CBS and CTV Announce New Police Drama Series "The Bridge"  2/19/09

CBS AND CTV JOIN FORCES AGAIN -- THIS TIME FOR THE NEW POLICE DRAMA "THE BRIDGE"

Drama Series Pickup Follows Successful CBS/CTV Collaboration for "Flashpoint"

Series Licensed from Independent Studio E1 Entertainment

CBS Television Network and CBS Paramount Network Television have joined forces with CTV, Canada's largest privately owned English language broadcast network, for the new police drama THE BRIDGE. CBS has ordered 13 episodes of THE BRIDGE, which will be broadcast next season on the CBS Television Network in the U.S. and on CTV in Canada. CBS has licensed the series from E1 Entertainment, a Toronto-based independent production studio.

The broadcast of THE BRIDGE marks the second recent collaboration between the U.S. media company and the leading Canadian broadcaster to present a prime time television series. Last year, CBS and CTV joined forces for "Flashpoint," which was the most watched original drama in the U.S. last summer and currently wins its time period on Friday nights, boosting the year ago time period by +37% in viewers. It also currently ranks as Canada's most watched original drama series.

THE BRIDGE is inspired by the insights of veteran insider and outspoken former Toronto police union head, Craig Bromell. It's a procedural drama through the unique lens of a charismatic and dynamic union leader who is battling criminals on the street and fighting his own bosses, and sometimes corruption in the ranks, to protect his fellow officers.

THE BRIDGE was originally developed and commissioned by CTV as a two-hour movie and backdoor pilot with E1 Entertainment, 990 Multi Media Entertainment Company and Jonsworth Productions. After ordering the series in November 2008, CTV shared the pilot with top executives at CBS late last year. Going forward, these companies will produce the series in association with CTV and CBS Paramount Network Television.

"Like 'Flashpoint,' we see 'The Bridge' as a series that works creatively and financially for both our network and studio - and importantly, for CBS Television viewers," said Nancy Tellem, President, CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group. "Nina [Tassler] and David [Stapf] both consider 'The Bridge' a high-quality, compelling drama that fits with the network's lineup and the studio's roster, respectively. And, we all look forward to working again with our creative partners at CTV. Together, we've already launched an exciting new show and a successful new model to deliver programming to the North American market."

"We look forward to working with our creative partners at CBS in bringing yet another great Canadian production to a North American audience," said Susanne Boyce, President, Creative, Content and Channels, CTV Inc. "Craig Bromell and Alan Di Fiore have done a beautiful job in creating a distinct and authentic view of life behind the scenes of a modern police force."

"This marks E1 Entertainment's first drama series for CBS and continues a long and successful relationship with CTV," said John Morayniss, CEO of E1 Television. "We're thrilled to be working with our partners at 990 Multi Media Entertainment Company and look forward to representing the series internationally and bringing it to audiences worldwide."

Production on THE BRIDGE is scheduled to begin in late spring in Toronto.

THE BRIDGE stars Aaron Douglas ("Battlestar Galactica," "Smallville"), Paul Popowich ("Angela's Eyes"), Inga Cadranel ("Rent-a-Goalie"), Frank Cassini ("Vice"), Theresa Joy ("All the Good Ones are Married"), Ona Grauer ("Stargate SG-1"), Michael Murphy ("X-Men: The Last Stand") and two-time Emmy Award-winner Stuart Margolin ("The Rockford Files").

THE BRIDGE is produced by E1 Entertainment, 990 Multi Media Entertainment Company and Jonsworth Productions in association with CTV and CBS Paramount Network Television.

Craig Bromell, Laszlo Barna, Adam J. Shully, Alan Di Fiore and Robert Wertheimer are executive producers. Wendy Grean is producer.

Source: CBS Press Release