OXYGEN MEDIA GREENLIGHTS FIVE SERIES MARKING TOTAL OF 13 NEW ORIGINALS AS PART OF NETWORK'S REBRAND LAUNCHING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7
Rod Aissa Elevated To Executive Vice President Of Original Programming And Development
NEW YORK, NY - September 24, 2014 - Oxygen Media greenlights five series, marking an aggressive slate of 13 new originals tied to Oxygen's rebrand launching on Tuesday, October 7th and unveiling the new logo and tagline, very real. Targeting young, modern women, new pick-ups include "The Investment Club," "The Prancing Elite Project," "The Wilkersons" and "Finding My Father," which feature authentic, proudly imperfect and diverse characters. These shows join the recently announced -- "Nail'd It," "My Crazy Love," "Fix My Choir," "Street Art Throwdown," "Funny Girls," "Living Different," "It Takes A Sister," and "After Happily Ever After." Following the successful season of "Preachers of L.A.," the network will also expand the franchise with "Preachers of Detroit," set to premiere winter 2015. These announcements were made by Rod Aissa who was elevated today to the role of Executive Vice President of Original Programming and Development.
"Oxygen is committed to delivering more authentic originals geared to young, multicultural women," said Aissa. "These vibrant series reinforce the network's new programming direction as we continue to shape the future of Oxygen."
In his new role, Aissa will continue to oversee the strategic development and production of Oxygen's original programming and is an integral part of the network's rebrand. He is the driving force behind Oxygen's increased slate of new and returning series, which reflect the new programming filter. Based in New York, Aissa will continue to report to Frances Berwick, President of Bravo and Oxygen Media.
"Rod has a remarkably intuitive touch for finding unique original content that is culturally relevant for our audience in this young, multicultural demo," said Berwick. "His passion and creativity will be instrumental as we continue to expand our programming slate for the new Oxygen."
Aissa has helped propel the network to double its slate of original programming and establish Oxygen as the youngest skewing women's network in primetime by over eight years. He has launched hit series including "Preachers of L.A." and "Sisterhood of Hip Hop," which recently earned the network's highest-rated freshman series premiere of the year among all key demos to-date.
Before joining Oxygen, Aissa was on the launch team at OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network where he oversaw all programming and development including the Emmy nominated "Becoming Chaz," "Ryan and Tatum: The O'Neals," "Finding Sarah" and "The Judds." Prior, he was Executive Vice President of TV at Katalyst Films, Ashton Kutcher's production company, where he was responsible for developing cable and broadcast properties including two seasons of "True Beauty" for ABC. Earlier in his career, Aissa was Executive Vice President, Series and Talent Development for MTV/MTV Films where he led the team that created, developed and executive produced such pop culture hits as Emmy(R) award-winning "The Osbournes," "Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica," "The Ashlee Simpson Show," "Punk'd," "Meet the Barkers" and "Adventures In Hollyhood."
OXYGEN NEW SERIES GREENLIGHTS:
"The Investment Club" (working title)
Produced by Fremantle Media with Thom Beers serving as Executive Producer.
The outlook for young business owners hoping to turn their ideas into billions has never looked better. This risk-taking new series brings together passionate millennial hopefuls attempting to make their mark in entrepreneurial history with young, self-made business moguls who have already paved the way. These aspiring professionals will pitch their innovative new products to the "Investment Club" where they are given the opportunity to make large funds on the burgeoning businesses. Cameras will also follow these successful CEO's outside the boardroom as they personally invest in each business they want to help evolve.
"The Prancing Elite Project" (working title)
Produced by Crazy Legs Productions with Tom Cappello and Alana Goldstein serving as Executive Producers.
Set in the high-stakes world of Southern dance teams, this show chronicles the story of the Prancing Elites - an all-male competitive dance team in Mobile, Alabama who are looking to go from a one-click-wonder to a national sensation. With big personalities and even more heart, these five best friends will navigate the pitfalls of stardom and interpersonal drama all while attempting to break down the stereotypes and barriers put in their path towards success.
"The Wilkersons" (working title)
Produced by Magical Elves with Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth serving as Executive Producers, along with Executive Producers Giuliana Rancic, Jason Kennedy and Rich Wilkerson.
Pastor Rich Wilkerson made international headlines when he married friends Kanye West and Kim Kardashian in a glamorous wedding in Florence, Italy. But even though he preaches to the A-list, his true passion is sharing his faith with the world and being part of a movement of young believers. A more entertaining way of spreading the gospel, this series not only walks with people through the struggles of their lives, but also sheds light on how Rich Wilkerson and his wife DawnCheré are committed to making church and faith fun as well as unexpected. With the entire family involved in the church, they are ready to share their innovative and thought-provoking ministering with both the believers and non-believers.
"Finding My Father" (working title)
Produced by Asylum Entertainment with Steve Michaels, Jonathan Koch and Stephanie Lydecker serving as Executive Producers.
These men and women who grew up without their fathers are now on a mission to find him and try to fill the void they've felt their whole lives. Each episode will follow two people as they search for the truth about their past with the help of a private investigator. As these people are at a crossroads in their life, they must decide if they want closure or to start the relationship they've always longed for.
"Preachers of Detroit"
Produced by L. Plummer Media in association with Relevé Entertainment with Lemuel Plummer, Holly Carter and Chris Costine serving as Executive Producers.
Oxygen is expanding the network's popular franchise and heading to Motown for "Preachers of Detroit," set to premiere winter 2015. The series will also focus on powerful themes of faith, family, and friendship as these seven men and women of the cloth share their lives, transformations and triumphs in and out of the pulpit in Detroit, Michigan. The prominent pastors include Bishop Charles Ellis, Pastor David Bullock, Evangelist Dorinda Clark-Cole, Pastor Don Shelby, Bishop Corletta Vaughn, Bishop-Elect Clarence Langston, and Pastor Tim Alden.
Source: Nielsen Media Research, LS.
About Oxygen Media
Oxygen Media is a multiplatform entertainment brand that targets young, multicultural women. Available in 80 million homes, Oxygen Media is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal, 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. For more information visit www.oxygen.com and to follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/OxygenPR.
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