Short Takes
Saban Domestic Distribution says it has struck its first deal with Lifetime Television Network. Saban will provide the cabler with three telefilms, beginning with "The Rape of Dr. Willis," debuting on Lifetime later this month. The Jaclyn Smith starrer had its broadcast premiere on CBS.
The Joffrey Ballet will premiere its full-length full-company ballet "Billboards" Wednesday at the Hancher Auditorium at the U. of Iowa in Iowa City. It is conceived and directed by artistic director Gerald Arpino with music by Prince and choreography by Laura Dean, Charles Moulton, Peter Pucci and Margo Sappington.
Action Media Group and Hearst Entertainment Distribution are launching "The World of Nature," four two-hour specials for fall hosted by Walter Cronkite.
Group W Prods. is introducing "Martha Stewart Living," a half-hour weekly "how to" TV series starring the author/ magazine editor-in-chief (Martha Stewart Living) for fall 1993. Series is produced by Martha Stewart Living Television, a subsid of Time Inc. Ventures.
"Claire of the Moon," pic about a woman's journey into her sexual identity, has a distrib deal with Demi-Monde Prods. and Strand Releasing. Duo plan a platform release, opening Jan. 29 at L.A.'s Laemmle's Sunset 5 and the Monica 4 -Plex. L.A. preem is Jan. 28 at the Pacific Design Center, with a reception at City Restaurant to benefit women in film.
