From a media release:
FOX INTERNATIONAL CHANNELS (FIC) ANNOUNCES THE FIRST EVER WORLDWIDE GLOBAL TELEVISION SERIES PREMIERE OF THE LISTENER, A NEW SCRIPTED DRAMA SERIES
- FIC will premiere the show in 180 countries on the same week – MARCH, 2009
- Click here for a preview of “The Listener”
Fox International Channels (FIC), today announced the first-ever worldwide global premiere of its new television drama series, The Listener, the first week of March 2009. FIC will premiere the show before its debut in the US (NBC) and Canada (CTV) later this year.
Produced by Shaftesbury Films, The Listener, a 13 one-hour episode drama series about a young paramedic who has the unique ability to read minds, will premiere in the same week on all Fox entertainment TV channels in 180 countries around the world, including: UK, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Poland, Brazil and Turkey.
“We chose to follow the same release model used for movies,†said Sharon Tal Yguado, VP of Development at FIC. “All FIC’s regions are working together on a global premiere, which will take place the first week of March. Shine-Reveille, our international partner on this show, has sold the rights to the series in almost every territory outside of FIC’s markets. Those territories will follow our premiere.â€
“The financing of The Listener represents a timely model – bringing North American broadcasters, CTV and NBC, together with a major international network, FOX,†said Christina Jennings, Chairman and CEO, Shaftesbury Films. “The enthusiasm and support of FIC, has been terrific and we look forward to a successful launch of the series around the world.â€
The series is about Toby Logan (Craig Olejnik The Timekeeper), a 25 year-old paramedic who has a big secret- he’s a telepath. Until now, Toby has kept his ability hidden, exploring its possibilities only with his long time mentor and confidente Dr. Ray Mercer (Colm Feore – 24: Redemption, Changeling). Making the rounds in Toronto with his energetic paramedic partner Osman “Oz†Bey (Ennis Esmer – Young People F*#king), The Listener follows Toby as he tries to help people in crisis and in the process unravel the truth about his past. While his professional life is in check, Toby’s personal life could use its own rescue. It’s a good thing he has Oz’s good humour to keep him centered and living in the moment. And with the help of the tough but tender Detective Charlie Marks (Lisa Marcos – Diary of a Mad Black Woman) and his ER doctor ex-girlfriend Olivia Fawcett (Mylène Dinh-Robic – Da Vinci’s City Hall), Toby realizes his gift can help others.
“The Listener is a global content project for FIC, who’s also been involved in the development and production of the series,†said Tal Yguado. “It is a unique TV series that combines three of the most successful genres: crime, medical and paranormal. Its young sexy cast and its great sense of humor make it a very enjoyable watch.â€
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