TORONTO – The day before it is scheduled to appear before the CRTC, Canwest has ordered two original Canadian series for its Showcase channel.
The 13 episode one-hour dramas, called Lawyers Guns and Money (working title) and Shattered, will begin production this summer with a 2009/2010 airdate on the channel.
Lawyers, Guns and Money is the story of a young claims adjuster for a cut-throat corporation who maneuvers his way around insurance scams and the criminal underworld while trying to escape his past and make a better life for himself on the gritty streets of Hamilton. Luke Kirby and Emmy-nominated Clark Johnson will star in the series, which will be produced by E1 Entertainment and Force Four Films.
Shattered, starring Callum Keith Rennie, follows the exploits of a detective whose multiple-personality-disorder has a major affect on his job. It is produced by Whizbang Films.
"Showcase is synonymous with addictive and clever hits and these new originals series are a reflection of our unwavering commitment to bringing Canadian viewers quality home-grown dramatic programming," said Christine Shipton, senior vice president of drama and factual content, in the press release. "We’re incredibly excited about these series and are looking forward to working with our talented production partners to get them on the airways this fall."
In related news, the Canwest original drama series Copper has been picked up by ABC for broadcast in the United States.
The 13 episode series, which will air on Global Television in Canada, is a one-hour, character-driven workplace drama about five rookie cops plunged into the high stakes world of big city policing. It is being distributed by E1 Entertainment.
"When we initially commissioned the pilot and then the series, we knew it was a high-calibre production and worthy of international audiences," said Barbara Williams, executive vice president of content, in a press release. "We could not be happier with the partnership and are confident that E1 will deliver a great show for Global and ABC to simulcast."
