Spike TV Announces Its First Scripted Development Slate

Spike TV Announces Its First Scripted Development Slate

2006 Projects Include Offerings From 'The X-Files' Producers Frank Spotnitz and Vince Gilligan; Denis Leary; David Eick; James DeMonaco, Scott Brazil and David Hoberman; Michael Angeli; Jim Kouf; Jackie Zambrano; Elwood Reid; and Mark Rosner

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Spike TV embarks on its next phase of creating top-notch original programming with its first scripted development slate since the network launched in August 2003.

"This is a watershed moment for the network," says Pancho Mansfield, Executive Vice President of Original Programming, Spike TV. "We are developing compelling entertainment for men from some of the best creators in film and television today. This slate will enhance the network's primetime schedule, and deliver what our viewers demand."

Projects in development are as follows:
-- AMPED: From the executive producers of "The X-Files," Frank Spotnitz
and Vince Gilligan, the show is set in present day Los Angeles
where police confront a mysterious outbreak that has
genetically altered some citizens with often violent and
disturbing consequences. Everyday citizens and family members
must confront each other as the outbreak advances in their
community. (Fox 21)

-- THE BIG EMPTY: From the producers of "Rescue Me," Denis Leary, Jim
Serpico, Apostle Pictures and Ken Sanzel present a
gritty drama that portrays the reality of ordinary P.I.s
caught in the middle of an unsavory world. (Sony TV)

-- PARADISE SALVAGE: Jim Kouf, writer for the movie "National Treasure,"
and executive producer Gary Randall feature two
childhood friends - a cop and a history professor -
who decide to pursue an adventure by taking over a
salvage company in Florida. Their world is turned
upside down when they find an old captain's diary
that points to a lost treasure. (Fox Television
Studios)

-- CRYSTAL METH COWBOYS: Writer Jackie Zambrano ("Big Easy") and
producers Geoff Brandt and Matt Loze ("The Outer
Limits") look at a young, by-the-book Boston cop
who takes up residence in a small New Mexico
town. He partners with a hard-edged sheriff who
knows the unspoken rules of the vast and violent
desert. (Fox Television Studios)

-- UNTITLED JAMES DE MONACO/SCOTT BRAZIL PROJECT:
Writer James DeMonaco ("The Negotiator," "Assault on Precinct 13"),
director Scott Brazil ("The Shield" and "Playmakers") and executive
producer David Hoberman ("Monk") deliver a drama about a bank heist
that goes terribly awry.

-- FRESH TRACKS: Writer Michael Angeli ("Dark Angel," "Medium") looks at
four close guy friends in their early twenties who leave
behind their bland lives to build a race car and pursue
their dream to compete in NASCAR. In their journey, they
face cut throat racing, underhanded promoters and their
own personal demons.

-- THE BRIDGE: A "48 Hours"-style cop drama about two homicide detectives
on each side of the El Paso/Juarez border. Hans Bauer and
Craig Mitchell (writers for upcoming Richard Gere feature
film "The Flock") are writers. David Eick ("Battlestar
Galatica") is executive producer. (Lions Gate TV)

-- FULL RIDE: Based on Elwood Reid's behind-the-scenes book which looks at
a star Division I college football player, complete with
unforgiving coaches, violent field practice, and patronizing
professors. Reid is writing the script based on his novel;
Larry Sanitsky is executive producer. (Lions Gate TV)

-- TEQUILA COUNTY: An Iraqi war hero returns home with hopes of leading a
quiet life as the sheriff of a small town, but
encounters a level of murder and corruption that rivals
some of the battles that he fought overseas. Mark
Rosner ("Crime Story," "The Rock") is writer. (Sony TV)

Spike TV is available in 88 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:VIA.B).

Source: Spike TV

CONTACT: Bobby Amirshahi, +1-310-407-4727, or
bobby.amirshahi@mtvstaff.com, or Robert Pini, +1-917-674-6575, or
robert.pini@spiketv.com, both of Spike TV

Web site: http://www.spiketv.com/

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