10-Part Stylish and Fast-Paced Thriller Stars Julia Stiles in Lead Role; Series Debuts on Streaming Service September 14th
New York, NY – July 29, 2017 – Sundance Now, AMC Networks’ premium video streaming service dedicated to bringing members high-quality, acclaimed independent film, documentaries and TV series announced today the acquisition of RIVIERA, a sumptuous thriller starring Julia Stiles (The Bourne Series). The hit ten-part series premiered to impressive numbers in the UK and has garnered critical acclaim. Variety described the series as, “slick, satisfying… luminous and gorgeous” The Sun called it a “fast-paced thriller…set to leave you on the edge of your seats as a life of high fashion and private jets soon turn to deception and even death,” and Newsweek described it as “a stylish, sun-kissed thriller.” It premieres on Sundance Now on September 14th.
In addition to Stiles, RIVIERA brings together an international cast including Lena Olin (Chocolate), Adrian Lester (Hustle), Iwan Rheon (Game of Thrones), Anthony LaPaglia (Without a Trace) and Phil Davis (Poldark).
Jan Diedrichsen, General Manager of SundanceTV and Sundance Now, commented: “Supremely written and complete with fantastic performances from Julia Stiles and an impressive ensemble, Riviera allows for binge-viewing at its finest. Set against the lavish world of the French Riviera, this incredible story unfolds with unexpected dramatic twists and turns every step of the way. We are certain Sundance Now members will be captivated by this entirely fresh, exciting and smart original series.”
Set in the south of France, Georgina (Julia Stiles) is newly married to billionaire Constantine Clios when he is killed in a yacht explosion. She is shocked to discover the fortune that maintained his immaculate, ever-so-tasteful lifestyle is tainted with dishonesty, double-dealing, crime, and ultimately murder.
Helped by Constantine’s first wife, Georgina will undergo an education in lying, double-dealing, outright theft and shocking criminality. She has to learn fast to maintain the Clios mansion and save the family from its enemies and from itself. Hiding her bloodstained fingers inside Chanel gloves, she soon reveals herself to be an A-plus student in the brutal art of survival.
Created by Oscar-winning writer and director Neil Jordan (The Crying Game, The Borgias), Riviera is based on an original idea by Paul McGuinness with the opening two episodes co-written with Booker Prize-winning author John Banville (The Sea). The series is produced by Foz Allan for Archery Pictures and Primo Productions, with award-winning Philipp Kadelbach (Generation War, SS-GB) as lead director and BAFTA Award-winning Laurie Rose as director of photography.
Riviera is also executive produced by Neil Jordan, Liza Marshall (Red Riding Trilogy, Taboo), Kris Thykier (Kickass, Woman in Gold) and former U2 manager Paul McGuinness. The deal was negotiated by Aurelie de Troyer, VP of Global Acquisitions and Co-productions for Sundance Now, and for Sky Vision by Gillian Rose, Senior Vice President, US Sales and Acquisitions, Sky Vision.
To stream all Sundance Now content via web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, FireTV and Chromecast, visit SundanceNow.com and sign up for a 7-day free trial.
About Sundance Now
Sundance Now brings members the best in award-winning films, documentaries & binge-worthy TV series. From exclusive Sundance Now Originals to new releases and hard-to-find classics—Sundance Now has captivating stories for everyone. Members can easily discover something great to watch in one of our handpicked collections, curated by filmmakers and cultural icons.
Sundance Now is owned and operated by AMC Networks, which has had a long history supporting and cultivating independent film and is the company behind some of the most popular, influential and successful stories ever made for TV and film, including The Walking Dead, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Orphan Black, Portlandia and Boyhood. The company’s portfolio of networks – AMC, BBC AMERICA, IFC, SundanceTV and WE tv – and its film distribution company IFC Films have been recognized with the industry’s most distinguished honors, including multiple Emmy® Awards, Golden Globe® Awards, Oscars® and Peabody Awards. Sundance Now is available via web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, FireTV and Chromecast.
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About Sky Vision
Sky Vision is the production and distribution arm of Sky. The distribution arm represents around 5,000 hours of quality primetime programming from Sky Original Productions and independent third party production, across all key primetime genres (drama, entertainment, factual entertainment and factual). The business also has equity investments in nine production businesses in the UK and US; Love Productions, Blast! Films, Sugar Films, True North, Chrysalis Vision and Sky Vision Productions in the UK; and in the US, Jupiter Entertainment, Talos Films and Znak & Co.
In addition to its equity investments, Sky Vision works extensively with independent producers in the UK and US and has development deals with a number of production companies including Asylum Entertainment, Double Nickel and Peacock Alley in North America; and Avanti Media, Bohemia, Chalkboard, LittleRock Pictures, Merman Films, and Spring Films in the UK.