8 May, 2009
London, 8th May 2009 – Fireworks International, the digital content and television distribution arm of ContentFilm Plc, announced today that it is to collaborate with pioneering multi-platform producers Pure Grass Films as a production and funding partner on the brand new multi-platform thriller SHADOW LINE. Fireworks International will also distribute the prequel and subsequent series of SHADOW LINE to the international marketplace, as part of a new first-look deal with Pure Grass Films.
Aimed at the lucrative 18 – 30 year-old audience, SHADOW LINE follows CIA agent Tom Wisher who is betrayed by a colleague while on a mission. After Wisher narrowly avoids capture in the field, he is pursued relentlessly by the CIA and fakes his own death with the help of a secret cell of assassins who offer him the opportunity to take revenge. With relentless pace and gritty realism, the series, in a world first, presents online viewers with the opportunity to engage directly with the show and choose which path Wisher should follow to complete his mission.
The prequel for SHADOW LINE stars Joshua Dallas (Descent 2; Red Tails) as “Tom Wisher”; Vincent Regan (Troy; 300) as “Blake”; Daud Shah (Casino Royale) as “Massoud”; Doug Ballard (The Dark Knight Returns) as “MacMillan” and Colin Stinton (Bourne Ultimatum) as “Morgan”. SHADOW LINE is written by Matthew McGuchan based on an Original Idea by Tom Grass, and the prequel is directed by Matthias Hoene (Beyond the Rave).
The prequel (6 x 4 minutes), filmed in Morocco and currently in post production, is scripted as a stand alone series. In addition, it will act as a pilot and prequel for the full series (20 x 4 minutes) and feature version. In addition to SHADOW LINE, Fireworks International has also agreed a twelve month first-look deal with Pure Grass Films, giving them first options on multi-platform and television rights for all future content produced outside of their commissioning window.
Jonathan Ford, Executive Vice-President at Fireworks International commented on the agreement, “SHADOW LINE is an exceptional project for us to be involved in. The online audience is very sophisticated and discerning, with viewers expecting big budget, high-quality original drama. This unique property perfectly matches these requirements and we are confident that it will prove to be a huge success worldwide.”
Ben Grass, Founder and Managing Director of Pure Grass Films, added, “We are incredibly excited to be working on SHADOW LINE. We think it really pushes the boundaries in terms of the quality of the production values for an online series, and also the innovative storytelling devices we envisage. We think Fireworks International is a first rate partner for the project as they really understand distribution in this evolving cross-platform space.”
Beyond the prequel, the SHADOW LINE franchise centers on the team of assassins that recruit Wisher and offer him the opportunity for revenge. Working independently of any government body, the assassins combat evil in a war where right and wrong play second fiddle to game-playing and treachery, and work against enemies too elusive or powerful for governments to bring to justice.
The first series follows the tough former- agent Wisher as he is recruited by the assassins to dispose of the rogue CIA agent who betrayed him and the powerful arms dealer he is working for.
Pure Grass Films is 40% owned by leading global production company Endemol.
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About Fireworks International
Fireworks International is Content Film’s international television distribution division with over 3,000 hours of high-quality and commercially appealing programming including an extensive slate of major drama series, factual entertainment, kids live action comedy and drama series, TV movies, mini-series and special event programming. Recent additions include hit drama series, THE WILD ROSES, crime thriller series, THE BORDER and heart-warming family drama series, HEARTLAND; BLOOD TIES, twenty-two hours of mystery drama with more than a touch of the supernatural; brand new U.S. tween comedy THE ASSISTANTS; Mondo Media’s MONDO MINI SHOWS catalogue featuring a raft of offbeat comedy programming; children’s programmes HALF MOON INVESTIGATIONS, FAMILY BIZ and ROBOTECH; plus over 200 U.S. network mini-series and TV movies; and specials including the Annual U.S. PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS shows. This new product is combined with the large and valuable Fireworks library catalogue which is complemented by a raft of formidable television shows including Gene Roddenberry’s ANDROMEDA, MUTANT X and RELIC HUNTER.
About Pure Grass Films
Pure Grass Films Ltd is a leading creator and producer of drama series that are designed for consumption on multiple platforms. Recent productions include “When Evil Calls” (2007) starring Dominique Pinon (Amelie), Chris Barry (Red Dwarf) and Sean Pertwee (Dog Soldiers); “Beyond the Rave” (2008) financed by Hammer Films and distributed by MySpace (their first original series outside the US) with music exec produced by Pete Tong, and “Kirill” (2009) co-produced with Endemol and distributed by MSN (their first original drama series outside the US). “Kirill” has been nominated for a Digital Emmy, shortlisted for a BAFTA and nominated for a Webby. In 2008, Endemol acquired 40% of Pure Grass Films and Tim Hincks (CEO, Endemol UK) and Peter Cowley (Managing Director, Digital) now sit on the Board of Pure Grass Films along with Erica Motley (former Head of Film at Shine, and Head of Acquisitions at UIP).
Fireworks International: Jennifer Brinkworth Vice-President, Marketing and Communications
Tel + 44 (0) 207 851 6517
www.contentfilm.com
Pure Grass Films:Ben Grass Founder and Managing Director
Tel: +44 7889 800 719
