son alive, Becca will have to rely on old friends and reopen old wounds. Her resourcefulness, skill and determination will be put to the test – but a mother’s love knows no limits.
“Missing” stars Ashley Judd (“Double Jeopardy,” “Kiss the Girls”) as Becca Winstone, Sean Bean (“Game Of Thrones”) as Paul Winstone, Cliff Curtis (“Trauma”) as Dax, Adriano Giannini (“Oceans Twelve”) as Giancarlo, Nick Eversman (“Cinema Verite”) as Michael Winstone and Tereza Voriskova (“Borgia”) as Oksana.
“Missing” comes from writer Gregory Poirier (“National Treasure: Book of Secrets”) and executive producers Gina Matthews, Grant Scharbo (“The Gates”), Steve Shill (Emmy winner for directing “Dexter” who will direct episodes of “Missing”) and James Parriott (“Sons Of Anarchy”). “Missing” is produced by Stillking Films.
“ONCE UPON A TIME” (ABC — fall)
From the inventive minds of “Lost” executive producers Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis comes a bold new imagining of the world, where fairy tales and the modern-day are about to collide. And they all lived happily ever after – or so everyone was led to believe. Emma Swan knows how to take care of herself. She’s a 28-year-old bail bonds collector who’s been on her own ever since she was abandoned as a baby. But when the son she gave up years ago finds her, everything starts to change. Henry is now 10 years old and in desperate need of Emma’s help. He believes that Emma actually comes from an alternate world and is Snow White and Prince Charming’s missing daughter.
According to his book of fairytales, they sent her away to protect her from the Evil Queen’s curse, which trapped the fairytale world forever, frozen in time, and brought them into our modern world. Of course Emma doesn’t believe a word, but when she brings Henry back to Storybrooke, she finds herself drawn to this unusual boy and his strange New England town. Concerned for Henry, she decides to stay for a while, but she soon suspects that Storybrooke is more than it seems. It’s a place where magic has been forgotten, but is still powerfully close… where fairytale characters are alive, even though they don’t remember who they once were. The epic battle for the future of all worlds is beginning, but for good to win, Emma will have to accept her destiny and fight like hell.
“Once Upon a Time” stars Ginnifer Goodwin (“Big Love”) as Snow White/Sister Mary Margaret, Jennifer Morrison (“House MD”) as Emma Swan, Robert Carlyle (“The Full Monty,” “Trainspotting,” “SGU Stargate Universe”) as Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold, Lana Parrilla as Evil Queen/Regina, Jamie Dornan as Sheriff Graham, Jared Gilmore (“Mad Men”) as Henry, Josh Dallas as Prince Charming/John Doe and Raphael Sbarge as Jiminy Cricket/Archie.
“Once Upon a Time” was written by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, who are also executive producers, along with Steve Pearlman (ABC’s “V”). The pilot is directed and executive-produced by Mark Mylod (“Entourage”). “Once Upon a Time” is from ABC Studios.
“REVENGE” (ABC — fall)
Wealth, beauty and status define the people in this town, but one woman is willing to destroy everyone for the sake of revenge.
Emily Thorne (Emily Van Camp) is new to the Hamptons. She’s met some of her wealthy neighbors, has made a few new friends and seemingly blends into the town. But something is a little odd about a young girl living in a wealthy town all on her own. The truth is that Emily isn’t exactly new to the neighborhood. In fact, this was once her old neighborhood, until something bad happened that ruined her family and their reputation. Now Emily is back, and she’s returned to right some of those wrongs in the best way she knows how – with a vengeance.
“Revenge” stars Madeleine Stowe (“We Were Soldiers,” “The Last of the Mohicans”) as Victoria Grayson, Emily Van Camp (“Brothers & Sisters,” “Everwood”) as Emily Thorne, Gabriel Mann (“The Bourne Identity”) as Nolan Ross, Henry Czerny (“Mission: Impossible,” “Clear and Present Danger”) as Conrad Grayson, Ashley Madekwe (“Secret Diary of a Call Girl”) as Ashley Davenport, Nick Wechsler (“Roswell”) as Jack Porter, Josh Bowman (“Prowl”) as Daniel Grayson, Christa B. Allen (“13 Going on 30”) as Charlotte Grayson and Connor Paolo (“Gossip Girl”) as Declan Porter.
“Revenge” is written and executive-produced by Mike Kelley (“Swingtown”), along with executive producers Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey (“Twilight”). The pilot is directed and executive-produced by Phillip Noyce (“Salt”). “Revenge” is produced by ABC Studios.
“THE RIVER” (ABC — midseason)
“The River” follows the story of wildlife expert and TV personality Emmet Cole. Emmet set course around the world with his wife, Tess, and son, Lincoln, while filming what would become one of the most popular shows in television. After he goes missing deep in the Amazon, his family, friends and crew set out on a mysterious and deadly journey to find him.
Famed explorer Dr. Emmet Cole (Bruce Greenwood) went looking for magic deep in the uncharted Amazon and never returned. The shocking truth about his disappearance is out there, somewhere, just waiting to be discovered. To the millions of kids who grew up watching his nature show, Dr. Cole was a hero. To his own son, Lincoln (Joe Anderson), he was more of an enigma. Now, six months after he vanished, Lincoln is finally ready to bury the past when Dr. Cole’s emergency beacon suddenly goes off. At the urging of his mother, Tess (Leslie Hope), Lincoln reluctantly joins her on a search for his father. To fund the rescue, they agree to let Dr. Cole’s cagey ex-producer, Clark (Paul Blackthorne), film the mission documentary-style. The mixed crew of old friends and new acquaintances includes the sexy and resourceful Lena (Eloise Mumford), loyal mechanic Emilio (Daniel Zacapa) and lethal bodyguard Captain Kurt Brynildson (Thomas Kretschmann).
“The River” stars Bruce Greenwood (“Star Trek”) as Emmet Cole, Joe Anderson (“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Parts 1 and 2”) as Lincoln Cole, Paul Blackthorne (“Lipstick Jungle”) as Clark, Paulina Gaitan as Jahel, Leslie Hope (“24”) as Tess Cole, Eloise Mumford (“Lone Star”) as Lena, Shaun Parkes (“The Mummy Returns”) as Adjay, Thomas Kretschmann (“King Kong”) as Captain Kurt Brynildson and Daniel Zacapa (“Resurrection Blvd.”) as Emilio.
“The River,” from Amblin’s Steven Spielberg, Daryl Frank and Justin Falvey, showrunner/executive producer Michael Green (“Heroes,” “Kings”), is also executive-produced by Oren Peli (creator of “Paranormal Activity”), Zack Estrin, Jason Blum and Steven Schneider. Teleplay by Michael R. Perry and Michael Green, story by Oren Peli & Michael R. Perry and Michael Green. The pilot is directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and produced by ABC Studios.
“SCANDAL” (ABC — midseason)
From the creator and executive producers of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice” comes a drama revolving around the life and work of a professional crisis manager and her dysfunctional staff. A former media relations consultant to the President, Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) dedicates her life to protecting and defending the public images of our nation’s elite. After leaving the White House, the power consultant opened her own firm, hoping to start a new chapter — both professionally and personally — but she can’t seem to completely cut ties with her past. Slowly it becomes apparent that her staff, who specialize in fixing the lives of other people, can’t quite fix the ones closest at hand — their own.
“Scandal” stars Kerry Washington (“Ray”) as Olivia Pope, Henry Ian Cusick (“Lost”) as Stephen Finch, Columbus Short (“Stomp the Yard”) as Harrison Wright, Guillermo Diaz (“Half-Baked”) as Huck, Darby Stanchfield as Abby Whelan, Katie Lowes as Quinn Perkins, Tony Goldwyn (“Ghost”) as President Fitzgerald Grant and Jeff Perry (“Grey’s Anatomy”) as Cyrus.
“Scandal” was written by Shonda Rhimes (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice”). Rhimes and Betsy Beers (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice”) are executive producers. Paul McGuigan is the director. “Scandal” is produced by ABC Studios.
HALF HOUR
“MAN UP” (ABC — fall)
Three modern men try to get in touch with their inner tough guys and redefine what it means to be a “real man” in this funny and relatable comedy.
Will’s grandfather fought in WWII. Will’s father fought in Vietnam. Will plays Call of Duty on his PS3 and drinks non-dairy hazelnut creamer. So what happened to all the real men? They’re still here — they just smell like pomegranate body wash now. Meet Will (Mather Zickel). His evolved, sensitive nature is why his awesome wife, Theresa (Teri Polo), married him. But Will and his friends find themselves wondering — in a world of Axe ads and manscaping — what does it really mean to be a guy anymore? Will is more interested in finding the perfect gift for his son Nathan’s (Jake Johnson) 13th birthday than in doing his job selling insurance; sensitive soul Craig (Christopher Moynihan) still pines for his college ex, Lisa; and Kenny (Dan Fogler) clamps down on his anger and asks himself, “What would Tobey Maguire do?,” when his ex, Brenda (Amanda Detmer), starts seeing a guy (Henry Simmons) who is everything he’s not and much better looking. After Craig crashes Lisa’s wedding to try to win her back, they are all faced with an opportunity to Man Up and be like their forefathers. The show stars Christopher Moynihan as Craig, Mather Zickel (“The Cape”) as Will, Dan Fogler (“Balls of Fury”) as Kenny, Teri Polo (“Meet the Fockers”) as Theresa, Amanda Detmer (“What About Brian”) as Brenda and Henry Simmons (“Shark”) as Grant.
“Man Up” comes from writer/executive producer/actor Christopher Moynihan (“100 Questions”), executive producer Victor Fresco (“Better off Ted”), Ron West and Kelly Kulchak of Tagline Television (Psych) and director Beth McCarthy-Miller (“SNL,” “30 Rock”). ”Man Up” is produced by ABC Studios.
CABLE SERIES
ONE HOUR
“JANE BY DESIGN” (ABC Family – early 2012)
Sixteen year-old Jane lands a job at a hip retail company. When mistaken for an adult, Jane soon finds herself juggling life as a regular teenager in high school and as an assistant to a high powered executive in the cutthroat world of fashion… all while trying to keep her true identity a secret.
Cast: Erica Dasher (“The Lake”), Andie MacDowell (“Groundhog Day,” “Shortcuts”), Nicholas Roux (“Lemonade Mouth”), Rowly Dennis (“Desperate Housewives”), India De Beaufort (“One Tree Hill”), Meagan Tandy (“10 Things I Hate About You”), Matthew Atkinson (“CSI”).
Executive-produced by Gavin Polone (“Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Gilmore Girls,” “My Boys,” “Zombieland”); written and executive produced by April Blair (“Lemonade Mouth,” “Monte Carlo,” “Christmas Caper”).
“THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING” (ABC Family – Tues, June 14)
In the one-hour scripted drama “The Nine Lives of Chloe King,” Chloe King is looking forward to celebrating her birthday with her friends and single mother, just like every other year… that is until she starts developing heightened abilities and discovers she’s being pursued by a mysterious figure.
Chloe soon learns she’s part of an ancient race which has been hunted by human assassins for millennia — and that she may be their only hope for ultimate survival. “The Nine Lives of Chloe King” will be executive produced by Dan Berendsen (“Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “Hannah Montana: The Movie”) and John Ziffren (“Melissa & Joey,” “Make It or Break It”) with Alloy Entertainment’s Leslie Morgenstein (“Pretty Little Liars,” “Gossip Girl,” “The Vampire Diaries”) and Gina Girolamo. The drama is based on the book series The Nine Lives of Chloe King by Liz Braswell.
The series will star Skyler Samuels (“The Gates”) as Chloe King; Amy Pietz (“The Office,” “Caroline in the City”) as Meredith King; Grey Damon (“True Blood,” “Friday Night Lights”) as Brian; newcomer Grace Phipps as Amy; Benjamin Stone (“10 Things I Hate About You”) as Alek; Alyssa Diaz (“Southland”) as Jasmine; and Ki Hong Lee (“The Secret Life as the American Teenager”) as Paul.
“PERCEPTION” (TNT — 2012)
“Perception” is an original drama series starring Emmy® and Screen Actors Guild Award® winner Eric McCormack (“Will & Grace,” “Who Is Clark Rockefeller?”). TNT has ordered 10 episodes of the new series, which centers on a neuroscientist who works to solve complex criminal cases. Also starring are Rachael Leigh Cook (“She’s All That”), Arjay Smith (“The Day After Tomorrow”) and Kelly Rowan (“The O.C.”). “Perception” was created by executive producer Kenneth Biller (“Star Trek: Voyager,” “Legend of the Seeker”) and co-executive producer Mike Sussman (“Star Trek: Voyager”), with McCormack serving as producer. Alan Poul (“Six Feet Under”) directed and served as executive producer for the pilot. Produced by ABC Studios, “Perception” is expected to premiere on TNT in 2012.
“THE PROTECTOR” (Lifetime – Sun, June 12)
“The Protector” centers on divorced mother Gloria Sheppard (Ally Walker), who juggles her demanding personal and professional life as an intuitive LAPD homicide detective while raising two boys with the help of her troubled younger brother, Davey (Chris Payne Gilbert).
Co-starring Tisha Campbell-Martin as Gloria’s partner and Miguel Ferrer as their boss, “The Protector” is from ABC Studios. Writer Jeffrey Bell, Nina Wass and Gene Stein, executive producer.
“SWITCHED AT BIRTH” (ABC Family – Mon, June 6)
“Switched at Birth,” a one-hour scripted drama, tells the story of two teenage girls who discover they were accidentally switched as newborns in the hospital. Bay Kennish grew up in a wealthy family with two parents and a brother, while Daphne Vasquez, who lost her hearing at an early age due to a case of meningitis, grew up with a single mother in a working-class neighborhood. Things come to a dramatic head when both families meet and struggle to learn how to live together for the sake of the girls.
“Switched at Birth” stars newcomer Katie LeClerc as Daphne Vasquez; Vanessa Marano (“Gilmore Girls”) as Bay Kennish; Constance Marie (“George Lopez”) as Regina Vasquez; D.W. Moffett (“Friday Night Lights”) as John Kennish; Lea Thompson (“Back to the Future,” “Caroline in the City”) as Kathryn Kennish; and Lucas Grabeel (“High School Musical”) as Toby Kennish.
Lizzy Weiss (“Blue Crush”), Paul Stupin (“Make It or Break It”) and John Ziffren (“Melissa & Joey,” “Make It or Break It”) serve as executive producers.
HALF HOUR
STATE OF GEORGIA (ABC Family — Weds, June 29)
“State of Georgia,” an ABC Studios’ production, is a half-hour multi-cam comedy series starring Raven-Symoné as Georgia, an aspiring actress with a larger than life personality and her science geek best friend who try to make headway in New York City.
“State of Georgia” will be executive-produced by Kirk J. Rudell and Jennifer Weiner (author of the best-selling novels Good in Bed and In Her Shoes — Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette starred in the feature film version by the same name). Majandra Delfino (“Roswell”) also stars as Jo and Loretta Devine as Aunt Honey.
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