Encore Lines Up First Slate of Originals

ENGLEWOOD: The Starz Entertainment-owned premium network Encore is getting into the original-programming game with Tele München’s Moby Dick and ITV Studios Global Entertainment’s Martina Cole crime thriller The Take.

Moby Dick, an RHI production in participation with Tele München and in cooperation with Gate Filmproduktion, stars William Hurt, Ethan Hawke and Gillian Anderson. It will have its U.S. premiere on August 1. This fall, Encore will roll out The Take, starring Tom Hardy and based on a Martina Cole crime thriller, as an original series, as well as the previously announced original doc Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis.

"Encore Originals will complement the quality movie programming found on Encore, and build upon the consistently strong viewership with the introduction of quality original programming," said Stephan Shelanski, executive VP of programming for Starz Entertainment. "Encore is a tremendous premium television value for subscribers and our affiliates, and its unique original programming will further fortify the network. We are committed to continue Encore Originals in future years with a diverse array of programming additions that will complement the premium programming mix."