ION TELEVISION COMMISSIONS ORIGINAL PRODUCTION OF
MEDICAL DRAMA “SAVING HOPE”
FROM ENTERTAINMENT ONE AND ICF FILMS

The Agreement Includes 18 All-New Episodes and Rights to Current and Future Seasons of the Series.

 

WEST PALM BEACH, September 3, 2014 – ION Television today announced its latest partnership with leading independent studio Entertainment One Television (eOne), reaching an agreement for new original episodes of “Saving Hope.” Produced by eOne and ICF Films in association with CTV, season three of the medical drama series recently began production on 18 new episodes in June. The deal, which includes rights to existing seasons one and two, makes ION the exclusive original U.S. television network for current and future seasons of the series.

 

“We’re excited to begin this collaborative partnership with eOne to bring viewers another high-quality original series,” said Brandon Burgess, Chairman and CEO of ION Media Networks.  “ION has had success through its unique approach to original program production, and ‘Saving Hope’ represents the next step in the company’s long-term strategy.”

 

“We’re delighted that the full series including new episodes of ‘Saving Hope’ will soon be available to American audiences through ION Television, one of the largest broadcast television station groups in the U.S.,” commented Stuart Baxter, President eOne Television International. “We’re looking forward to expanding on our already successful relationship with ION following their acquisition of our other series, ‘Rookie Blue.’”

 

“Saving Hope” is the latest in a string of successful scripted original program offerings for the network that includes “The Listener,” “Flashpoint,” and a robust slate of made-for-TV original movies. “Saving Hope” also joins ION’s highly-acclaimed library of drama series, including “Blue Bloods,” “Rookie Blue,” “Criminal Minds,” “Cold Case,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “Psych” and “Leverage.”

 

In “Saving Hope,” the Hope Zion Hospital is left in chaos when its charismatic Chief of Surgery, Charlie Harris (Michael Shanks), falls into a coma, putting his fiancé and fellow surgeon, Alex Reid (Erica Durance), in a state of shock. Along with newly arrived star surgeon, Joel Goran (Daniel Gillies), Reid races to save Harris’ life. As the action unfolds, the comatose Harris explores the hospital halls in the form of a spirit, questioning whether or not he is a figment of his own imagination. Reid, along with her fellow doctors, press on to save his life and the lives of others as they deal with the complicated and courageous decisions that are made in their daily struggle to keep hope alive. The series also stars Huse Madhavji, Julia Taylor Ross and Kristopher Turner.

 

Created by Malcolm MacRury and Morwyn Brebner, “Saving Hope” is produced by eOne and ICF Films, in association with CTV, with the participation of the Canada Media Fund and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit. The series is executive produced by Ilana Frank and David Wellington for ICF Films, John Morayniss for eOne, and Lesley Harrison, as well as Brebner and Adam Pettle, who also serve as showrunners.

eOne handles the worldwide rights to the series in all media. The deal was brokered by Joey Sabella on behalf of eOne.

About ION Television

A leading U.S. general entertainment network, ION Television combines high-quality programming and dependable distribution with an attitude of innovation and growth. Its “Positively Entertaining” network brand positioning features a formula of proven series, an expansive catalog of blockbuster movies and a commitment to introduce new original programming. ION Television has grown its Adults 25-54 audience by 160% since its 2007 launch and has consistently remained among the top 15 entertainment networks. For more information, visit www.iontelevision.com.

 

About Entertainment One (eOne)

Entertainment One Ltd. (LSE: ETO) is a leading international entertainment company that specializes in the acquisition, production and distribution of film and television content. The company’s comprehensive network extends around the globe including Canada, the U.S., the UK, Ireland, Spain, Benelux, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South Korea.  Through established Entertainment and Distribution divisions, the company provides extensive expertise in film distribution, television and music production, family programming and merchandising and licensing. Its current rights library is exploited across all media formats and includes more than 35,000 film and television titles, 2,800 hours of television programming and 45,000 music tracks.

Through strong relationships with broadcasters and content providers, eOne Television International has successfully sold eOne’s original and third-party productions to over 500 broadcasters in 150 countries, including key US networks and international pay TV channels.

 

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