USA NETWORK SAYS "ACTION!" TO WWE-COMPATIBLE FILMS
NEW YORK -- May 9, 2006 -- Building on the tremendous success of WWE's return to USA Network with MONDAY NIGHT RAW, the network is unveiling plans to develop and produce compatible action movies aimed at the WWE audience. The announcement was made today by Bonnie Hammer, president, USA Network and SCI FI Channel, and Jeff Wachtel, USA's executive vice president, original programming.
"The return of WWE to USA has been a knockout for both parties," said Hammer. "We're looking forward to building and expanding on our audience as well as the RAW fan base with high impact, adrenaline-fueled, larger-than-life action � just like they'll find in the ring."
"We're particularly excited about the chance to develop action movies that are compatible with the WWE brand and, when appropriate, will feature roles for the WWE Superstars," added Wachtel. "It gives us a phenomenal opportunity to utilize the Superstars' talents in a way their fans have never seen before."
Currently in the works are three projects:
HUNTING RABBETS
This original film, in association with WWE Films, written and produced by Alex Taub ("Kevin Hill," "Judging Amy," "Felicity") features Jack and Bobby Rabbet, hard luck brothers who operate a failing repossession business. When Bobby neglects to pay their taxes, a secret government agency confronts the Rabbets with an ultimatum: go to prison, or work off the debt. Now, as unofficial government employees, Jack and Bobby must use their repo skills to search America for classified items the government cannot admit it has lost.
CRUSH
Bodyguards have to be tough, and Able "Crush" Cross was one of the toughest. But the business of protection is a hard one. Forced out for not being a team player, Crush makes a living as bouncer at Los Angeles hot spots. However, Crush is pulled back into the bodyguard business when he is hired by a wealthy CEO who fears for the life of his daughter. Now, Crush and his computer genius brother (who is inconveniently under house arrest!) must untangle a web of deceit and murder -- or they may be the ones who wind up dead. This is an original film by Phoef Sutton ("Analyze This," "Boston Legal").
THE LAST TOUGH GUY
In an original movie written by Kyle Long ("Flight Risk," "Paper Dragon"), Jack Cooper is one of the best stunt men in Hollywood. Unfortunately, his hard-drinking lifestyle and gruff demeanor have left him with few jobs and fewer friends. When Jack witnesses the death of his former mentor, producer Rudy Solomon, he goes to the police, who prove uncooperative. Reconnecting with his former flame (who happens to be Rudy's estranged daughter), Jack decides to take matters into his own hands. Now, with the help of his buddy Myles Monroe, an ex-marine turned movie combat trainer, Jack must track down Rudy's killers and bring them to justice.
USA NETWORK is cable television's leading provider of original series and feature movies, sports and entertainment events, off-net television shows, and blockbuster theatrical films. The #1 basic cable network across the board in 1Q06, USA Network is seen in 90 million U.S. homes. The USA Network Web site is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.
USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.
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