Sundance picks 'Slings'

Cable net scores Canadian skein

By JUSTIN CHANG

HOLLYWOOD -- Sundance Channel has scooped up U.S. pay TV rights to Canuck laffer "Slings and Arrows."

Package includes the first two seasons of the skein as well as advance rights to a third season, which has yet to be produced. Each season comprises six half-hour episodes.

"Slings" is set to make its Sundance debut in August. It airs in Canada on the Movie Network, Showcase and Movie Central.

Written by Bob Martin, Mark McKinney and Susan Coyne (who are also in the cast), show takes a humorous yet dramatic backstage look at the New Burbage Theater Festival, which is trying to stage a production of "Hamlet."

Paul Gross stars as Geoffrey Tenant, the company's artistic director, who returns to the Burbage after the death of his mentor (Stephen Ouimette). Martha Burns, Luke Kirby and Rachel McAdams also star. Peter Wellington has directed the series since its inception in 2003.

"Slings" received nine Gemini Award nominations last year and won two, for Gross and McAdams.

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http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117921494.html

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