DIRECTV Orders "Full Circle" from Award-Winning Screenwriter Neil LaBute

DIRECTV Orders "Full Circle" from Award-Winning Screenwriter Neil LaBute

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- DIRECTV announced today that it has ordered ten episodes of the original drama, "Full Circle", from award-winning screenwriter Neil LaBute (The Shape of Things, In the Company of Men), in his television series debut. The series examines the human condition and relationships through a series of conversations between 11 people whose lives, unbeknownst to them, are intertwined.

"Full Circle"will be executive produced by BAFTA-award winning Executive Producer/Director Nick Hamm (Rogue) for Momentum TV, the scripted division of Momentum Entertainment Group, helmed by Chris Weil. Series creator Neil LaBute will serve as writer and co-executive producer. FremantleMedia International will handle global distribution of the series.

Production on the series, which will take place at DIRECTV's Los Angeles Broadcasting Center, will begin in early summer 2013 and it will air on DIRECTV's Audience in fall 2013.

"Full Circle" is a modern day La Ronde meets My Dinner with Andre as it explores the nature of human contact and true togetherness in our current technology-driven world. It marks a new foray into alternative television production, harkening back to the prolific days of independent filmmaking.

"We are thrilled that our quest to provide our customers with exclusive, original and daring programming led Audience to 'Full Circle' and Neil LaBute," said Chris Long, senior vice president Entertainment and Production, DIRECTV."In dissecting how closely connected we all are, 'Full Circle' will take viewers on a journey that will traverse the full range of human emotion. I know the series will flourish under the stewardship of Neil and Nick Hamm."

"I am always interested in pushing the boundaries of entertainment and I'm very lucky to find kindred spirits in both Nick Hamm at Momentum and the folks at DIRECTV," said writer Neil LaBute. "They have all taken a chance on 'Full Circle' which features an unconventional structure and a revolving cast of characters -- it's a pleasure to work with people who believe that it's still possible to marry artistic quality with audience appeal. I'm really excited to create some quality television with these forward-thinking colleagues of mine."

"Momentum Entertainment Group is pleased to advance its creative partnership with DIRECTV through this high concept series and exceptional team of creative talent," said Weil. "'Full Circle' is being driven by a unique collaboration that will produce top quality content for an audience of people looking to dive into thoughtful, engaging stories."

"Neil has written a piece of revolutionary television. I am honored and privileged to be able to bring it to the screen with such a forward-thinking and adventurous network as DIRECTV," said Nick Hamm.

David Ellender, CEO FremantleMedia International and Kids & Family Entertainment said, "With the stellar team of Neil LaBute and Nick Hamm on board, 'Full Circle' is set to be a thrilling, topical and contemporary piece of original drama. The title will be a compelling addition to our portfolio and is sure to resonate with both the international buyers and global audiences."

About Audience:

Audience is a unique and exclusive television experience available only to DIRECTV subscribers. The channel first made its mark in 2008 (as The 101 Network) by partnering with NBC to produce and air three additional seasons of the Emmy Award-winning series Friday Night Lights and in 2010 it became the exclusive home of the critically-acclaimed, Emmy Award-winning drama Damages, starring Glenn Close. Audience continues to build out its programming slate with new acquisitions, including its first original production, Rogue, starring Thandie Newton. The network has become the premier destination for smart, innovative and critically acclaimed TV fare as we search the globe for the best new series such as Hit & Miss (United Kingdom), Rake (Australia), Call Me Fitz and Less Than Kind (Canada). The Dan Patrick Show, and its companion series The Box Score, keep sports fans up to date with the latest sports talk. Viewers also enjoy the Guitar Center Sessions series and major events such as the annual DIRECTV Celebrity Beach Bowl. For more info, please visit www.directv.com/audience.

About DIRECTV:

DIRECTV (NAS: DTV) is one of the world's leading providers of digital television entertainment services delivering a premium video experience through state-of-the-art technology, unmatched programming and industry leading customer service to more than 35 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. In the U.S., DIRECTV offers its 20 million customers access to more than 190 HD channels and Dolby-Digital® 5.1 theater-quality sound, access to exclusive sports programming such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET™, Emmy- award winning technology and higher customer satisfaction than the leading cable companies for 12 years running. DIRECTV Latin America, through its subsidiaries and affiliated companies in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, leads the pay TV category in technology, programming and service, delivering an unrivaled digital television experience to more than 15.5 million customers. DIRECTV sports and entertainment properties include three Regional Sports Networks (Northwest, Rocky Mountain and Pittsburgh) as well as a 42 percent interest in Game Show Network. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit www.directv.com.

About Momentum TV:

Momentum TV is a scripted content division of Momentum Entertainment Group, an entertainment resources holding unit of Momentum Worldwide and part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYS: IPG) . Momentum TV's first series ROGUE, starring Thandie Newton and Marton Csokas, currently airs on DIRECT's Audience Network. Led by Executive Producer/Director Nick Hamm, Momentum TV is capitalizing on the marketing expertise within Momentum and forging ties with the Hollywood and international creative communities to create unique content financing models and brand opportunities around the globe.

About FREMANTLEMEDIA

FremantleMedia is one of the leading creators, producers and distributors of television entertainment brands in the world. FremantleMedia is part of RTL Group, the leading European entertainment network, which is in turn 92 percent owned by the international media company Bertelsmann. FremantleMedia is responsible for many of the world's highest rated prime time entertainment, drama, serial drama, factual entertainment and kids & family programming, with market leading capabilities that extend from content creation to licensing, digital and branded entertainment, gaming and home entertainment. The FremantleMedia Group (which includes FremantleMedia North America, UFA, FremantleMedia UK, FremantleMedia Australia, Ludia, @radical.media and Original Productions, among others) has one of the most comprehensive global networks with operations in 22 countries, creating over 9,200 hours of programming a year, rolling out more than 60 formats and managing over 300 individual titles. The company also distributes more than 20,000 hours of content in over 150 countries. FremantleMedia has some of the world's most sought after and long running formats in its catalogue, and globally produces such programmes as: Idols (co-produced with 19 Productions in the US), Hole In The Wall, Got Talent (co-produced with Syco in the UK and the US), The X Factor (co-produced with Syco in the UK and the US), Take Me Out, Family Feud, The Price is Right, Farmer Wants A Wife, Gute Zeiten Schlechte Zeiten, and Neighbours.
www.fremantlemedia.com

DIRECTV
Cara Brugnoli
212-205-0887
CMBrugnoli@DIRECTV.com
or
FremantleMedia
Belinda Thomas-Dunphy
Acting Director Global Communications
+44 (0)20 7691 6911
belinda.thomas@fremantlemedia.com

KEYWORDS: United States North America California

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