MGM gets graphic for return to TV

'Jonas Moore' to be developed as series

By DANIEL FRANKEL

'The Many Worlds of Jonas Moore'

MGM Domestic Television Distribution has optioned U.K.-based online graphic novel "The Many Worlds of Jonas Moore" for development as a series. MGM execs say the move is part of a burgeoning effort to put the Lion back into the TV production biz in a significant way.

Studio aims to develop "Jonas" into an action-drama, with a U.S.-U.K. co-production deal a possibility, according to Chris Ottinger, exec VP of worldwide TV for MGM. Film Collective's Ruth Vitale is attached to the project as an exec producer.

"Jonas" revolves around a fugitive vidgame player in a futuristic world where the British empire still reigns supreme and America is just one of thousands of virtual worlds in a global game network.

Howard Webster created and produced the graphic novel for his London-based Factory Publishing imprint and Triumph Motorcycles.

As for distribution of TV skein, "It's more likely to be a cable series here in the U.S.," Ottinger said. "But it has a real shot to be on terrestrial TV in the U.K."

Ottinger hopes to have a script commissioned in the fall so the series is ready to go next year.

"We're really trying to restart our television business, and we're looking for hot properties that we can turn into hourlong dramas," he said.

The "Jonas" novel is available for download on iPod or PC as a combination of traditional comicbook animation and 3-D animation. Brit thesp Colin Salmon provides the voice of the lead character. The graphic novel incorporates 3-D animation, live-action photography and newsreel footage.