E1, Universal Networks Intl. Align for Stephen King’s Haven

CANNES: Universal Networks International has joined forces with E1 Entertainment to co-finance Haven, a 13×1-hour series based on the Steven King novella The Colorado Kid.

The series is set to begin production early 2010, due to air by fall 2011. E1 Entertainment will produce and take on worldwide distribution rights, while Universal Networks International holds exclusive pay-TV broadcast rights outside of Canada, the U.S. and Scandinavia.

Roma Khanna, the president of Universal Networks International and digital initiatives, said, “We are very excited to be working with world-class talent such as Stephen King on Haven in our first major content partnership with E1 Entertainment. This tremendous project signals our investment in more top quality content for our newly revitalized channel portfolio in our drive to deliver an enhanced range of high profile, first-run content offerings for our affiliates and great entertainment for our viewers around the world.”

E1 Television International’s president, Peter Emerson, commented, “We couldn’t be more delighted to be in business with NBC Universal, Stephen King and the talented creative team behind Haven. This is a terrific pilot script that is smart and thrilling and filled with fascinating characters. In an entertainment climate that’s all about the supernatural, Haven has the right ingredients to make it a worldwide hit.”

Martin Irusta, the senior VP of programming and acquisitions at Universal Networks International, added, “We are pleased to be working in close partnership with a prestigious independent studio such as E1. We hope this is the first of many successful content alliances in our focus to invest in more original productions for our network brands.”