If Restless represents a new thrust for Sundance, then it also raises the question of how this sort of scripted programming will set it apart from that offered by such networks as PBS, HBO or Sundance's sister network AMC? "I feel like there is a distinct space that Sundance Channel can carve out within the growing trend of tremendous scripted drama we're seeing," declares Sundance general manager Sarah Barnett by way of summing up her channel's new initiative. "We want to make shows that are smart, layered, morally ambiguous and complex. I think we can tell stories of new worlds well on our channel. But we can also look at worlds you know, in a fresh way."
Two years ago, Sundance aired the Golden Globe-winning miniseries Carlos, which starred Edgar Ramirez in an Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated performance as notorious terrorist Carlos the Jackal. Last year, it presented Appropriate Adult, a riveting miniseries starring Emily Watson and Dominic West. Coming this spring, the channel will debut Rectify, its first wholly owned scripted drama series. From Gran Via (the producers of AMC's Breaking Bad), it is a six-part series created and written by Oscar-winning moviemaker Ray McKinnon (The Accountant; That Evening Sun). It follows an ex-con Daniel Holden (played by Aden Young) who, after 19 years in prison, is released from Death Row when he is exonerated for rape and murder by DNA evidence. He returns to his home where he must readjust to a new life, including unfamiliar family members and surroundings as a mystery that defined a small town is gradually reopened. J. Smith Cameron (True Blood) will play Daniel’s mother, Abigail Spencer (Mad Men) will play his sister, Clayne Crawford will play his step-brother Ted and Adelaide Clements (Parade's End) will play Ted’s wife. In addition, Jonah Lotan will also feature as Daniel’s lawyer, who works for the non-profit Justice Row, and also making an appearence is the legendary Hal Holbrook.
Also in 2013, the Sundance Film Festival- best known for screening buzzed-about independent movies- will screen the channel’s new seven-episode TV series Top of the Lake in the premiere category; making this the first time Sundance has included a scripted long form series in its line-up. Co-directed by the acclaimed Jane Campion (The Piano; Bright Star), who also co-wrote the script, and Garth Davis, Top of the Lake is described as a haunting mystery set in the remote mountains of New Zealand. The series follows a gutsy but inexperienced detective Robin Griffin (played by Emmy-nominee Elisabeth Moss of Mad Men), as she investigates the disappearance of a 12-year-old pregnant girl named Tui, who was last seen standing chest deep in a frozen river. Needless to say, not everything about the case is what it seems. During the investigation, she collides with Matt Mitcham ( Peter Mullan), Tui’s father, a local drug lord (David Wenham), and G.J ( Holly Hunter), a guru at a local women’s camp. The case testes Robin’s limits and sends her on a journey of self-discovery. "Top Of The Lake is an emotional exploration into the depths of the human spirit,” insists Barnett.
Filming on the mini will begin in February in Queenstown, New Zealand, marking the first production Campion will film in her homeland since 1993′s The Piano. "I am in love with the intense beauty of southern-most New Zealand and am excited to be setting a story in this end of the world paradise," she said, before enthusing about the high profile exposure her work will receive. "I am excited to be returning to the Sundance Film Festival with Top of the Lake. I love crime mysteries and I wanted to write one that had room to expand like a true novel so the idea of doing a six hour long story was very exciting to me. To be able to screen the series for the film community is a fantastic opportunity.” The seven-part series will screen in its entirety on January 20 at the Egyptian Theater in Park City, followed by a Q&A with the creators and cast. Campion will also participate in a discussion on the creative appeal of working in TV as part of a Festival pane, titled 'Power of Story: The New Face of Independent Voice,' on January 19.
Also part of the Sundance Channel's 2013-2014 original scripted development slate is Valentines from producer Robert Redford. Based on the novel by Olaf Olafsson, Valentines is detailed as a white-knuckled emotional journey, capturing the most candid of moments between lovers when unspoken truths and long buried secrets surge to the surface and everything changes in an instant. The story follows Herman Peterson – a high-powered New York attorney, and his three attractive daughters – Cathryn, Margaret, and Soley – as we delve into their upscale homes, cosmopolitan social circles, and volatile personal relationships to discover that not all is what it seems.
With producers including Stanley Tucci and Steve Buscemi, Behind the Sun is billed as a wildly distinct coming-of-age tale set in the surfer paradise of Malibu, California. Written by Dylan Gary (Tell Me You Love Me) it is set during the mid-1980s and follows the growing pains of the Georges – a determined, single child family whose lives begin to unravel after teenage son Farron learns he has an incredibly rare allergy to the sun. The series explores the shifting notions of parenting, and how the delayed adolescence and personal ambitions of the adults within this world are throwing their children into psychological and physical jeopardy.
The Descendants from producer Sarah Condon (Bored to Death) and writer Aaron Guzikowski (Contraband, Prisoners) revolves around a sheriff struggling to keep his family together while simultaneously policing two clashing communities: the small town where he grew up and the neighboring Ramapo Mountains, home of the Ramapo Mountain Indians. After a terrible tragedy and coverup occurs involving the sheriff’s wife, an unholy alliance is forged between the sheriff and a dangerous member of the tribe that will come back to haunt all involved.
Also in development is T; a deeply personal look at Terrence, a transgender male who has recently undergone gender reassignment surgery and is beginning to live life as a man. Written by Anya Epstein (In Treatment) and Dan Futterman (In Treatment, Capote), the series cuts between Terrence’s emotional struggle in the present and his past as Thora – a lesbian, student activist at Mt. Holyoke College circa 2005 struggling to find her true self. It is produced by Ira Glass and Alisa Shipp (This American Life).
Finally, Death in the Modern Age is from producers Bob Cooper, JJ Jamieson and Michael Fuchs and writers Josh Shaffer & Eli Kooris. After his personal and professional lives implode in spectacular fashion, a down-on-his-luck suburbanite who has always played by the rules decides to radically reinvent himself by plotting to fake his own death in order to start life anew. In today’s age of DNA testing, digital footprints, and lack of individual anonymity, his escape and ultimate transformation prove to be much easier said than done.
"We use the word 'daring' when we talk about what we're looking for," Sundance GM and exec vp Barnett told The Hollywood Reporter. "It harkens back to the best of what you think of in independent storytelling that's inspired by the sort of stories that our sister network AMC has been telling over the past few years." She added: "These projects tell dynamic and visceral emotional stories that draw on the best characteristics of our independent film roots, namely new kinds of narratives that surprise you and unapologetically raw characters who feel unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. We try to put creativity first and are delighted to tap into the impressive pool of filmmakers who are turning to scripted television, as well as partnering with quite brilliant and accomplished TV talent."
Barnett concludes Sundance are "thrilled to bring two of our scripted projects to the Sundance Film Festival this year and to have a Sundance Channel original series as the first scripted television series to screen as an official selection. It really shows the captivating quality of these two shows and proves how creators with a brilliant vision can successfully move between the worlds of both television and film."
So, with these promising series, will Sundance’s new foray into TV be a success? We’ll find out next month.
No comments:
Post a Comment