Negromancer Book Review: "AMERICAN GODS: The Tenth Anniversary Edition"

AMERICAN GODS: THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

WILLIAM MORROW
AUTHOR: Neil Gaiman
ISBN: 978-0-06-205988-8; hardcover (June 21, 2011)
560pp, B&W, $26.99 U.S.

American Gods is a 2001 fantasy novel by Neil Gaiman (author of The Sandman comic book series).  In 2002, the book won several “Best Novel” awards from organizations that honor fantasy fiction, including the Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker Awards.  The novel centers on a taciturn and mysterious protagonist caught in a struggle between the gods of the old world and the new gods of America.

In celebration of the novel’s tenth anniversary, William Morrow published American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition (Author’s Preferred Text) in June 2011.  This edition contains an additional 12,000 words and is the first time that this version of the text has been made widely available.  Gaiman also provides an introduction to this edition in which he explains the origins and development of the novel.

The premise of American Gods is that gods, mythological beings, spirits, and figures of legend, folklore, and fairy tales exist because people believe in them.  Through their beliefs, immigrants brought these gods and beings from the Old World to the new world of America.  Over time, the immigrants’ descendants either forgot the gods or their belief in their ancestors’ gods waned.  Now, out of America’s obsession with media, celebrity, technology, and even drugs (among other things) sprang new gods.

The story centers on an enigmatic figure named Shadow, who has just been released from prison after serving three years.  He can’t wait to get back to his wife, Laura Moon, but tragedy strikes.  With nothing left to which he can return, Shadow accepts a job from a beguiling stranger who calls himself Mr. Wednesday.  A charming rogue who can get ladies in bed with ease and a trickster extraordinaire, Wednesday seems to know a lot about Shadow, the man who becomes his bodyguard, driver, and general errand boy.  Wednesday takes Shadow on a long, strange trip across America, as Wednesday attempts to recruit some of the old gods to his cause.  But only Shadow can uncover the whole story about “the Storm,” the war between the gods.

THE LOWDOWN:  As much as I enjoyed American Gods (and I sooooo enjoyed it), I don’t believe that I have fully grasped its meaning, but I have some idea on that.  It is an epic fantasy and a road novel.  It is steeped in Americana, but also in folklore and folktales.  It is part suspense thriller that dabbles in conspiracy.  A side of it is a small town murder mystery complete with eccentric characters; that includes a good-natured and lonely chief of police who is horny enough to plot having sex with a female cousin.

It is a bit of everything and is all over the place, but that makes me wonder if this novel was Neil Gaiman’s attempt at the great American novel.  People think of the United States as a melting pot, in which people from different nationalities, backgrounds, and cultures blend into a new ethnic group, the American.  In reality, however, some people just don’t “melt” very well, and it is obvious that they can never physically look like what many consider to be an American – a white person.  America may be a melting pot, but it is equally a mosaic, a nation made of different pieces that have broken off from old world cultures and other nationalities. [Some would argue that the United States Constitution is the only thing that unites us.]

American Gods is a mosaic novel made from pieces broken off other stories, or maybe it is a melting pot of different kinds of fiction – the American novel for a melting pot/mosaic nation.  Gaiman reconciles the melting pot and mosaic of America by bringing them together and recognizing that American culture is about the tension between old and new.  It may be a jumble, but they can live side by side.  All that we need recognize is the forces that would tear us apart and use our strife to benefit themselves.  We can be different and even not united, but all be American.

Frankly, I did find a few sections of this novel to be dry and even dull, but the further you go into the novel, the tighter its hold on you.  Gaiman fills American Gods with inventive scenarios, imaginative characters, and ingenious concepts, although the new American gods are mostly flat and vague characters.  Still, it feels like this novel reinvigorated the fantasy genre, making fantastic literature that is not about escapism.  American Gods speaks of the soul of this country by delving into the dreams and the beliefs of the people and the supernatural that call this great land home.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Neil Gaiman will want to read American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition.

A
8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Review: "Hellboy: Sword of Storms" Animates Hellboy

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 40 (of 2007) by Leroy Douresseaux

Hellboy Animated:  Sword of Storms (2006) – TV
Running time:  78 minutes
DIRECTORS:  Phil Weinstein and Tad Stones
WRITERS:  Matt Wayne and Tad Stones; from a story by Tad Stones and Mike Mignola (based upon characters created by Mike Mignola)
PRODUCERS:  Scott D. Greenberg and Sidney Clifton
EDITORS:  John Hoyos and Jeffrey Perlmutter
COMPOSER: Christopher Drake

ANIMATION/FANTASY/ACTION/HORROR

Starring:  (voices) Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones, John Hurt, Peri Gilpin, and Yuriana Kim

Born a little, red demon with a giant hand, Hellboy (Ron Perlman) grew up to become a hero, saving the world from supernatural horrors and apocalypse.  In his latest adventure, the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (the BPRD) sends him to Japan to investigate the disappearance of a college folklore professor.  However, an ancient, enchanted samurai sword transports Hellboy to a spirit world of specters and assorted bogeymen from Japanese folklore.

It seems two storm demons defeated by the sword’s owner and subsequently imprisoned in the sword want to escape to the physical world.  Once there, they’ll open up the floodgates and allow their demonic brethren into our world.  In order to escape from the sword, the storm demons need Hellboy to shatter the sword.  While Hellboy fights in the spirit world, his partners Liz Sherman (Selma Blair) and Abe Sapien (Doug Jones) are stranded off the coast of Japan with their own hands quite full.

Hellboy Animated: Sword of Storms was originally broadcast on the Cartoon Network (October 28, 2006) before being released on DVD in February 2007.  Like 2004’s Hellboy, this animated film is based on the comic books and characters created by veteran comic book artist, Mike Mignola.  The animation for Sword of Storms is as good if not a little better than Marvel and Lionsgate’s Ultimate Avengers direct to DVD films.  Hellboy has several nice action sequences, and the character design is quite nice.

In fact, the script is not only imaginative in its use of Japanese folklore, but the writing here is much better than in the 2004 Hellboy live action film.  As far as taking viewers to exotic locales and creating imaginative supernatural scares, Hellboy Animated is similar to an Indiana Jones movie, but the character writing isn’t as good.  The voice acting is mixed – some good and some average.  Ron Perlman and Selma Blair were average to good as the live action Hellboy and Liz Sherman, respectively, and their voice performances here are the same.

Still, Hellboy Animated: Sword of Storms is really fun to watch, and I’d like to see it again.  Although this isn’t Disney level animation when it comes to creating all things magic and supernatural, this is as good as TV action/fantasy animated features get, and that’s pretty good.

7 of 10
B+

Friday, February 23, 2007

Revised:  Friday, June 12, 2020


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and  syndication rights and fees.

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Starz Announces the Cast for Drama Series, "Vida"

Starz Announces Cast for Half-Hour Drama Series “Vida” from Latinx Showrunner Tanya Saracho

Mishel Prada Cast in Lead Role Opposite Melissa Barrera with Karen Ser Anzoategui, Chelsea Rendon, Carlos Miranda and Maria Elena Laas Added as Cast Regulars

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starz announced that Mishel Prada (“Fear the Walking Dead: Passage,” Tell Me How I Die), Karen Ser Anzoategui (“East Los High,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “The Fosters”), Chelsea Rendon (A Better Life, McFarland, USA, “The Fosters”), Carlos Miranda (The Bling Ring, Grandma, “Chicago PD”), and Maria Elena Laas (“Suffering Man’s Charity,” The Hot Chick) have been cast as series regulars alongside Melissa Barrera (“Club de Cuervos,” “La Mujer de Judas”) in the new STARZ Original series “Vida” from Showrunner Tanya Saracho (“How to Get Away With Murder,” “Looking,” “Girls”).

Alonso Ruizpalacios (Gueros, Verde) directs the series premiere episode. Big Beach TV will produce the Latinx series with Robin Schwartz, Peter Saraf and Marc Turtletaub, serving as executive producers. Stephanie Langhoff (“Togetherness,” “The Bronze,” “The Skeleton Twins”) is also executive producing with Emmy® award-winning Chrisann Verges (“Girlboss,” “Getting On,” “Warm Springs”) producing. Series casting by Emmy®-winning Casting Director Carmen Cuba (“Stranger Things,” STARZ Original limited series “The Girlfriend Experience,” The Martian).

“Vida” is a half-hour drama series focusing on two Mexican-American sisters, Emma and Lyn, from the Eastside of Los Angeles who couldn’t be more different or distanced from each other. Circumstances force them to return to their old neighborhood, where they are confronted by the past and shocking truth about their mother’s identity.

Mishel Prada will portray “Emma” who, estranged from both her sister and her mother, reluctantly returns for her mother’s funeral and to deal with the family business. Previously cast, Melissa Barrera will play her sister, “Lyn,” a care-free party girl who has figured out how to live a pretty worry-free life in the Bay Area.

Karen Ser Anzoategui will portray “Eddy,” a sensitive soul who is trustworthy, generous and passionate but also intimidating looking upon first glance. Chelsea Rendon will play “Marisol” who is the expression of east side youth culture: woke, politicized, and deep in the resistance. Carlos Miranda will play “Johnny,” a stand-up guy who runs his ailing dad’s auto shop and is engaged to his pregnant girlfriend but has a history with Lyn. Maria Elena Laas will portray “Cruz,” an enigmatic lesbian who has a checkered history with Emma.

Newcomer Mishel Prada starred in the acclaimed Emmy®-nominated digital series “Fear The Walking Dead: Passage” and has appeared in several indie films.

Karen Ser Anzoategui (Ser) is a non-binary Latinx/Chicanx actor/playwright/artivist. Originally from Huntington Park, Calif., they grew up in various East Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley communities. Upon graduating with a BA in Communication and Fine Arts as a theatre major in 2005, Ser wrote their first solo show at Casa 0101 in Boyle Heights. Ser's second solo which centers on queer and trans issues, “Catholic School Daze,” sold out in theatres throughout Los Angeles. Ser’s highly successful theatre recognition led to being cast in a recurring guest star role on Hulu’s Emmy®-nominated “East Los High” as openly queer character “Daysi Cantu.” Following “East Los High,” Ser landed additional roles on “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “The Fosters,” “Shameless,” and other projects. They appeared as themself, a comic on LATV’s “Latino 101.” Ser was a selected playwright for the 2017 Maria Irene Fornes Playwrighting workshop at Notre Dame in Chicago.

Chelsea Rendon started acting at the young age of six, jumping in head first and booking the lead of a feature film less than a year later. She won multiple awards for her role as Cristina in No Turning Back. As a child she worked on shows such as “E.R.,” “The Shield” and “Judging Amy.” More recently she’s worked on the Oscar®-nominated film A Better Life and Disney’s McFarland, USA. On television she was featured on “The Bridge,” “Major Crimes” and “Code Black.” This year she worked on Netflix’s “Bright” directed by David Ayer and she is currently recurring on “The Fosters” on Freeform.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Carlos Miranda got his first taste of acting at the age of 13 where he booked a short film. He continued acting in his high school’s theatre productions before moving to LA at the age of 23 to pursue his dream. Miranda appeared in feature films Warrior directed by Gavin O’Conner; The Bling Ring, directed by Sofia Coppola and opposite Emma Watson; and recently Grandma opposite Lily Tomlin. His television credits include “Chicago PD,” “How to Get Away with Murder” and “Dallas.”

Maria Elena Laas was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Saudi Arabia and Japan. She later moved with her family to Los Angeles where she began her career and garnered several film credits including Alan Cumming’s "Suffering Man’s Charity," the blockbuster The Hot Chick starring Rob Schneider and Anna Faris, and has starred in indie favorites Kill The Habit, Lunatics, Lovers, and Poets, Sold and Pastor Shepherd opposite Danny Trejo.

Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) will retain all domestic and international multiplatform rights, including broadcast, home entertainment and digital for the series.

Senior Vice President of Original Programming Marta Fernandez and Manager of Original Programming Kathleen Clifford are the Starz executives in charge of “Vida.”


About Starz
Starz (www.starz.com) a Lionsgate company (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), is a leading global media and entertainment company that provides premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television networks and produces and distributes content for worldwide audiences, including its investment in the STARZ PLAY Arabia OTT service. Starz is home to the flagship STARZ® brand and STARZ ENCORE channels and provides high-quality, entertaining premium subscription video programming with 17 premium pay TV channels and associated on-demand and online services, including the STARZ app. Sold through U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, telecommunications companies, and other online and digital platforms, Starz offers subscribers more than 5,000 distinct premium television episodes and feature films every year and up to 1,500 every month, including STARZ Original series, first-run movies and other popular movie and television programming.

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Starz Adapts Best-selling Novel, "Sweetbitter," for Television

Starz Greenlights Savory Drama Series “Sweetbitter”

Casting Currently Underway for the Half-Hour Scripted Drama Based on the Best-Selling Novel

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht announced that the network has ordered straight to series six half-hour episodes of the scripted drama “Sweetbitter,” based on the national best-selling novel of the same name written by Stephanie Danler.

    “This has already been a thrilling ride, and I can't wait for everyone to see how we expanded the world and characters beyond the book”

“Stephanie’s smart, sensory and genuine storytelling is set in the world of high-end dining, fueled by too much debauchery, drugs and French wine,” said Albrecht. “Stephanie, Stu and Plan B have found an exciting way to translate the celebration of senses depicted in the book to the screen, and along the way, will post a love letter to New York City. We look forward to announcing our Tess, Jake, Simone and Howard soon.”

Previously announced as a development project for the network in July, Danler has written the script for the first episode. Stu Zicherman (“The Americans,” “The Affair,” “Six Degrees”) joins Danler, and both will serve as executive producers along with Plan B Entertainment. Donna Bloom will serve as producer on the six-episode freshman season. Laura Rosenthal is currently leading the ongoing casting search.

“This has already been a thrilling ride, and I can't wait for everyone to see how we expanded the world and characters beyond the book,” said Danler. “I've been working with the most brilliant and generous people, and am extremely grateful. It's an honor to show up to work every day.”

“Sweetbitter” follows 22-year-old Tess who, shortly after arriving in New York City, lands a job at a celebrated downtown restaurant. Swiftly introduced to the world of drugs, alcohol, love, lust, dive bars, and fine dining, she learns to navigate the chaotically alluring, yet punishing life she has stumbled upon. This is the story of a young woman’s coming-of-age, set against the rich and grimy backdrop of exclusive restaurants, conjuring a nonstop and high-adrenaline world evoking the possibility, beauty, and fragility of being young and adrift.

Starz retains all global distribution and home entertainment rights to the series.

Senior Vice President of Original Programming Ken Segna, Vice President of Original Programming Patrick McDonald and Senior Coordinator of Original Programming Samantha Offsay are the Starz executives in charge of “Sweetbitter.”


About Starz
Starz (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), is a leading global media and entertainment company that provides premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television networks and produces and distributes content for worldwide audiences, including its investment in the STARZ PLAY Arabia OTT service. Starz is home to the flagship STARZ® brand and STARZ ENCORE channels and provides high-quality, entertaining premium subscription video programming with 17 premium pay TV channels and associated on-demand and online services, including the STARZ app. Sold through U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, telecommunications companies, and other online and digital platforms, Starz offers subscribers more than 5,000 distinct premium television episodes and feature films every year and up to 1,500 every month, including STARZ Original series, first-run movies and other popular movie and television programming.

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Starz Announces Original Series, "Vida"

Starz Greenlights Original Series “Vida” from Showrunner Tanya Saracho

Veronica Osorio and Melissa Barrera Cast in Lead Roles with Alonso Ruizpalacios Directing First Episode

Lionsgate Retains all Domestic and International Rights

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht announced that the development project “Vida” (formerly titled “Pour Vida”) has been greenlit to series.

    “‘Vida’ reflects the intersecting worlds of Latin and American descendants of all genders and sexualities and speaks to the heart of Starz’s programming commitment to present compelling stories for traditionally underserved audiences. We are very proud to work with Tanya and help bring her vision to life.”

Tanya Saracho (“How to Get Away With Murder,” “Looking,” “Girls”) will serve as showrunner with Alonso Ruizpalacios (Gueros, Verde) directing the first episode. Big Beach TV will produce the series with executive producers Marc Turtletaub, Peter Saraf and Robin Schwartz. Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) will retain all domestic and international multiplatform rights, including broadcast, home entertainment and digital for the series.

“Vida” is a half-hour drama series focusing on two Mexican-American sisters from the Eastside of Los Angeles who couldn't be more different or distanced from each other. Circumstances force them to return to their old neighborhood, where they are confronted by the past and shocking truth about their mother’s identity.

“Tanya explores identity, culture, gender and sexuality through the lens of a Latinix family and their community. It’s a deeply personal and relatable series about coming back home and finally growing up,” said Albrecht. “‘Vida’ reflects the intersecting worlds of Latin and American descendants of all genders and sexualities and speaks to the heart of Starz’s programming commitment to present compelling stories for traditionally underserved audiences. We are very proud to work with Tanya and help bring her vision to life.”

Veronica Osorio (Hail, Caesar!, “The Carmichael Show,” “Girlboss”) has been cast in the role of Emma; and Melissa Barrera (“Club de Cuervos,” "La Mujer de Judas”) will play her sister, Lyn.

Veronica Osorio is a Venezuelan improviser and actress who moved to New York City to perform at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in 2008. She has since relocated to Los Angeles and starred in the Coen Bros feature Hail, Caesar!, the upcoming Soderbergh project “Mosaic,” and several television projects including a guest star role on NBC's “The Carmichael Show” and Netflix’s “Girlboss.” She also co-created and stars in the Broadway Video digital series “Diego + Valentina” with Julio Torres. Osorio co-hosts the new podcast with Alice Wetterlund, “Treks and the City,” an episode by episode dissection of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” from a feminist perspective.

Melissa Barrera can be seen in the upcoming third season of “Club de Cuervos" on Netflix. She started her career in Mexico in the popular singing reality show “La Academia.” After the success of “La Academia,” Barrera went on to star in the TV Azteca soap operas “La Mujer de Judas” and “La Otra Cara del Alma” after which she landed her first leading role in the renowned “Siempre Tuya Acapulco” and consequently “Tanto Amor.” Her musical theater training at New York University allowed her to land the leading roles in “Spring Awakening,” “Young Frankenstein,” and the Spanish pop-rock musical “Hoy No Me Puedo Levantar” at the Teatro Aldama in Mexico City. Her past film credits include Manual de Principiantes para ser Presidente and El Hotel. She leads in Prima and Sacúdete Las Penas, which premiere in 2018.

Currently based in Mexico City, director Alonso Ruizpalacios is a graduate of the London School of Dramatic Arts. Alonso is in post-production on his new film Museo which stars Gael Garcia Bernal. He is also currently in production on the new Gael Garcia Bernal series “Aqui en La Tierra” for Fox International. His feature film Gueros swept the 2015 Ariels (Mexican Oscars®) - winning Best Picture, Best First Feature, and Best Direction. The film is also the recipient of the Golden Tomato Award for Best Reviewed Film of 2015.

Senior Vice President of Original Programming Marta Fernandez and Manager of Original Programming Kathleen Clifford are the Starz executives in charge of “Vida.”


About Starz
Starz (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), is a leading global media and entertainment company that provides premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television networks and produces and distributes content for worldwide audiences, including its investment in the STARZ PLAY Arabia OTT service. Starz is home to the flagship STARZ® brand and STARZ ENCORE channels and provides high-quality, entertaining premium subscription video programming with 17 premium pay TV channels and associated on-demand and online services, including the STARZ app. Sold through U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, telecommunications companies, and other online and digital platforms, Starz offers subscribers more than 5,000 distinct premium television episodes and feature films every year and up to 1,500 every month, including STARZ Original series, first-run movies and other popular movie and television programming.

About Big Beach
Founded in 2004 by Marc Turtletaub and Peter Saraf, Big Beach produces and finances independent films, television and theater. In the decade since the company’s founding Big Beach has produced over a dozen acclaimed independent films including Academy Award nominated Little Miss Sunshine, Everything Is Illuminated adapted from the novel by Jonathan Safran Foer, Jesse Peretz’s Our Idiot Brother, Philip Seymour Hoffman’s directorial debut, Jack Goes Boating, Colin Trevorrow’s Safety Not Guaranteed and Jordan Vogt-Roberts The Kings Of Summer. Most recent films include About Ray starring Naomi Watts, Elle Fanning and Susan Sarandon, and Loving, directed by Jeff Nichols. Loving follows Richard and Mildred Loving, the couple behind the seminal 1967 civil rights case, Loving vs. Virginia.

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Starz to Develop TV Series From Novel, "Sweetbitter"

Starz Developing Best-Selling Novel “Sweetbitter” into Series

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starz announced it is developing the half-hour drama series “Sweetbitter,” based on the national best-selling book of the same name written by Stephanie Danler, who has also written the script for the first episode. Plan B Entertainment tapped Stu Zicherman (“The Americans,” “The Affair,” “Six Degrees”) to develop the script with Danler, and both will serve as executive producers along with Plan B.

“Sweetbitter” follows 22-year-old Tess who, shortly after arriving in New York City, lands a job at a celebrated downtown restaurant. Swiftly introduced to the world of drugs, alcohol, love, lust, dive bars, and fine dining, she learns to navigate the chaotically alluring, yet punishing life she has stumbled upon. This is the story of a young woman’s coming-of-age, set against the rich and grimy backdrop of exclusive restaurants, conjuring a nonstop and high-adrenaline world evoking the possibility, beauty, and fragility of being young and adrift.

A writer based in Los Angeles, Danler’s debut novel “Sweetbitter” was selected as an NPR Best Book of 2016 and ranked on the New York Times’ Hardcover Fiction Best-Seller List, reaching #10; the Los Angeles Times’ Best Seller List at #2 and the Paperback Fiction List at #6; Amazon Top 100 at #28 and USA Today’s Best-Selling Books List. It also reached #10 on the Publishers Weekly Hardcover Fiction list and #13 on the IndieBound Hardcover Fiction list.

Senior Vice President of Original Programming Ken Segna and Vice President of Original Programming Patrick McDonald are the Starz executives in charge of “Sweetbitter.” Starz retains all global distribution and home entertainment rights to the series.


About Starz
Starz (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), is a leading global media and entertainment company that provides premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television networks and produces and distributes content for worldwide audiences, including its investment in the STARZ PLAY Arabia OTT service. Starz is home to the flagship STARZ® brand and STARZ ENCORE channels and provides high-quality, entertaining premium subscription video programming with 17 premium pay TV channels and associated on-demand and online services, including the STARZ app. Sold through U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, telecommunications companies, and other online and digital platforms, Starz offers subscribers more than 5,000 distinct premium television episodes and feature films every year and up to 1,500 every month, including STARZ Original series, first-run movies and other popular movie and television programming.

About Plan B
Founded in 2002 and headed by Brad Pitt and co-presidents Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, Plan B Entertainment has produced a variety of quality, award-winning film and television projects. Having established themselves with critically acclaimed titles including The Departed and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, the company went on to produce Eat Pray Love, the Palme d’Or winning The Tree of Life, geo-political thriller World War Z, Academy and Golden Globe Award winning 12 Years a Slave and Moonlight, Emmy Award winning The Normal Heart, and the Best Picture Oscar nominated Selma and The Big Short.

Along with their numerous upcoming feature endeavors, they will continue to explore the realm of original content and television with second season orders for the Netflix original series The OA and FX’s Emmy-nominated Feud. They also have collaborations in development with outlets such as HBO, Amazon, and Starz.

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"Power" Creator Signs Multi-Year Deal with Starz and Lionsgate

Courtney A. Kemp, Creator, Showrunner and Executive Producer of the Hit Drama Series “Power,” Signs Exclusive Multi-Year Deal with Starz and Lionsgate

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. & SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Heading into the fourth season premiere of the hit STARZ Original series “Power,” Starz and Lionsgate have signed “Power” creator, showrunner and executive producer Courtney A. Kemp to an exclusive multi-year overall deal. The collaborative nature of Kemp’s new deal expands her relationship with the company to include Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), which allows Kemp to develop and produce new projects for Starz and other content through her End of Episode production company, while also continuing to serve in her current role as showrunner and executive producer on “Power.”

    “We are longtime fans of Courtney’s thanks to her record-breaking series ‘Power’ and delighted to be working with her at the studio going forward”

The deal was negotiated for Lionsgate by Television Group President Sandra Stern and for Starz by Senior VP Business & Legal Affairs Russell Schwartz.

The third season of “Power” delivered a record 8 million multiplatform viewers (Live + SD) per episode* and was the most watched premium television original series in 2016, behind only “Game of Thrones.”** The 10-episode fourth season returns on Sunday, June 25th airing all day with a “Power” Play marathon stunt.

“Courtney A. Kemp is the complete showrunner package, and we’re thrilled to continue collaborating with such a creative talent and outstanding producer,” said Chris Albrecht, President and CEO of Starz. “We are proud to see Courtney receive the recognition she deserves in our industry and are pleased the combined ‘power’ of Starz and Lionsgate offers even greater opportunities for her – and us – in the creative community.”

“We are longtime fans of Courtney’s thanks to her record-breaking series ‘Power’ and delighted to be working with her at the studio going forward,” said Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs. “Her new deal shows the ability of our combined company to attract and nurture the top talent in the business.”

"This new deal presents a wonderful opportunity to extend my creative efforts on ‘Power’ while developing new shows for Lionsgate,” said Kemp. “I am grateful to Jon [Feltheimer], Kevin and Chris for this warm welcome to the Lionsgate family, and I'm looking forward to a continued relationship with Chris, Carmi and the entire team at Starz."

“Power” marked Courtney A. Kemp’s debut as a creator and showrunner and follows the complex character James “Ghost” St. Patrick and his attempts to move from New York’s biggest drug dealer to its biggest legit businessman. Under her leadership, the series doubled viewership from its premiere episode to its Season One finale and generated the largest concentration of African American viewership of any scripted premium series in almost a decade.*** “Power” was renewed for Seasons Four and Five following the record-shattering Season Three premiere on July 17, 2016.

For her work on the show, Marie Claire magazine named Kemp one of “The 50 Most Influential Women in America,” she was included as one of the female powerhouses on Elle Magazine’s “The Agenda,” and was named one of Ebony Magazine’s “Power 100” honorees.

Previously, Kemp was a writer and supervising producer on the celebrated television show “The Good Wife,” which went on to garner nominations for a Primetime Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series and a Writers Guild Award for Dramatic Series. She also worked on ABC’s “Eli Stone,” Fox’s “Justice,” and “The Bernie Mac Show” among others. Prior to her work in television, Kemp wrote for many prestigious magazines, including GQ, Vibe and Marie Claire.

Kemp is represented by CAA and Michael Gendler of Gendler & Kelly.


About “Power”
Season Four picks up on the heels of James “Ghost” St. Patrick’s highly publicized arrest by his ex-girlfriend, Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Valdes, for the murder of FBI Agent Greg Knox—a crime he did not commit. Ghost can’t outrun his past choices and mounting enemies this season, which threaten his freedom and his family’s safety at every turn. His fight for redemption brings him face-to-face with the Feds, the media, new allies, and old foes. But the biggest obstacle for Ghost remains himself and his internal struggle between the man he wants to be and the one he really is.

“Power” is a visionary drama that straddles the glamorous Manhattan lifestyles of the rich and infamous and the underworld of the international drug trade. The cast is led by Omari Hardwick as drug kingpin and nightclub impresario James “Ghost” St. Patrick, Joseph Sikora, as his brother in arms in the drug business, Tommy Egan; Naturi Naughton plays Ghost’s fierce, loyal wife Tasha St. Patrick and Lela Loren as his first love, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Angela Valdes.

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Mark Canton, Randall Emmett and Gary Lennon serve as Executive Producers on “Power.” The show is also produced by G-Unit Films and Television, the production company launched by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.

”Power” airs in more than 175 countries/territories worldwide. Starz retains all global distribution and home entertainment rights to the series.

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Starz App Launches on Xbox One with "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"

STARZ App Launches on Xbox One – Hit STARZ Original Series and First-Run Movies Including “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Available Now

STARZ Original Series “Blunt Talk” and “Ash vs Evil Dead” Return with Season Two Premieres on October 2, 2016

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starz announced today that the STARZ app launched on the Xbox One® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

The STARZ app on Xbox One is a single destination for all subscribers who want to stream STARZ premium content. Its intuitive content discovery design and navigation offers ease of use and a compelling user experience, regardless of how the consumer purchased a subscription to STARZ. Subscribers to the STARZ sister networks, STARZ ENCORE and MOVIEPLEX, will also use this single destination app for access to stream. STARZ subscribers* may now download the app for free through the Xbox Live® service on their Xbox One and watch exclusive STARZ Original series including the upcoming season two premieres of “Blunt Talk” and “Ash vs Evil Dead” on Sunday, October 2; as well as hundreds of movies and first-run films.


About the STARZ App
STARZ subscriptions can be purchased direct through the App Store, Google Play or Roku for $8.99 per month with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. Other than a free Xbox Live membership to enjoy the app on Xbox One, no other subscription to any other service is required.

The STARZ app is offered on a variety of devices such as: Xbox One, Apple TV (4th gen and newer), iPhones and iPads running iOS 8.0 or higher, Roku®, Sony Android TV, as well as most Android phones, tablets and TV devices. For a complete list of supported devices, please visit www.starz.com/settings/faq.

STARZ subscribers also receive instant access to more than 3,200 selections available via the app each month, including STARZ hit series ranging from “Power,” “Outlander” and the upcoming “American Gods,” when it premieres in 2017; to Hollywood hits and popular movies including Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

STARZ subscribers from participating cable, satellite and telco partners can also authenticate and view STARZ content in the app including every episode of every season of the best of STARZ’s original programming, as well as the biggest, most extensive movie library of all the premium subscription networks in the U.S.**

STARZ Originals in 2016 include “Outlander,” “Power,” “Black Sails,” “The Girlfriend Experience,” “Survivor’s Remorse,” “Blunt Talk,” and “Ash vs Evil Dead,” and the first STARZ Original movie, The Dresser. Exclusive hit movies on STARZ in 2016 include: Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Inside Out, Pixels, Concussion, The Good Dinosaur, Ricki and the Flash, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, Cinderella, Tomorrowland, The Wedding Ringer and Ant-Man. Popular movie and television programming on the new STARZ ENCORE includes: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Signs, Never Been Kissed, Dances With Wolves, Sweet Home Alabama, There’s Something About Mary, Spider-Man 3, Out of Sight, Total Recall, Steel Magnolias, “Magnum, P.I.,” “Diff’rent Strokes,” “The Jeffersons,” and “Gunsmoke.”

About Starz
Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) is a leading integrated global media and entertainment company with operating units that provide premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television networks (Starz Networks) and global content distribution (Starz Distribution), www.starz.com. The Starz Networks operating unit is home to the flagship STARZ® brand with 24.2 million subscribers in the United States as of June 30, 2016, with the STARZ ENCORESM network at 31.8 million subscribers. Through STARZ, the company provides high quality, entertaining premium subscription video programming with 17 premium pay TV channels and associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is sold through U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, telecommunications companies, and other online and digital platforms. Starz offers subscribers more than 5,000 distinct premium television episodes and feature films every year and up to 1,500 every month, including STARZ Original series, first-run movies and other popular movie and television programming. The Starz Distribution operating unit is home to the Anchor Bay Entertainment, Starz Digital, and Starz Worldwide Distribution divisions. In addition to STARZ Original series, Starz Distribution develops, produces and acquires movies, television and other entertainment content for worldwide home video, digital, and television licensing and sales.

* Comcast/Xfinity does not allow subscribers to log into the STARZ app at this time.
**source: Starz internal analysis of distinct movie title data for the period 7/1/2015- 6/30/2016.

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Starz Renews "Survivor's Remorse" for Fourth Season

Starz Continues to Score with Fourth Season Renewal of Hit Comedy Series “Survivor’s Remorse”

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starz announced today that it has ordered a fourth season of the critically acclaimed comedy series “Survivor’s Remorse” from executive producers Mike O’Malley, Tom Werner, LeBron James and Maverick Carter for SpringHill Entertainment, Paul Wachter, Victor Levin and Hilton Smith.

    “We are thrilled to renew ‘Survivor’s Remorse’ for a fourth season”

Season Three of “Survivor’s Remorse” has seen record increases in its audience, averaging 2.9M viewers per episode among all reportable platforms, an increase of more than 20 percent above Season Two and 60 percent above Season One.1 Episode 306, which aired Sunday, August 21, showed a 20 percent gain over the previous week, making it the second highest premiere viewing ever for the series.2 “Survivor’s Remorse” is a top-4 scripted program on cable among African-American viewers and a top-6 weekend program on cable among African-American viewers.3

“I’m incredibly proud of the team at ‘Survivor’s Remorse’ and what we’ve built,” said LeBron James. “The show grew so much this year, attracting new fans and reaching new levels of popularity. I want to thank all the fans who’ve made ‘Survivor’s Remorse’ a success and the team at Starz for all of their support.”

“We are thrilled to renew ‘Survivor’s Remorse’ for a fourth season,” said Carmi Zlotnik, managing director of Starz. “Critics have consistently called it one of the smartest and funniest comedies on television and we are delighted to see audiences embracing the characters and the storyline with that same enthusiasm. Mike O’Malley and his tremendously talented team of writers and actors boldly tackle today’s most pressing issues, from race, class, sex, and politics, to love and loss, but with such a deft touch that nothing ever feels heavy-handed. In the Calloways, O’Malley has created a modern family bound by heart and humor, who remain completely relatable despite dealing with the ‘pro-money and pro-problems’ that come with Cam’s position as one of the top basketball stars in the nation.”

“Survivor’s Remorse” made its third season debut on Sunday, July 24, 2016 as part of STARZ’s decision to shift its original programming to Sunday nights, which has long been established as the home of premium television. Since Season Three of “Survivor’s Remorse” premiered on Sunday nights, it has seen its premiere telecast audience grow 159 percent compared to Season Two and 308 percent compared to Season One.2


About “Survivor’s Remorse”
“Survivor's Remorse” follows the life of Cam Calloway (played by Jessie T. Usher), a hard-working, young basketball star who is thrust into the limelight after signing a huge contract with a pro basketball team in Atlanta. In Season Three, fame and fortune can’t shield pro-basketballer Cam Calloway against tragedy. Each member of the Calloway family copes with the fallout of Uncle Julius’ accident in their own way. Family bonds are tested, as a new season of “Survivor’s Remorse” explores themes of love and loss, the comforts and doubts found in religion, the danger of seeking out ancestral roots, the power of bad parenting, the pitfalls of public utterances, and the pain of dredging up the past. The cast also includes RonReaco Lee, Tichina Arnold, Teyonah Parris and Erica Ash.

Mike O’Malley, Emmy®-nominated actor for his role on “Glee,” serves as executive producer and showrunner. Tom Werner, Chairman of the Boston Red Sox, and LeBron James executive produce along with Maverick Carter, CEO of SpringHill Entertainment; Paul Wachter, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Main Street Advisors, Victor Levin (“Mad Men,” “Mad About You”) and Hilton Smith (“Hung,” “Deadwood”).

Starz retains all domestic and international multiplatform rights including television, home entertainment, and digital.

For more information visit the “Survivor’s Remorse” Facebook page and follow @SRemorse_Starz on Twitter. Join the conversation with #SurvivorsRemorse and #STARZ.

For high-resolution images and other press materials please visit the Starz Press Room at www.starz.mediaroom.com.

About Starz
Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) is a leading integrated global media and entertainment company with operating units that provide premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television networks (Starz Networks) and global content distribution (Starz Distribution), www.starz.com. The Starz Networks operating unit is home to the flagship STARZ® brand with 24.2 million subscribers in the United States as of June 30, 2016, with the STARZ ENCORESM network at 31.8 million subscribers. Through STARZ, the company provides high quality, entertaining premium subscription video programming with 17 premium pay TV channels and associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is sold through U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, telecommunications companies, and other online and digital platforms. Starz offers subscribers more than 5,000 distinct premium television episodes and feature films every year and up to 1,500 every month, including STARZ Original series, first-run movies and other popular movie and television programming. The Starz Distribution operating unit is home to the Anchor Bay Entertainment, Starz Digital, and Starz Worldwide Distribution divisions. In addition to STARZ Original series, Starz Distribution develops, produces and acquires movies, television and other entertainment content for worldwide home video, digital, and television licensing and sales.

All sources subject to further qualifications available upon request.

1.          Source: Based on STARZ internal estimates of linear and time shifted results from Nielsen (NPower), Rentrak (On Demand Essentials) & internal broadband data. Subject to further qualifications available upon request.

2.        Source: NPower P2+ Projections (000s) Live +SD;

3.        Source: Black HOH P2+ Projections (000s) Live +3, July 11 – August 14, 2016, Live +SD August 15 - August 21. 

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Starz Brings "The Girlfriend Experience" Back for a New Season

Starz Greenlights Second Season of Limited Series “The Girlfriend Experience” from Executive Producer Steven Soderbergh

Co-Creators Lodge Kerrigan and Amy Seimetz Return as Executive Producers, Writers and Directors for the 14-Part Series

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Steven Soderbergh’s critically acclaimed limited series “The Girlfriend Experience” has been greenlit for a second season, Starz President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Albrecht announced at the Starz Television Critics Association (TCA) presentation at the Beverly Hilton. Soderbergh returns as executive producer, along with Philip Fleishman, Lodge Kerrigan, Amy Seimetz, and Jeff Cuban. Andrew Fierberg and Adele Romanski will also executive produce. Lodge Kerrigan and Amy Seimetz will serve as showrunners, writers and directors for the 14-episode scripted anthology series.

    “We’re excited to offer STARZ subscribers a second season that will explore new GFEs, clients and relationships as we take viewers back into this world that questions the price of intimacy and its emotional consequences.”

“The Girlfriend Experience” second season will focus on entirely new characters and plotlines.

“The first season of ‘The Girlfriend Experience’ allowed us to accommodate all viewing appetites with the traditional weekly episodic premiere schedule as well as a binging option for the entire 13-episodes,” said Carmi Zlotnik, managing director at Starz. “We’re excited to offer STARZ subscribers a second season that will explore new GFEs, clients and relationships as we take viewers back into this world that questions the price of intimacy and its emotional consequences.”

STARZ Limited series “The Girlfriend Experience” was a reimagining of Steven Soderbergh’s 2009 critically acclaimed movie of the same name. Season one of “The Girlfriend Experience,” starring Riley Keough (Magic Mike, Mad Max: Fury Road), followed Christine Reade (Keough), a second-year student at Chicago-Burnham Law School and a new intern at a prestigious law firm. Working hard to establish herself at the firm, her focus quickly shifts when a classmate introduces her to the world of transactional relationships. Juggling two very different lives, Christine quickly finds herself drawn into the GFE world, attracted to the rush of control and intimacy. All 13 half-hour episodes of the first season were made available for STARZ subscribers on April 10 on STARZ ON DEMAND.


About Starz
Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) is a leading integrated global media and entertainment company with operating units that provide premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television networks (Starz Networks) and global content distribution (Starz Distribution), www.starz.com. The Starz Networks operating unit is home to the flagship STARZ® brand with 24.2 million subscribers in the United States as of June 30, 2016, with the STARZ ENCORESM network at 31.8 million subscribers. Through STARZ, the company provides high quality, entertaining premium subscription video programming with 17 premium pay TV channels and associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is sold through U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, telecommunications companies, and other online and digital platforms. Starz offers subscribers more than 5,000 distinct premium television episodes and feature films every year and up to 1,500 every month, including STARZ Original series, first-run movies and other popular movie and television programming. The Starz Distribution operating unit is home to the Anchor Bay Entertainment, Starz Digital, and Starz Worldwide Distribution divisions. In addition to STARZ Original series, Starz Distribution develops, produces and acquires movies, television and other entertainment content for worldwide home video, digital, and television licensing and sales.

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Starz and Rapper "50 Cent" Grow Their Collabo

Starz Extends Overall Deal with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson

Starz and Jackson Developing Super Hero Vigilante Series “Tomorrow, Today”

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starz today announced it has extended Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s exclusive premium overall deal. Starz and Jackson, an Executive Producer for the hit series “Power,” are also developing “Tomorrow, Today,” based on a screenplay penned by Jackson, on which he will serve as Executive Producer.

    “We’re excited to develop this series with Curtis to showcase his producing skills with this unique storyline”

This premium overall deal extends Jackson’s existing overall deal another year into September 2018 to develop new projects for the network with G-Unit Film & Television, Inc. “Tomorrow, Today” is the first project in development from Jackson and G-Unit Film & Television, Inc., the production company launched by Jackson.

“I am looking forward to continuing my relationship with my Starz family; we have had great success together on ‘Power’ and I am excited to get going on all of our upcoming projects together. I knew Starz would be the perfect home for ‘Tomorrow, Today.’ This project is very personal to me…creating it, writing it, finding the best team for it and I will continue to be involved every step of the way," said Jackson.

“We’re excited to develop this series with Curtis to showcase his producing skills with this unique storyline,” said Carmi Zlotnik, managing director of Starz.

“Tomorrow, Today” is a superhero-themed series about a veteran from the south side of Chicago who, after being falsely imprisoned, becomes the personal experiment of a mad prison doctor trying to create the perfect man – and an unstoppable killing machine. Set free, but on the run, the veteran must reconcile with the world that has turned against him, and use his newfound abilities for good.

“Anthony Cipriano (“Bates Motel,” “12 and Holding”) and Dan Kay (“I.T.”) will executive produce “Tomorrow, Today” with Kirkland Morris serving as producer. Cipriano, Kay and Morris will also write for the series. Senior Vice President of Original Programming Ken Segna and Director of Original Programing Patrick McDonald will be the Starz executives in charge of “Tomorrow, Today.”

The highly anticipated third season of “Power” premiered on July 17, setting several STARZ viewership records including the Season Three premiere growing more than 58% from the Season Two and 389% from Season One premieres respectively1. Courtney A. Kemp serves as the Creator, Showrunner and Executive Producer of the New York-based drama “Power,” which was recently greenlit for a fourth and fifth season. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Mark Canton, Randall Emmett and Gary Lennon serve as Executive Producers.

Jackson is represented by APA and attorneys Stephen Savva and Eric Feig. APA also represents: Cipriano, Kay and Morris.


About Curtis Jackson
50 Cent, born Curtis James Jackson III, is an award-winning rapper, entrepreneur, actor and producer from Queens, New York. He rose to fame with the release of his 2003 album Get Rich or Die Tryin', which has sold more than 13 million copies. The Grammy Award winner has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and has been awarded numerous accolades including: 13 Billboard Music Awards, six World Music Awards, three American Music Awards and four BET Awards and many more. He was ranked as the #1 rap artist and most successful Hot 100 Artist of the 2000s by Billboard Magazine, as well as that decade's sixth-best artist and fourth top male artist. Jackson serves as CEO of G-Unit Records, which he founded in 2003 and since its inception has signed a myriad of multi-platinum artists. In June 2014, Jackson debuted his fifth studio album, Animal Ambition and currently, is gearing up for his next studio album Street King Immortal. On December 9, 2015 he released The Kanan Tape mixtape, titled after his character on his hit show “Power,” which will be followed by the Kanan Reloaded mixtape in 2016.

What began as music chart dominance for the rap phenomenon quickly transformed to success in corporate America as a multi-tiered business mogul. Jackson has also carved out a successful and acclaimed career as an actor and producer, founding G-Unit Film & Television, Inc in 2005. Jackson serves as Executive Producer and stars in his record-breaking series "Power" on STARZ. The third season premiere of “Power” on July 17, 2016 garnered 2.26 million viewers, the highest rating ever for a STARZ Original series – after which the show received an immediate 4th and 5th season renewal. In August 2016 it was announced that STARZ extended Jackson & G-Unit Film & Television, Inc’s exclusive overall deal into 2018 to develop new projects for the network and continue as executive producer on “Power” along with the development announcement of his series “Tomorrow, Today,” based on a screenplay penned by Jackson. In March 2016 Jackson’s A&E Variety Show ’50 Cent Presents,’ in which he will co-host and Executive Produce, was announced.

Jackson has had roles in several films most recently “Spy” with Melissa McCarthy and the Antoine Fuqua directed boxing drama, “Southpaw,” alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. Recognized as one of the most talented and prolific music artists of his time, Jackson has managed to leverage his star power into record-breaking brand extensions encompassing a broad spectrum of businesses.

About G-Unit Film & Television, Inc
In 2005, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson founded the production company, G-Unit Film & Television, Inc. producing a wide variety of content across various platforms. Jackson has quickly sold a myriad of projects to various networks. Among these is the record shattering “Power,” STARZ’s number-one series that premiered in June 2014, in which Jackson not only stars in but also serves as executive producer. In July 2016 it was announced that STARZ extended Jackson & G-Unit Film & Television, Inc’s exclusive overall deal another year into September 2018 to develop new projects for the network and continue as executive producer on “Power.” Additional announced G-Unit Film & Television, Inc. credits include: “50 Cent Presents” on A&E, SundanceTV’s critically acclaimed series “Dream School” and the development of “Tomorrow, Today” on STARZ.

About Starz
Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) is a leading integrated global media and entertainment company with operating units that provide premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television networks (Starz Networks) and global content distribution (Starz Distribution), www.starz.com. The Starz Networks operating unit is home to the flagship STARZ® brand with 24.2 million subscribers in the United States as of June 30, 2016, with the STARZ ENCORESM network at 31.8 million subscribers. Through STARZ, the company provides high quality, entertaining premium subscription video programming with 17 premium pay TV channels and associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is sold through U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, telecommunications companies, and other online and digital platforms. Starz offers subscribers more than 5,000 distinct premium television episodes and feature films every year and up to 1,500 every month, including STARZ Original series, first-run movies and other popular movie and television programming. The Starz Distribution operating unit is home to the Anchor Bay Entertainment, Starz Digital, and Starz Worldwide Distribution divisions. In addition to STARZ Original series, Starz Distribution develops, produces and acquires movies, television and other entertainment content for worldwide home video, digital, and television licensing and sales.

Note: all data is Live+SD (same-day) DVR viewing only. Does not include viewership for any on-demand or online platforms including the STARZ app, STARZ on Amazon, etc.

All sources subject to further qualifications available upon request.

(1) Source: Nielsen NPower Live +SD P2+ projections for Power season premieres (7/17/16, 6/6/15, 6/7/14)

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Starz Renews Hit Series, "Power," for a Fourth and Fifth Season

Starz Lights up Two-Season Renewal for Original Series “Power”

Season Three Premiere Scores Record-Breaking Viewership

Creator and Executive Producer Courtney A. Kemp and Executive Producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson Return

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following the record-shattering Season Three premiere on July 17, 2016, Starz President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Albrecht announced today that the network has greenlit the hit series “Power” for fourth and fifth seasons. Each season the series has continued to establish several all-time high performances for STARZ viewership, with the Season Three premiere growing more than 58% from the Season Two and 389% from Season One premieres respectively.1

    “I knew ‘Power’ was going to be something special from the first concept meeting I had with Mark Canton. The fans support for the show has been the driving force of its success and I can't wait to bring them two more seasons full of action and suspense.”

This is the first multi-season pickup for the New York-based drama starring Omari Hardwick. Creator, executive producer and showrunner Courtney A. Kemp will return alongside executive producers Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Mark Canton, Randall Emmett and Gary Lennon.

Chris Albrecht said, “In today’s content landscape, it is challenging for a series to stand out, but Courtney is a singular voice working in television today. In Curtis, we not only have an immense talent, but an executive producer who brings a unique perspective, an authentic voice and passionate fan base that has helped in a large part propel the success of the series. Along with our executive producers and the talented ‘Power’ cast and crew, they have created one of the most distinct dramas I’ve ever had the good fortune of putting on the air. The fans have let it be known loud and clear that they cannot get enough of Ghost, Tommy, Tasha, Angela and Kanan.”

Creator Courtney A. Kemp said, “Chris Albrecht and the Starz team have believed in this show from the very beginning. Everyone here at ‘Power’ is deeply grateful for the tremendous support we have received from the fans of the show, which made today's announcement possible. I am humbled by this vote of confidence from the network and the opportunity to continue to employ our excellent cast and crew, who work tirelessly to bring this show to life.”

Executive Producer and cast member Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson said, “I knew ‘Power’ was going to be something special from the first concept meeting I had with Mark Canton. The fans support for the show has been the driving force of its success and I can't wait to bring them two more seasons full of action and suspense.”

The Season Three premiere of “Power” set the following STARZ viewership records:

    2.26 Million Live+SD viewers gave the third season premiere episode of “Power” a new STARZ viewership record, with the July 17 9PM ET/PT airing, the most ever for a STARZ Original series.2
    3.37 Million Live+SD premiere night viewers in total over the three Sunday night airings, the most ever for an originals series season premiere (“Power” Season Two premiere night Live+SD viewership 2.72 million; +650,000 or +24% increase in viewers).3

STARZ made the decision to shift all its original programing to Sunday nights, which has long been established as the home of premium television, and began with the third season premiere of “Power.”

”Power” airs in more than 175 territories worldwide. Starz retains all global distribution and home entertainment rights to the series. “Power” season three is ten episodes long and airs exclusively on STARZ on Sundays at 9PM ET/PT.


About “Power”
From Executive Producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and show creator Courtney A. Kemp (“The Good Wife”) comes season three of the hit drama “Power,” steeped in the seductive nightlife of New York’s elite and the violent underworld of international drug cartels.

Season Three finds James St. Patrick as the owner of new nightclubs, out of the drug game and in a rekindled relationship with his first love, Angela — the Assistant United States Attorney sworn to bring him to justice. But just as they begin to believe James’ past criminal persona of ‘Ghost’ may finally be behind them, both are forced to face the consequences of running from a life from which no one gets away clean.

James’ estranged best friend Tommy has just reunited with his newly returned love, Holly, but must attempt to not only rebuild Lobos’ devastated drug organization, but to kill ‘Ghost’ — turning brother against brother.

James St. Patrick is on the verge of having everything he’s ever wanted, but will this new phase of his life end before it begins with old sins and the specter of ‘Ghost’ coming back to haunt him? Be careful what you wish for.

Courtney A. Kemp serves as the Creator, Showrunner and Executive Producer of “Power.” Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Mark Canton, Randell Emmett and Gary Lennon serve as Executive Producers on “Power.”

The show is also produced by G-Unit Films and Television, the production company launched by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.

For high-resolution images and other press materials please visit the Starz Press Room at www.starz.mediaroom.com.

About Starz
Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) is a leading integrated global media and entertainment company with operating units that provide premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television networks (Starz Networks) and global content distribution (Starz Distribution), www.starz.com. The Starz Networks operating unit is home to the flagship STARZ® brand with 24.0 million subscribers in the United States as of March 31, 2016, with the STARZ ENCORESM network at 32.4 million subscribers. Through STARZ, the company provides high quality, entertaining premium subscription video programming with 17 premium pay TV channels and associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is sold through U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, telecommunications companies, and other online and digital platforms. Starz offers subscribers more than 5,000 distinct premium television episodes and feature films every year and up to 1,500 every month, including STARZ Original series, first-run movies and other popular movie and television programming. The Starz Distribution operating unit is home to the Anchor Bay Entertainment, Starz Digital, and Starz Worldwide Distribution divisions. In addition to STARZ Original series, Starz Distribution develops, produces and acquires movies, television and other entertainment content for worldwide home video, digital, and television licensing and sales.

Note: all data is Live+SD (same-day) DVR viewing only. Does not include viewership for any on-demand or online platforms including the STARZ app, STARZ on Amazon, etc.
All sources subject to further qualifications available upon request.

(1) Source: Nielsen NPower Live +SD P2+ projections for Power season premieres (7/17/16, 6/6/15, 6/7/14)
(2) Source: Nielsen NPower Live+SD P2+ Projections
(3) Source: Nielsen NPower Live+SD P2+ GAA Projections By Premiere Night

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"Power" Opens Season Three by Shattering Starz Viewership Records

“Power” Season Three Premiere Shatters STARZ Original Series Viewership Records

2.26 Million Live+SD Premiere Episode Viewers Tune In

58% Increase above “Power” Second Season Premiere

“Power” is Created and Executive Produced by Courtney A. Kemp and Executive Producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The STARZ Original series, “Power,” has done it again, with its Season Three premiere shattering its second season premiere record, as well as establishing several new all-time high performances for STARZ viewership.

    “We are thrilled ‘Power’ continues to be a force in its third season with this record setting performance - something very few shows ever achieve. We are proud to say the show is must-watch TV and has helped to establish STARZ as a Sunday destination for viewers.”

STARZ made the decision to shift all its original programing to Sunday nights, which has long been established as the home of premium television, and began with the third season premiere of “Power.”

Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht said, “We are thrilled ‘Power’ continues to be a force in its third season with this record setting performance - something very few shows ever achieve. We are proud to say the show is must-watch TV and has helped to establish STARZ as a Sunday destination for viewers.”

The Season Three premiere of “Power” set the following STARZ viewership records:

•     2.26 Million Live+SD viewers gave the third season premiere episode of “Power” a new STARZ viewership record, with the July 17 9PM ET/PT airing, the most ever for a STARZ Original series.1
•         830,000 (+58%) increase in viewers compared to last season’s “Power” season two return premiere telecast (1.43M Live+SD)
•         720,000 (+47%) increase in viewers compared to the “Power” season two finale episode viewership (1.54M Live+SD)
•         800,000 (+55%) increase in viewers compared to “Outlander” Season Two return (1.46M Live+SD), the previous STARZ record holder for most viewership of an original series episode or season premiere
•     3.37 Million Live+SD premiere night viewers in total over the three Sunday night airings, the most ever for an originals series season premiere (“Power” Season Two premiere night Live+SD viewership 2.72 million; +650,000 or +24% increase in viewers).2
•     “Power” Season Three premiere was No. 2 in Nielsen Twitter TV daily ratings all day Sunday.

Note: all data is Live+SD (same-day) DVR viewing only. Does not include viewership for any on-demand or online platforms including the STARZ app, STARZ on Amazon, etc.

”Power” airs in more than 175 countries/territories worldwide. Starz retains all global distribution and home entertainment rights to the series. “Power” season three is ten episodes long and airs exclusively on STARZ at 9PM ET/PT.


About “Power”
From Executive Producer Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and show creator Courtney A. Kemp (“The Good Wife”) comes season three of the hit drama “Power,” steeped in the seductive nightlife of New York’s elite and the violent underworld of international drug cartels.

Season Three finds James St. Patrick as the owner of new nightclubs, out of the drug game and in a rekindled relationship with his first love, Angela — the Assistant United States Attorney sworn to bring him to justice. But just as they begin to believe James’ past criminal persona of ‘Ghost’ may finally be behind them, both are forced to face the consequences of running from a life from which no one gets away clean.

James’ estranged best friend Tommy has just reunited with his newly returned love, Holly, but must attempt to not only rebuild Lobos’ devastated drug organization, but to kill Ghost — turning brother against brother.

James St. Patrick is on the verge of having everything he’s ever wanted, but will this new phase of his life end before it begins with old sins and the specter of ‘Ghost’ coming back to haunt him? Be careful what you wish for.

Courtney A. Kemp serves as the Creator, Showrunner and Executive Producer of “Power.” Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Mark Canton, Randell Emmett and Gary Lennon serve as Executive Producers on “Power.”

The show is also produced by G-Unit Films and Television, the production company launched by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.

For more information visit the “Power” Facebook Page and follow @Power_ Starz on Twitter. Join the conversation with #PowerTV and #STARZ.

For high-resolution images and other press materials please visit the Starz Press Room at www.starz.mediaroom.com.

About Starz
Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) is a leading integrated global media and entertainment company with operating units that provide premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television networks (Starz Networks) and global content distribution (Starz Distribution), www.starz.com. The Starz Networks operating unit is home to the flagship STARZ® brand with 24.0 million subscribers in the United States as of March 31, 2016, with the STARZ ENCORESM network at 32.4 million subscribers. Through STARZ, the company provides high quality, entertaining premium subscription video programming with 17 premium pay TV channels and associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is sold through U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, telecommunications companies, and other online and digital platforms. Starz offers subscribers more than 5,000 distinct premium television episodes and feature films every year and up to 1,500 every month, including STARZ Original series, first-run movies and other popular movie and television programming. The Starz Distribution operating unit is home to the Anchor Bay Entertainment, Starz Digital, and Starz Worldwide Distribution divisions. In addition to STARZ Original series, Starz Distribution develops, produces and acquires movies, television and other entertainment content for worldwide home video, digital, and television licensing and sales.

All sources subject to further qualifications available upon request.

(1) Source: Nielsen NPower Live+SD P2+ Projections
(2) Source: Nielsen NPower Live+SD P2+ GAA Projections By Premiere Night
(3) Source: Nielsen Twitter TV Ratings, July 17, 2016

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"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Debuts September 10th on Starz

Starz Announces September 10 Premiere Date of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Honor of Star Wars Celebration Weekend

Exclusive Television Premiere of Movie Also Available for Download via the STARZ App

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--STARZ subscribers rejoice! Epic lightsaber battles and X-wing dogfights will be available exclusively to STARZ subscribers with the television premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens with a special presentation on Saturday, September 10, 2016. The seventh installment in the Star Wars franchise will premiere on all six STARZ channels at 9 PM ET/PT and again at 11:20 PM ET/PT and be available for download via the STARZ App as of September 10, 2016.

    “No greater fandom has ever existed than the Star Wars fans, and we are thrilled to be the exclusive home of The Force Awakens”

“No greater fandom has ever existed than the Star Wars fans, and we are thrilled to be the exclusive home of The Force Awakens,” said Chris Albrecht, President and CEO of Starz. “We are offering a variety of ways for fans and subscribers to watch – on the STARZ networks, on demand, by streaming or download on the STARZ App or through an Amazon Prime STARZ subscription. We want to make the movie as accessible as the fans’ appetites for what is truly one of the greatest franchises of all time.”

For $8.99 per month with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers, fans now have the opportunity to enjoy instant access to more than 2,700 selections each month, including STARZ hit series ranging from “Outlander,” “Power” and the upcoming “American Gods,” to Hollywood hits and popular movies. STARZ subscribers from participating cable, satellite and telco partners can also authenticate and view STARZ content in the new, easy-to-use app. Users can authenticate to STARZ directly in-app or on their PC/Mac and watch every episode of every season of the best of STARZ’s original programming, as well as the biggest, most extensive movie library of all the premium subscription networks in the U.S.*

Star Wars: The Force Awakens will air across the STARZ channels numerous times throughout the day on Sunday, September 11, 2016, including replays on STARZ at 9 PM ET/PT and 11:20 PM ET/PT.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens saw the eagerly anticipated reteaming of original Star Wars stars Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill, along with Anthony Daniels, the only actor to have been in all seven Star Wars films, and Peter Mayhew. The returning cast was joined by newcomer Daisy Ridley, who beat out fierce competition to take the principal role of Rey; BAFTA Rising Star Award winner John Boyega (Attack the Block, Imperial Dreams) as reluctant stormtrooper Finn; Emmy® nominee Adam Driver (Lincoln, “Girls”) as the villainous Kylo Ren, and Golden Globe® winner Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis, The Bourne Legacy) as Resistance pilot Poe Dameron.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens was directed by J.J. Abrams and written by Lawrence Kasdan & J.J. Abrams and Michael Arndt. Lucasfilm President and eight-time Academy Award® nominee Kathleen Kennedy and J.J. Abrams, along with his longtime producing partner Bryan Burk, are the film’s producers. Having established a musical legacy with his iconic scores for the previous six films in the Star Wars saga, acclaimed composer John Williams returned to score Star Wars: The Force Awakens, ultimately garnering his 50th Oscar® nomination for his work.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens brought an estimated $248 million in North America, and two sequels, Episode VIII and Episode IX, are scheduled for release in 2017 and 2019.


About Starz
Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) is a leading integrated global media and entertainment company with operating units that provide premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television networks (Starz Networks) and global content distribution (Starz Distribution), www.starz.com. The Starz Networks operating unit is home to the flagship STARZ® brand with 24.0 million subscribers in the United States as of March 31, 2016, with the STARZ ENCORESM network at 32.4 million subscribers. Through STARZ, the company provides high quality, entertaining premium subscription video programming with 17 premium pay TV channels and associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is sold through U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, telecommunications companies, and other online and digital platforms. Starz offers subscribers more than 5,000 distinct premium television episodes and feature films every year and up to 1,500 every month, including STARZ Original series, first-run movies and other popular movie and television programming. The Starz Distribution operating unit is home to the Anchor Bay Entertainment, Starz Digital, and Starz Worldwide Distribution divisions. In addition to STARZ Original series, Starz Distribution develops, produces and acquires movies, television and other entertainment content for worldwide home video, digital, and television licensing and sales.

*source: Starz internal analysis of distinct movie title data for the period 1/1/2015-12/31/2015.

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Starz Greenlights a Third and Fourth Season of its Hit TV Series, "Outlander"

Starz Renews Hit Series “Outlander” with “Book Three” and “Book Four” Commitment

Starz Greenlights Two More Books of “Outlander” Based on Diana Gabaldon’s International Bestselling Novels Voyager and Drums of Autumn

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starz Chief Executive Officer Chris Albrecht announced the network has ordered “Book Three” and “Book Four” for the Golden Globe®-nominated STARZ Original series “Outlander,” the critically-acclaimed original series executive produced by Ronald D. Moore and adapted from Diana Gabaldon’s international bestselling books. Once again partnering with Sony Pictures Television, this is the first multi-book pickup for “Outlander,” assuring the series will run for several more years. The highly-anticipated second installment of the series premiered on STARZ in April 2016.

    “Starz has been an incredible partner and has truly helped shape this into one of the most iconic premiere series on the air today.”

“Book Three” will be based on the third of the eight books in the Outlander series, entitled Voyager, followed by “Book Four” based on the fourth book in the series, Drums of Autumn.

CEO of Starz Chris Albrecht said, “’Outlander’ is like nothing seen before on television. From its depiction of a truly powerful female lead character, to the devastating decimation of the Highlander way of life, to what is a rarely seen genuine and timeless love story, it is a show that not only transports the viewer, but inspires the passion and admiration of its fans. On this 25th anniversary of the publication of the first book in the U.S., we are thrilled and honored to be able to continue the story that began with author Diana Gabaldon, and is brought to life by the incredibly talented Ronald D. Moore. There are no better storytellers for ‘Outlander’ than this team, both in front and behind the camera.”

“The world of Jamie and Claire is expansive and emotionally complex. The audience has rewarded 'Outlander' with their praise and loyalty, and we know we will deliver the best seasons yet in the years ahead,” said Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg , Presidents, U.S. Programming and Production, Sony Pictures Television. “Starz has been an incredible partner and has truly helped shape this into one of the most iconic premiere series on the air today.”

“Outlander” received three 2016 Golden Globe® nominations, including Best Drama Series, Best Lead Actress and Best Supporting Actor. Fans recently named “Outlander” the “Most Bingeworthy Show of 2016” at the Critics’ Choice Awards®, as well as Favorite Cable Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Show and Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actress for Caitriona Balfe at the 2016 People’s Choice Awards®. The series also received a Costume Designers Guild Awards® (CDGA) nomination this year.

The first 16-episode run of “Outlander,” filmed on location in Scotland, debuted in August 2014 with the season averaging 5 million multiplatform viewers per episode and regularly ranking in the top 10 weekly cable programs among women throughout the season. “Outlander” ranks in the Top 5 Daily Nielsen Twitter TV Ratings every week.

The “Outlander” second season premiere episode more than doubled viewing as compared to the “Outlander” first season premiere episode, setting a new STARZ record for an original series/season premiere (on a Live +SD, Live +3, and Live +7 basis). Through seven episodes in season 2, the series has also been a top two rated show across all of cable among women 18+ (Nielsen Live +3 F18+ ratings). (SOURCE: Starz internal data, Nielsen Npower, and Nielsen Twitter Ratings).


About “Outlander”
The "Outlander" series spans the genres of romance, science fiction, history, and adventure in one epic tale. It follows the story of Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe), a married combat nurse from 1945, who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743. Upon her arrival, she is thrown into an unknown world where her freedom and her life, are threatened. But when she is forced to marry Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan), a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior, a passionate relationship is ignited. Now, Claire's heart is torn between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

The second installment of “Outlander” begins as Claire and Jamie arrive in France, hell-bent on infiltrating the Jacobite rebellion led by Prince Charles Stuart, and stopping the battle of Culloden. With the help of his cousin Jared, a local wine merchant, Jamie and Claire are thrown into the lavish world of French society, where intrigue and parties are abundant, but political gain proves far less fruitful. Altering the course of history presents challenges that begin to weigh on the very fabric of their relationship. However, armed with the knowledge of what lies ahead, Claire and Jamie must race to prevent a doomed Highland uprising, and the extinction of Scottish life as they know it.

Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore (“Battlestar Galactica,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation”) developed the series adaptation for “Outlander.”

Diana Gabaldon’s eight-book series has sold more than 26 million copies worldwide and all eight books in the series have graced the New York Times best-sellers list. The “Outlander” series spans the genres of romance, science fiction, history, and adventure in one grandiose tale.

“Outlander” is produced by Tall Ship Productions, Story Mining and Supply Company, and Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television.

Starz retains all domestic multiplatform pay TV rights to the original series.

For more information, visit the official Outlander Facebook Page and follow @Outlander_Starz on Twitter and Instagram. Join the conversation with #Outlander and #STARZ. For additional high-resolution images and other press materials, please visit the Starz Media Room at http://starz.mediaroom.com.

About Starz
Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) is a leading integrated global media and entertainment company with operating units that provide premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television networks (Starz Networks) and global content distribution (Starz Distribution), www.starz.com. The Starz Networks operating unit is home to the flagship STARZ® brand with 24.0 million subscribers in the United States as of March 31, 2016, with the STARZ ENCORESM network at 32.4 million subscribers. Through STARZ, the company provides high quality, entertaining premium subscription video programming with 17 premium pay TV channels and associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is sold through U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, telecommunications companies, and other online and digital platforms. Starz offers subscribers more than 5,000 distinct premium television episodes and feature films every year and up to 1,500 every month, including STARZ Original series, first-run movies and other popular movie and television programming. The Starz Distribution operating unit is home to the Anchor Bay Entertainment, Starz Digital, and Starz Worldwide Distribution divisions. In addition to STARZ Original series, Starz Distribution develops, produces and acquires movies, television and other entertainment content for worldwide home video, digital, and television licensing and sales.

About Sony Pictures Television
Sony Pictures Television (http://www.sonypicturestelevision.com), a Sony Pictures Entertainment company, is one of the television industry’s leading content providers. It produces and distributes programming in every genre, around the world and for a multitude of platforms. In addition to one of the industry’s largest libraries of award-winning feature films, television shows and formats, Sony Pictures Television (SPT) boasts a current program slate that includes top-rated daytime dramas and game shows, landmark off-network series, original animated series and critically acclaimed primetime dramas, comedies and telefilms. In addition to its US production business, SPT has 18 wholly-owned or joint venture production companies in 10 countries and also maintains offices in 31 countries. SPT’s worldwide television networks portfolio includes 126 channel feeds available in 168 countries, reaching more than 980 million cumulative households worldwide. SPT also creates original content for and manages SPE’s premium video website, Crackle. Additionally, SPT owns US production company Embassy Row and is a part owner of cable channel Game Show Network (GSN), 3D channel 3net, and national U.S. media sales company ITN Networks, Inc. SPT advertiser sales is one of the premier national advertising sales companies and handles the commercial inventory in SPT’s syndicated series as well as the Rural Media Group and DrOz.com.

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Starz Announces "The White Princess" Limited Series

Historical Series “The White Princess” Produced by Company Pictures Takes Court at Starz

Starz Greenlights New Original Limited Series “The White Princess” Adapted from Philippa Gregory’s Historical Novel

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starz announced today the company has greenlit “The White Princess,” the follow-up to the critically-acclaimed STARZ Original Miniseries event “The White Queen,” from Company Pictures. Adapted from Philippa Gregory’s best-selling novel of the same name and part of The Cousins’ War book series, "The White Princess" tells the story of England’s War of the Roses from the perspective of the women. The 8-episode limited series drama is currently in pre-production.

    “’The White Queen’ was a phenomenal performer at Starz, averaging 4.8 million multiplatform viewers per episode in the United States*”

Acclaimed writer Emma Frost (“The White Queen,” “The Man in the High Castle,” “Shameless”) returns to serve as Showrunner and Executive Producer with Gregory serving as Executive Producer for “The White Princess.”

Lachlan MacKinnon (“Burton and Taylor”) will serve as Producer for the series. Playground’s Colin Callender (“The White Queen,” “The Dresser,” “The Missing,” “Wolf Hall”) will serve as Executive Producer with Company Pictures’ Michele Buck (“Parades End,” “Sex Traffic,” “Hornblower”).

“The White Princess” concludes the story of England's War of the Roses and charts the rise of the House of Tudor through the tortuous marriage between Princess Elizabeth of York and King Henry Tudor. The year is 1485 and Princess Elizabeth, daughter of “The White Queen,” has been pledged in marriage to the newly anointed King Henry Tudor in hopes that it will bring peace to a war torn country. England is united, but their marriage is soon divided, as rumors circulate that Elizabeth’s long-lost brother Prince Richard is alive and planning to take the throne. Now she must choose between Tudor wife and York princess, between her new husband and the boy who claims to be her own blood and the true heir to the crown.

“’The White Queen’ was a phenomenal performer at Starz, averaging 4.8 million multiplatform viewers per episode in the United States*,” said Carmi Zlotnik, Managing Director for Starz. “There is a dearth of programming that tells women’s stories and ‘The White Queen’ was embraced with great success by audiences worldwide. The passionate fanbase for Philippa Gregory’s historical novels are undeniable and we are confident ‘The White Princess’ will become the next must-see fandom drama series.”

“The White Queen” was the first STARZ Original series to attract more women than men viewers with women making up 55 percent of the viewership. “The White Queen” also consistently ranked in the Top 10 cable shows for each premiere night**.

“The White Queen” received a 2014 Golden Globe® nomination for Best TV Movie or Mini-Series with Rebecca Ferguson and Janet McTeer each receiving Golden Globe® nominations in the Best Actress in a TV Movie or Miniseries category and the Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Mini-Series or TV Movie category, respectively.

“The White Queen” also received several Emmy® nominations in 2014 for Outstanding Mini Series; Outstanding Costumes for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special; Outstanding Hairstyling for a Miniseries or a Movie; and Outstanding Music Composition for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special (Original Dramatic Score).


About “The White Princess”
The year is 1485 and Henry Tudor is king, having snatched the crown from Richard III in a surprise victory at the Battle of Bosworth. Elizabeth of York, “The White Princess,” is faced with marrying Henry, the man who has just killed her lover. While Elizabeth’s mother Dowager Queen Elizabeth, “The White Queen,” encourages her to marry to preserve the York claim of title and ensure her family’s safety, Henry’s mother Margaret Beaufort detests the idea, but knows it is the only way for her son to stay on the throne and unify a country divided by war.

In the court of Burgundy, the Duchess rules over a new enemy stronghold for disenfranchised Yorkists and all of Henry Tudor’s enemies. It is from here that a Pretender is mustering an army. He claims to be brother to the Queen, and the true heir to the throne. But is he the missing prince from the tower sent by his mother, the White Queen? Or a counterfeit prince – a low-born enemy to Henry Tudor and his York princess wife?

Princess Elizabeth must choose between Tudor wife and York princess - between her new husband and baby son, and the boy who claims to be her beloved lost brother. Has the rose of York come home at last and at what cost to her?

“The White Princess” tells the story of one of the most fascinating periods of British history, spanning the winter court of Henry Tudor – uniquely from the women’s point of view. The most ruthless players in history will stop at nothing to support their own causes and those of the ones they love.

“The White Princess” will film on location in Bristol, UK and will air on STARZ in 2017. Starz will retain all network pay TV and SVOD rights to the project.

* Source: Based on STARZ internal estimates of linear and time-shifted results from Nielsen (NPower), Rentrak (On Demand Essentials) and internal broadband data. Subject to further qualifications available upon request.

** Source: Nielsen NPower, Live +SD demo projections (000s) for the season and Live +3 Coverage Household ratings on premiere days 8/9/13 -10/25/13.

About Starz
Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) is a leading integrated global media and entertainment company with operating units that provide premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television channels (Starz Networks) and global content distribution (Starz Distribution), www.starz.com.

Starz Networks is a leading provider of premium subscription video programming through the flagship STARZ® and ENCORE® pay TV networks which showcase premium original programming and movies to U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. As of September 30, 2015, STARZ and ENCORE serve a combined 55.8 million subscribers, including 23.3 million at STARZ, and 32.5 million at ENCORE, making them the largest pair of premium flagship channels in the U.S. STARZ® and ENCORE®, along with Starz Networks' third network MOVIEPLEX®, air more than 1,000 movies monthly across 17 linear networks, complemented by On Demand and authenticated online offerings through STARZ PLAY, ENCORE PLAY, and MOVIEPLEX PLAY. Starz Distribution develops, produces and acquires entertainment content, distributing it to consumers globally on DVD, digital formats and traditional television. Starz Distribution's home video, digital media and worldwide distribution business units distribute original programming content produced by Starz, as well as entertainment content for itself and third parties.

About Playground
Playground is a New York and London based film, television and theatre company that was founded in 2012 by Emmy and Tony award winning producer Colin Callender. It is committed to producing quality drama for the screen and the stage bringing together the finest US and UK talent from the worlds of theatre, film, and television. Callender won his first Emmy for the television adaptation of the RSC’s “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby” and, as president of HBO Films, was responsible for an unprecedented award-winning slate of movies and mini-series.

Playground has produced over 50 hours of prime time television drama garnering 13 Emmy nominations and 11 Golden Globe nominations, including a Golden Globe win for Best Miniseries. Recent productions include the Emmy-nominated and Golden Globe winning six-part miniseries adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s “Wolf Hall” starring Mark Rylance, Damian Lewis, Claire Foy and Jonathan Pryce for the BBC and Masterpiece, the television adaptation of Ronald Harwood’s “The Dresser” starring Ian McKellen and Anthony Hopkins and directed by Richard Eyre for the BBC and Starz, Golden Globe nominated “The Missing” an eight part thriller with Charlie Pattinson’s New Pictures for the BBC and Starz, Emmy and Golden Globe nominated “The White Queen” for BBC and Starz, and Golden Globe nominated “Dancing on the Edge” also for BBC and Starz. Upcoming productions include Stephen Poliakoff’s post-WWII miniseries “Close To The Enemy” with Helen Flint’s Little Island Production and a miniseries adaptation of “Howards End” written by Ken Lonergan for the BBC.

On the theatre front, Playground’s recent productions include Jez Butterworth’s The River starring Hugh Jackman on Broadway, Nora Ephron’s Tony-nominated Lucky Guy starring Tom Hanks in his Broadway debut, Tony-nominated Casa Valentina from Harvey Fierstein, the Tony Award-winning musical revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch starring Neil Patrick Harris; and the critically acclaimed production of Macbeth at The Park Avenue Armory starring Kenneth Branagh. Playground, alongside Sonia Friedman Productions and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions is currently producing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, based on an original new story by JK Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, that will receive its world premiere in London’s West End in the summer of 2016.

About Company Pictures
Company Pictures is one of the UK’s largest independent film and television producers.

Founded in 1998, we have produced hundreds of hours of critically acclaimed, award winning drama.

Company has produced major drama series for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, WGBH, HBO, Starz and other leading broadcasters all over the world. Company was responsible for period drama Elizabeth (winner of three Golden Globes), eleven series of the multi award winning Shameless, the much loved long running family series Wild at Heart and the hugely popular teen drama Skins.

Recently, Company produced a big budget six part adaptation for the BBC of Hilary Mantel’s prize winning “Wolf Hall” (recent winner of a Golden Globe®), written by Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), directed by BAFTA nominated Peter Kosminsky and starring Mark Rylance and Damian Lewis.

From seminal drama “The Lakes” in the 1990s to “The White Queen,” “Inspector George Gently” and “The Village” today, Company Pictures continues to produce and deliver high quality, distinguished drama that attracts the best talent the UK has to offer.

Since October 2004 Company has been part of All3Media.

About All3Media
All3Media is a leading independent television, film and digital production and distribution companies. The All3Media group is comprised of 21 production and distribution companies from across the UK, Europe, New Zealand and USA including Apollo20, Bentley Productions, Company Pictures, IDTV, John Stanley Productions, Lime Pictures, Lion Television, Little Dot Studios, Maverick Television, MME Moviement, Neal Street Productions, New Pictures, North One Television, Objective Productions, Optomen, One Potato Two Potato, Seven Stories, South Pacific Pictures, Studio Lambert, All3Media America and All3Media International. All3Media is owned jointly between Discovery Communications and Liberty Global.

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