London, England / New York, NY – Wednesday 26th June 2012 – Sundance Channel, owned and operated by AMC Networks, and ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) announced today an exclusive distribution agreement for Sundance Channel’s first wholly-owned scripted production, Rectify. The 6 x 60’ drama, from Ray McKinnon and the producers of the Emmy Award-winning series Breaking Bad, Gran Via’s Mark Johnson and Melissa Bernstein, will be represented by ITVS GE in all territories outside of the USA. ITVS GE will introduce the series to the international television market at MIPCOM 2012.
Sarah Barnett, Sundance Channel General Manager, stated, “We are so proud of the quality and distinction of Rectify, our first wholly owned scripted series at Sundance Channel, and we’re delighted that ITV Studios Global Entertainment will be bringing this outstanding show to a worldwide audience.”
Paul Buccieri, Managing Director ITV Studios International and President & CEO ITV Studios America said: “This is an exciting project on a multitude of levels. We are thrilled to be working with Sundance Channel in distributing its first wholly-owned original scripted production. Rectify has distinctive storytelling, an award-winning, high-calibre production team and a talented cast.”
Maria Kyriacou, Managing Director ITV Studios Global Entertainment, added, “Given the ever-increasing international demand for first class drama, Rectify is sure to appeal to broadcasters across the world. The series makes a fantastic addition to our portfolio, cementing ITVS GE’s reputation as a leading distributor of world-class international drama.”
Rectify was created and written by Ray McKinnon (The Accountant), who also serves as executive producer on the project. Veteran producers Mark Johnson and Melissa Bernstein of production company Gran Via are also executive producers.
Rectify stars Aden Young (Killer Elite, The Tree) as Daniel Holden upon his release from prison. After serving nineteen years on Georgia’s Death Row, DNA evidence casts doubt on the prosecution’s case. Holden was only eighteen years of age when convicted and sentenced to die for the brutal rape and murder of a sixteen year old girl. With doubt surrounding his innocence, Holden returns to his family and to his hometown where the murder occurred and where many still believe he is guilty. Daniel spent all of his adult life waiting to die. Now he must learn how to live again or decide if he even wants to while others determine whether or not he will have that chance.
The cast includes actors Luke Kirby (Take This Waltz, The Samaritan), Abigail Spencer (Cowboys and Aliens, Mad Men), Clayne Crawford (Justified, Leverage), Adelaide Clemens (Lie to Me, No One Lives) and J. Smith Cameron (True Blood, Law and Order).
About Sundance Channel
Sundance Channel is the destination for What’s Next, Now. Showcasing both today’s creative icons and the emerging talent of tomorrow, Sundance Channel tells credible, authentic, and emotionally immersive stories of Invention, Fashion, Film, Travel, Design, and Enterprise. Launched in 1996 and owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc, Sundance Channel provides perspectives dedicated to founder Robert Redford’s mission to celebrate creativity. sundancechannel.com
About AMC Networks Inc.
Dedicated to producing quality programming and movie content for more than 30 years, AMC Networks Inc. owns and operates several of the most popular and award-winning brands in cable television. AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv, and IFC Films produce and deliver distinctive, compelling and culturally relevant content that engages audiences across multiple platforms. The company also operates AMC/Sundance Channel Global, an international programming business, and AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology, a full-service network programming origination and distribution company.
About ITV Studios Global Entertainment
ITV Studios Global Entertainment is one of the world’s leading international TV distribution and consumer products businesses, representing over 40,000 hours of prestigious content to 3000 broadcasters around the world.
Part of ITV Studios, the UK’s largest commercial production company, ITV Studios Global Entertainment distributes celebrated content across all genres from both its in-house production business and leading producers from around the world. Its world class portfolio includes ITV Studios’ original formats Hell’s Kitchen, Come Dine with Me, Dancing on Ice and I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! ITV Studios produces the much anticipated drama Mr Selfridge, written by multi-award winning writer Andrew Davies and starring Jeremy Piven as Harry Gordon Selfridge. ITV Studios also produces the world’s longest running drama serial Coronation Street and hit international drama franchises including Agatha Christie’s Marple, Poirot and Vera.