Unprecedented Chronicle of the Lives of High School Girls from Freshman Year to Graduation
Herizon Productions and New Line Television Produce Breakthrough Original Weekly Series
New York, NY, November 6, 2007 – WE tv announced today an unprecedented and groundbreaking original programming series, High School Confidential, an honest and in-depth look into the lives of twelve adolescent girls, through their high school years. The 8 episode, one-hour weekly series offers insight into the eye opening journeys of these young women from freshman year through graduation day. High School Confidential was created and executive produced by Sharon Liese, produced by New Line Television and Herizon Productions and will premiere on WE tv in March of 2008.
The inspiration for High School Confidential came from Sharon Liese, a single mom of a 13 year old daughter who began exploring the inescapable struggle young girls face as they forge identities while navigating the complexities, contradictions and pressure that develop during their formidable high school years. Liese gained unprecedented access to a 1200-student high school, in suburban Kansas, to chronicle the entire 4 year experiences of 12 diverse young women. The series features dramatic and intimate storylines that reveal universal themes of today's adolescent culture: self-image, sexuality, risk and experimentation, complex family dynamics, religion and even death.
"WE tv is committed to creating original programming that offers unique insights into the lives of women. With High School Confidential, the network is pushing the boundaries with an inside look into the struggles young teens face in a seminal time in their lives," said Kim Martin, EVP and General Manager of WE tv. "The series is one of the most ground-breaking series ever created for a multi-generational TV audience. It appeals to teens, college students, single women and mothers and we are confident our audience will be in awe of the twelve journeys they are to witness. The reflection of these women is a micro-cosm of the issues that pervade communities across our country."
"The struggle to define 'self' is perhaps most apparent during the High School years. The girls profiled in our series, exemplify courage as they share their most intimate challenges. The series explores this beyond just teen angst," states Liese. "Throughout the series, the objective presentation reveals young adults with a certain amount of strength and maturity in their own right – perhaps more than we give them credit for as the situations they face are difficult, but they prove they are not beyond recovery."
"Sharon Liese's vision and dedication in following these young women over their four years of high school is astounding. It was an extraordinary experience collaborating with her and shaping these stories. The end result is a documentary series that is honest, riveting and real", said Sydney Levin, Vice President, Alternative Programming for New Line Television and Executive Producer of the series. "New Line Television is thrilled that WE tv embraces this project and shares in our enthusiasm in bringing it to television".
In Jan of 2008, leading up to the premiere of the series, WE tv will launch a micro-site at WEtv.com featuring iconic moments from the series, images and bio information on the girls and the show's creator. Downloads will include: desktop wallpaper, mobile wallpaper, a screensaver and ring tones. Once the series premieres, the site will enter into its second phase to feature episode guides with descriptions and photos, slideshows with images of girls from each episode, episode specific blogs from the girls and the show's creator, 'where are they now' updates and information on the girls' lives. The site will also feature a regular newsletter sign up link.
About WE tv
WE tv is the content destination where women go to indulge their curiosity with quality unscripted programming from weddings to real life stories. With programs like the hit series "Bridezillas," unique movie packages including "Cinematherapy", topical specials, and its public affairs initiative WE Empowers Women, the network supports women and appeals to their interests. WE tv is a subsidiary of Rainbow Entertainment Services, and currently is seen in over 65 million homes.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media is a leading producer of targeted, multi-platform content for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, WE tv, LIFESKOOL, SPORTSKOOL, and VOOM HD Networks. Through its IFC Entertainment division, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a theatrical feature film distribution company; IFC First Take/IFC in Theaters, a day and date theatrical feature film/VOD initiative; the IFC Center in New York City; IFC Productions, a feature film production company; and IFC Entertainment, which owns and operates a film library. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales company, and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.
New Line Television
New Line Television is a division of New Line Cinema (www.newline.com), the most successful independent film company in the world. The division develops, produces and distributes TV projects for the broadcast networks, cable and first-run syndication, as well as distributes New Line feature films across the television landscape. In addition to the production, marketing and distribution of theatrical motion pictures, New Line Cinema has divisions devoted to home entertainment, music, theater, merchandising and international. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line's Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of the most successful film franchises in history. New Line is a division of Time Warner, Inc.