A Groundbreaking Straight-to-Series Dramedy from Super Deluxe Written by and Starring Deaf Actors Shoshannah Stern and Josh Feldman
NEW YORK, April 27, 2017 – Today, Sundance Now announces its entry into premium scripted content with its first-ever straight-to-series order of The Chances from Super Deluxe. The AMC Networks’-backed streaming service, known for showcasing noteworthy films, documentaries and TV series, greenlights this groundbreaking dramedy created by, written by, and starring two deaf actors.
The six, 30-minute episodes, based on a series of shorts featured at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival’s Short Form Episodic Showcase, will premiere exclusively on Sundance Now.
“When we first saw the shorts at the Sundance Film Festival, we instantly fell in love with the chemistry between Shoshannah and Josh,” said Owen Shiflett, VP, Development for Sundance Now. “The show strikes a beautiful balance of being thoughtful, endearing and funny – all at once. Sundance Now’s independent spirit and dedication to championing new voices make it the perfect home for The Chances.”
The series gives an honest and original perspective of best friends Kate (Shoshannah Stern), who is adjusting to newlywed life, and Michael (Josh Feldman), who is attempting to move on from his exboyfriend.
“With our show, we want to introduce the world to deaf characters written by deaf people, who lead intersectional lives that are complicated, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking, but never defined solely by their being deaf,” said Stern and Feldman. “We’re beyond thrilled to partner with Super Deluxe, Killer Films, and Sundance Now to share our story with the world.”
“Super Deluxe was founded to foster and amplify diverse auteurs and voices,” said Wolfgang Hammer, president of Super Deluxe. “We invest in artists who have something unique to say about the world, and we wholeheartedly believe that taking creative risks together leads to a meaningful payoff.”
“The Chances celebrates Josh and Shoshannah’s unique perspective, while touching on universal themes that all audiences can relate to. We are incredibly honored and excited to work with Sundance Now to unleash this show on the world,” said Winnie Kemp, SVP of Television Development at Super Deluxe, and Ryan Likes, COO of Television at Super Deluxe.
Shoshannah Stern and Josh Feldman, who are both deaf in real life, created, wrote, and star in the series, allowing for an authentic portrayal of the deaf community. Stern attended Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., the only Liberal Arts University for deaf people in the world. She has appeared on popular TV shows including Weeds, Lie to Me and Jericho. Feldman also attended Gallaudet University. He is an actor and writer who has been honored with a Young Playwrights Award from Arena Stage in Washington D.C. The series will be executive produced by Killer Films.
To stream all Sundance Now content via web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, 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, and 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.
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About Super Deluxe
Super Deluxe is an omni-platform entertainment company committed to amplifying creative voices that live just outside the mainstream. With online video for social feeds, television series and film, documentaries, interactive live experiences, and consumer-facing tech products, Super Deluxe talks to a generation of insatiably curious viewers who grew up clutching smartphones. Super Deluxe is a division of Turner, but it operates independently in Downtown LA.
About The Chances
Kate and Michael have always relied on each other for a laugh, a stiff drink, or a shoulder to lean on for a good ugly cry. Now the best friends, who happen to be deaf, suddenly find their paths beginning to diverge when Kate gets engaged at the same time Michael breaks up with his boyfriend.
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