Alive, Fireworks team up

Companies to develop 'Lawrence,' 'Don Juan'

By STEVE CLARKE

L.A.-based producer Alive Entertainment has pacted with Fireworks Intl., the distribution arm of U.K. sales and rights holder of ContentFilm, to finance, produce and develop drama series and miniseries.

The first fruits of the tie-up are shows based on the life of T. E. Lawrence, the British soldier immortalized in "Lawrence of Arabia," and legendary Spanish lover Don Juan.

"Lawrence and Bell: Lions of Arabia" is a miniseries based on the turbulent relationship between Lawrence and Gertrude Bell, the British writer, traveler and administrator who in 1921 drew the boundaries for the country that became Iraq.

The show will be written and produced by Kamran Pasha, whose credits include "Kings" and "Sleeper Cell."

"Don Juan" is a contemporary take on the life of the iconic lover.

Series will be scripted and produced by Steve Meerson and Peter Krikes, whose credits include "Star Trek: The Voyage Home."

Both projects will be produced by Alive Entertainment's Philip Von Alvensleben and Jimmy Veres, plus Mark Harris, who produced "Crash" and "Gods and Monsters."

Fireworks Intl. will handle international distribution; Alive Entertainment is responsible for U.S. sales.