A+E Networks & Harlequin Partner for Scripted Projects

NEW YORK: A new partnership between A+E Networks and the romance literature label Harlequin will see the creation of a slate of original movies, web series, books and digital content.

The companies will be working together to franchise several scripted dramatic movies based on original stories and best-selling novels that will include themes of mystery, romance, thriller, suspense and more. The content will be made available across A+E Networks’ channels and content partners globally. Roma Roth will executive produce the first film in the franchise, which is set to begin production in May in Canada, under her Reel World Management banner.

“We are excited to work with Harlequin, a company that shares our passion for entertaining women with compelling stories of empowerment,” said Rob Sharenow, the executive VP and general manager of A&E, Lifetime and LMN at A+E Networks. “We are especially excited with the global scope of this deal that will enable us to bring great storytelling for women both in North America and to our channels and content partners around the world.”

“Harlequin is at the forefront of creative storytelling, bringing new and engaging content to a global audience in different formats,” said Craig Swinwood, publisher and CEO of Harlequin. “We are thrilled to be working with a media company as innovative as A+E Networks to deliver compelling entertainment through immersive transmedia experiences.”