Sundance Channel Partners with Entertainment One to Co-Develop REACHING FOR HEAVEN

Demonstrating its commitment to bringing audiences original content, Sundance Channel announced a deal today with leading independent studio Entertainment One (eOne) to co-develop a television series based on the groundbreaking Israeli series REACHING FOR HEAVEN, produced by Assaf Amir's Norma Productions.

REACHING FOR HEAVEN is a family drama about what happens to a marriage and family when one parent suddenly becomes religious. eOne and Sundance Channel will partner to adapt and co-develop a US version of the series and have attached writer Mike Seid, who will set the show in Las Vegas - and explore religion in the city of sin.

Nena Rodrigue, SVP, Programming and Production, Sundance Channel, stated, "Sundance Channel has always been drawn to original stories that explore the emotional truth and intimate nature of relationships. REACHING FOR HEAVEN does that and introduces the provocative topic of religion within a family dynamic in a way we have never seen before. We are very excited to continue our relationship with eOne and collaborate with them on this distinctive project."

eOne recently announced that it had acquired the US and UK format rights from Israel's A-Cappella Media Content Hub. The original version of REACHING FOR HEAVEN aired for two seasons on Keshet in Israel and totaled 14 episodes.

"We are thrilled to partner on REACHING FOR HEAVEN with Sundance Channel. The network consistently brings bold and compelling original television to its audiences," said Carrie Stein, EVP Global Productions, eOne Television. "Exploring the challenges of ideology within the microcosm of one family, this series is relatable, timely and universal. Our team's ability to discover and attract premium formats that can cross many borders speaks to our aptitude and understanding of the international marketplace and what works where. As the US market recognizes the advantages of investing in content that has been tried and tested, it's really becoming an exciting time for formats."

This deal sees the two companies joining forces once again and broadening their already successful relationship. Earlier this year, eOne and AMC Networks signed an exclusive multi-year distribution agreement whereby eOne acquired international distribution rights for original scripted series from U.S. based AMC Networks' AMC and Sundance Channel, including Sundance Channel's upcoming series The Red Road. The Red Road is a hard-hitting drama that revolves around a local cop struggling to keep his family together while simultaneously policing two clashing communities.