Act of Valor Spawns TV Series for NGC

CANNES: Relativity Media's feature film Act of Valor is being turned into a scripted series in partnership with Tandem Communications for National Geographic Channel.

The project marks the first scripted series for both Relativity and NGC. Penned by Band of Brothers' Erik Jendresen, Act of Valor will commence production early next year. Tandem will handle international distribution on the show, focusing on pararescuemen, also known as PJs, tasked with recovery and medical treatment of personnel in humanitarian and combat environments. 

“Relativity’s unique model allows us to successfully transform a film such as Act of Valor into a highly engaging television series," said Ryan Kavanaugh, the CEO of Relativity. "Through this process, networks are able to broadcast shows with built-in-audiences of viewers already invested in a story, while the studio monetizes our content in new ways."

Tom Forman, CEO of Relativity Television, added: “The film Act of Valor was groundbreaking in its unique approach, and we look forward to applying its gritty, realistic vision to television. We could not ask for a better home for the series than National Geographic Channel.”

Howard Owens, the president of National Geographic Channels, added: “With the incredible success of our original scripted feature films, we are expanding our offerings with a high quality scripted series we know will resonate with our viewers. After the success of our documentary series Inside Combat Rescue about PJs in Afghanistan, we wanted to tell more incredible stories of these heroes, and this series will allow us to do so in an exciting and dramatic way, while still delivering real, authentic stories our viewers expect from us. We could not have a better partner than Relativity to take this next step.”

Tim Halkin, COO of Tandem Communications, noted, “With a powerful contemporary storyline of global anti-terrorism, Act of Valor is an intense, fast-paced series that will resonate with viewers worldwide. We are excited to work with Relativity, as well as the talented Erik Jendresen, who is so skilled and creative in this genre of entertainment.”

Relativity Television is also working with Georgeville Television and executive producer Bradley Cooper for a series based on Limitless.