23 March, 2010
Fireworks International, the television and digital distribution arm of ContentFilm plc, will debut a variety of fiction and non-fiction programming at MIP-TV 2010, including sprawling primetime family drama, adrenaline-packed documentaries and fresh contemporary drama content.
The award-winning, family drama series Heartland returns to MIP-TV 2010 with a new fourth season of 18 x one-hour episodes plus a two-hour TV Movie Special (69 x one-hour episodes now available). Amidst the stunning vistas of the Alberta Rocky Mountains is a place like no other – a horse ranch with a special mission of healing abused or neglected horses and finding them new homes. As the fourth season commences, the Fleming family – Grandpa Jack and his granddaughters Amy and Lou – are faced with tragedies and new relationships as they deal with life’s highs and lows. Produced by SEVEN24 Films and Dynamo Films and filmed in HD, Heartland is adapted from Lauren Brooke’s best-selling novels (6.5 million copies worldwide).
Two brand new TV Movies from the recently launched Shadow Island Mysteries franchise will be available at MIP-TV. Produced by Breakthrough Film and Television and starring Jennifer Finnigan (The Bold and the Beautiful, Crossing Jordan), the Shadow Island Mysteries unfold on an island in the pristine Canadian wilderness, where intrigue abounds amidst the mysterious woods and luxurious living quarters of the Shadow Island Resort. At the centre of the story is Claire La Foret (Finnigan), a beautiful young woman who works as the Property Manager. Claire loves puzzles and it’s her ambition to become a mystery writer. And mysteries seem to have a way of finding her…
Crime-solving adventures and tumultuous relationships abound in the fresh, contemporary detective drama Republic of Doyle – recently commissioned for a second season by Canada’s CBC following stellar ratings for the first season. Both series (25 x 1 hour in total) will be available from Fireworks International at MIP-TV. Produced by Take The Shot Productions, Republic of Doyle centers on the always evolving (and sometimes regressing!) relationship turmoil and dynamics of the fiery Doyle clan as they try to make it all work running a father and son private investigative agency. Set against the spectacularly rugged backdrop of Newfoundland, the series is created by and stars Allan Hawco (ZOS: Zone of Separation, Trojan Horse) as the roguish and irreverent P.I. Jake Doyle, alongside award-winning actor Sean McGinley (Richard Attenborough’s Closing The Ring, Bleak House) as father and business partner Malachy.
Travelling deep into the heart of Africa, the dramatic 12 x one-hour wildlife documentary series Wildlife Rescue Africa captures the intense and often dangerous experiences of revered wildlife veterinarian Doctor Douw Grobler and his sidekick and protégé, wildlife specialist JJ Van Altena, as they risk their lives to save the continent’s most dangerous animals. From saving local villagers from mighty African elephants to relocating a pride of rampaging lions, Dr. Grobler and JJ are presented with a new and potentially deadly conflict in each episode. Filmed in HD by Renegade 83 Productions, Wildlife Rescue Africa travels into the darkest and most beautiful corners of Africa as our heroes embark on their quest to save the wild heritage of this stunning continent for generations to come.
Real-life heroes and true stories of conflict and resolution from California’s Department of Corrections Parole Division are at the heart of State Parole, the 26 x half-hour HD reality crime series from Genesis International and Malibu Communications. Packed with real drama, action and compelling characters, State Parole is a fresh approach to the strong, proven television crime drama, uncovering a mostly unknown area of society and revealing true stories of hope, heartbreak, jailbirds and justice.
Exciting new docu-series Fly Girls (8 x half-hour) follows five beautiful flight attendants on America’s hippest new airline, Virgin America, as they jet from one glamorous location to the next, pursuing good times, great parties, adventure and love. From their shared “crash pad” in Los Angeles, the young women will deal with work lives that include split-second decision-making, demanding and sometimes fascinating passengers, long hours in the air and layovers in interesting locales. Their personal lives are filled with romance, family, friendships and more than a few roommate conflicts. Debuting on The CW in the US in March 2010, Fly Girls is produced by Collins Avenue, with Jeff Collins (Bridezilla 3, 4 & 5) and Colin Nash (The Hills, The City) as executive producers. Fireworks International represents rights for the series in the UK and Canada.
Available from Fireworks International at MIPTV 2010, Stand RB.44.
About Fireworks International
Fireworks International is ContentFilm’s international television and digital distribution division with over 3,000 hours of high-quality and commercially appealing programming including an extensive slate of major drama series, non-fiction entertainment, kids live action comedy and drama series, TV movies, mini-series and special event programming. Recent additions include comedic drama series, REPUBLIC OF DOYLE, primetime drama series, THE BORDER and heart-warming family drama series, HEARTLAND; non-fiction primetime documentary specials HUNTING THE LOST SYMBOL and I KNOW WHAT I SAW; U.S. tween comedy THE ASSISTANTS; high definition multi-platform thriller series VALEMONT; new children’s programmes HALF MOON INVESTIGATIONS, FAMILY BIZ as well as the classic anime series, ROBOTECH; plus over 200 U.S. network mini-series and TV movies; and specials including the Annual U.S. PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS show. 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.
Fireworks International: Debbie LawrenceThe Lippin Company
Tel + 44 (0) 20 3008 5406
www.contentfilm.com
