Sundance Now Greenlights First-Ever Original Scripted Series

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Sundance Now is making its foray into original scripted content with a straight-to-series order for The Chances.

The AMC Networks-backed streaming service has ordered six half-hour episodes of the dramedy, based on a series of shorts featured at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival’s Short Form Episodic Showcase. From Super Deluxe, The Chances was created and written by two deaf actors, Shoshannah Stern and Josh Feldman, who also star.

“When we first saw the shorts at the Sundance Film Festival, we instantly fell in love with the chemistry between Shoshannah and Josh,” said Owen Shiflett, the VP of development for Sundance Now. “The show strikes a beautiful balance of being thoughtful, endearing and funny—all at once. Sundance Now’s independent spirit and dedication to championing new voices make it the perfect home for The Chances.”

“With our show, we want to introduce the world to deaf characters written by deaf people, who lead intersectional lives that are complicated, funny and sometimes heartbreaking, but never defined solely by their being deaf,” said Stern and Feldman. “We’re beyond thrilled to partner with Super Deluxe, Killer Films and Sundance Now to share our story with the world.”

“Super Deluxe was founded to foster and amplify diverse auteurs and voices,” said Wolfgang Hammer, the president of Super Deluxe. “We invest in artists who have something unique to say about the world, and we wholeheartedly believe that taking creative risks together leads to a meaningful payoff.”

“The Chances celebrates Josh and Shoshannah’s unique perspective while touching on universal themes that all audiences can relate to,” said Winnie Kemp, the senior VP of television development at Super Deluxe, and Ryan Likes, COO of television at Super Deluxe. “We are incredibly honored and excited to work with Sundance Now to unleash this show on the world.”