Lifetime Greenlights Mini-Series from Battlestar, X-Files Producers

NEW YORK, April 24: Lifetime Television has greenlit the new
original mini-series The Gathering from
David Eick (Battlestar Galactica)
and John Shiban (X-Files) and
Sony Pictures Television, and has committed to increasing its 2007-08
programming budget by 31 percent.

The two-part, four-hour drama The Gathering follows the story of Michael Foster, a doctor in
search of his wife after she vanishes without a trace. His search leads him to
dark and sinister findings, including the existence of a cabal of witches
gathering in modern day New York. Tom Patricia (Lifetime's Homeless
to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story) also
serves as executive producer and Bill Eagles (CSI) will direct. The Gathering is Lifetime's second original mini-series, following
Human Trafficking in 2005.
Casting is currently under way for a fall premiere.

The production is part of the
cable network’s efforts to ramp up its original programming slate, upping its
2007-08 budget by 31 percent. Lifetime is launching a trio of original dramas
this summer, all within the 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday night block. This marks
the first time any basic cable network has premiered three new series for the
same night of the week in the same programming season. Army Wives, about a diverse group of women (and one man) on an
Army post, debuts on June 3 at 10 p.m. It will be joined on July 15 at 8 p.m.
by Side Order of Life, starring
Marisa Coughlan as a reporter who receives a "wake-up call from the
universe," before marrying co-star Jason Priestley. At 9 p.m. that night State
of Mind launches, showcasing actress Lili
Taylor as a brilliant therapist dealing with personal problems and eclectic
patients.

The network’s development slate
features a dramedy adapted from Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher's book Burnt Toast and a project from acclaimed producer Denise DiNovi
(The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) along with a feel-good reality program, How to Look Good
Naked, hosted by Carson Kressley of Queer
Eye for the Straight Guy.

"Since 1984, no media
company has had the rich dialogue with their viewers like Lifetime Networks,”
said Betty Cohen, Lifetime’s president and CEO. “This year, we are building on
that unique relationship across all platforms, from a record investment in
original programming to diverse digital initiatives, including the re-launch of
LifetimeTV.com. This expansion underscores Lifetime's position as the leading
integrated electronic media company for women.”

Entertainment president Susanne
Daniels added: "I am enormously proud to announce this slate of new
programming. All of these projects, shepherded by my very talented programming
team, represent various aspects of the contemporary woman. Whether it's a drama
set on an Army post or a reality series that makes women look at themselves in
a different way, each of these series embrace the emotional roller coaster that
women ride—the ups and downs of a woman's career, love life,
child-rearing and friendship. We believe they all reflect the bold programming
direction this network is taking.”

The relaunch of LifetimeTV.com
this June will bring to the site a new broadband player that will feature
Lifetime movies and series such as Army Wives and Lisa Williams: Life Among the Dead. Programming mini-sites will also feature character
and actor profiles, blogs, chats, episodic previews, interviews, photos and
interactive forums for viewers. The site will also provide lifestyle content in
the areas of health, beauty and style, home and crafts, relationships,
entertainment and finances and will feature content from partners like Hearst
(including Redbook, Country
Living, Good Housekeeping, Marie Claire, Quick & Simple),
About.com, and a leading health content provider. In addition, Lifetime and its
partners will jointly produce exclusive broadband programming with Hearst
(lifestyle) and About.com (home & crafts).