Shapiro
DeMontreux
The Independent Film Channel is stretching its series legs, developing a crop of shows that aren't necessarily about the movie world.
Cabler has greenlit the pilot "ZO2," which centers on a real-life heavy metal band that makes a living by day as performers at kiddie birthday parties. Other scripts in the hopper include a family drama set in the world of porn, a workplace comedy based at a counterterrorism agency and an hourlong entry about addicts.
The slate reps a departure for the cabler, which until now has used the film industry as a backdrop for all its original skeins (like "Greg the Bunny").
"This is our first step toward untethering ourselves from just a film-centric focus," said IFC exec VP/general manager Evan Shapiro. "These (new projects) are like true indie films: They're about people, about stories. We know our audience really well, and for them, stories and characters are No. 1."
The aggressive development strategy comes following the success last year of IFC skeins "The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman" and "The Business." Both half-hours have been given an eight-episode order for season two, and will return in August.
"We'll concentrate on those shows exclusively in 2007 on air," Shapiro said. "We think they're great, and the second season is often when a series finds its true voice. The scripts have been amazing."
Shapiro said shows like "Jackie Woodman" and "The Business" have helped put IFC on the map by attracting more talent -- even though "we produce our shows for the cost of the catering bill on 'Entourage.' "
"We're finding people whose first choice is IFC," Shapiro said.
As for "ZO2," the scripted/improv hybrid revolves around a real-life New York band juggling two lifestyles, as rockers ZO2 (complete with groupies and wild nights) and kids band the Z Brothers. MarkMark Prods. ("Parco P.I.") produces.
"I was apprehensive going into this pitch, but I was blown away by them and their demo reel," said IFC original programming vice prexy Debbie DeMontreux. "All the stories are based on real events. The guys have an electrifying personality and they're naturally made for the camera."
"ZO2" will likely start shooting in March.
As for the script orders, "Pornopolis" reps IFC's first drama in development. Project revolves around an average family in the L.A. 'burbs -- whose parents happen to run a porn business.
World of Wonder ("Inside Deep Throat") will produce; Laura Cahill ("Hysterical Blindness") and scribes Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey are attached.
"We were intrigued by the fact that I'm sure the people who make porn also have families and live in the suburbs," DeMontreux said.
Then there's "Elevated," from writer Jason Reich ("The Daily Show"), a workplace comedy set in the world of a "24"-like counterterrorism agency.
"It's definitely an alternative to mainstream comedies," DeMontreux said.
Comedy-drama "Bad Habits" revolves around a group of people with various addictions, including alcohol, sex and drugs. Gary Lennon (".45") is writing the script based on his film "Drunks."
DeMontreux said IFC planned to shoot two more pilots this year besides "ZO2," while Shapiro said the channel will announce more programming initiatives later in the year, including original scripted and nonscripted exclusive content for the Internet.
Beyond scripted series, IFC has season two of "The Henry Rollins Show" on tap, as well as original docs such as "The Bridge," "Indie Sex" and "Does Your Soul Have a Cold?"
Contact Michael Schneider at
mike.schneider@variety.com