Freeform has picked up the one-hour drama “Last Summer” to pilot, it was announced today by Lauren Corrao, executive vice president, Original Programming and Development.
“Last Summer” is an unconventional thriller that takes place over three summers – ’93, ’94, ’95 – in a small Texas town when a beautiful popular teen, Kate, is abducted and, seemingly unrelated, a girl, Jeanette, goes from being a sweet, awkward outlier to the most popular girl in town and, by ’95, the most despised person in America. Each episode is told from the POV of one of the two main girls (Jeanette and Kate), which will have the viewers loyalties constantly shifting as more information is revealed.
“At Freeform, we are constantly looking to tell bold stories that drive cultural conversation – ‘Last Summer’ will do just that,” said Lauren Corrao, executive vice president, Original Programming and Development, Freeform. “Bert’s incredible character detail and unique voice coupled with Max’s distinctive vision is sure to leave our viewers on the edge of their seats. We are also incredibly honored to have Jessica and Michelle’s female-forward prowess contributing to this uniquely layered show.”
“I’m so happy to be back at Freeform with an amazing team of eOne, Max, Michelle and Jessica by my side,” said Royal. “We’re really excited to tell this story that we hope will spark some interesting conversations about how our society can upend a person’s life and send them to the hell of infamy before – and sometimes even, despite – the facts.”
“Last Summer” comes from eOne and is written and executive produced by Bert V. Royal (“Easy A,” “Recovery Road”), with Iron Ocean Productions’ Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple (“The Sinner,” “Limetown”), and Max Winkler (“Jungleland,” “Flower”), who will also direct.
About Freeform
Freeform connects to audiences with bold original programming and immersive social engagement that moves the cultural conversation a little forward. As Walt Disney Television’s young adult television network, Freeform channels the force and momentum of its audience in its quest for progress with authentic, groundbreaking original series such as “grown-ish,” “The Bold Type,” “Good Trouble,” “Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists,” “Siren,” “Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger” and more. The network also programs tentpole events such as “31 Nights of Halloween,” “Kick Off to Christmas” and “25 Days of Christmas.” Upcoming original series include “Party of Five,” “Motherland” and “Everything’s Gonna Be Okay.”
About Entertainment One
Entertainment One Ltd. (LSE:ETO) is a global independent studio that specializes in the development, acquisition, production, financing, distribution and sales of entertainment content. The Company’s diversified expertise spans across film, television and music production and sales; family programming, merchandising and licensing; digital content; and live entertainment. Through its global reach and expansive scale, powered by deep local market knowledge, the Company delivers the best content to the world. Entertainment One’s robust network includes international feature film distribution company Sierra/Affinity; Amblin Partners with DreamWorks Studios, Participant Media, and Reliance Entertainment; Makeready with Brad Weston; unscripted television production companies Whizz Kid Entertainment, Renegade 83 and Daisybeck Studios; live entertainment leaders Round Room Live; world-class music labels Dualtone Music Group and Last Gang; innovative music platform Audio Network; and award-winning emerging content and technology studio Secret Location.
About Iron Ocean Productions
Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple formed Iron Ocean Productions with the mission to create original content and a platform that enhances strong female voices. The company most recently wrapped production on Facebook Watch’s “Limetown” in which Biel stars opposite Stanley Tucci and will premiere in October. Iron Ocean Productions’ last project was USA’s limited TV series “The Sinner,” which has enjoyed two seasons resulting in multiple awards nominations and is currently in its third season with the network. Season 1 garnered Biel Emmy, Golden Globe and Critic’s Choice award nominations for best actress and nominations for both Purple and Biel as series executive producers, with Bill Pullman nominated for a SAG award for his performance in Season 2. The company will soon be going into production on the 3rd season of the hit show with Matt Bomer and Chris Messina set to star, and is simultaneously producing adaptations of the New York Times best seller, “Where They Found Her” and the Chris Cleave Novel “Gold” with Ridley Scott’s Scott Free Productions.
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