Press Releases

Sony Pictures Television Networks has commissioned "Carter," a new series starring Jerry O'Connell ("Billions") and Sydney Poitier ("Chicago P.D."), for its international channels, including AXN.

In "Carter," Harley Mackay (O'Connell) is a detective on a hit American TV show who is forced to return to his sleepy hometown after an embarrassing public meltdown in Hollywood. Once back, Carter taps into his acting experience to become a real-life detective, partnering with long-time friend and no-nonsense veteran of the force, Sam St. Clair (Poitier).

"Our channels are hungry for easy to watch, easy to program procedurals, and 'Carter' more than fills that void. It delivers both star power and self-contained crime stories with a comedic edge. The scripts are smart and charming, and Jerry and Sydney are great together. We love this show for our channels," said Marie Jacobson, EVP, Programming and Production for Sony Pictures Television Networks.

"Carter" is a 10-episode, hour-long, light-hearted detective procedural. The series was written and created by Garry Campbell ("MADtv") and developed with writer John Tinker ("Chicago Hope"). It is produced by Amaze Film + Television. Executive producers are Amaze Film + Television's Teza Lawrence and Michael Souther ("The Stanley Dynamic" and "Call Me Fitz"). Scott Smith ("The Magicians", "Skins") directs the pilot. Amaze will handle distribution in Canada and Sony Pictures Television Distribution will handle U.S. and international sales of the series.

"Carter" begins principal photography in July in North Bay, Ontario.

Sony Pictures Television Networks president, Andy Kaplan, added, "Strong original programming is key to differentiating our networks around the world, and during this time of rapid change in the industry, it also gives us greater flexibility in developing new advertising and distribution models."

'Carter' is Sony Pictures Television Networks' second global original production to be announced this year. "Absentia," a dramatic thriller starring Stana Katic and Patrick Heusinger, premiered at the Monte Carlo Television Festival on June 16, and will debut on select Sony networks this fall.

Jerry O'Connell is represented by ICM Partners, 3 Arts Entertainment, and attorney Steve Burkow (Ziffren Brittenham). Sydney Poitier is represented by ICM Partners and Thruline Entertainment.

About Sony Pictures Television Networks
Sony Pictures Television Networks operates branded entertainment channels reaching over one billion households around the world. Based in Culver City, Amsterdam, Budapest, London, Madrid, Miami, Milan, Moscow, Mumbai, Munich, Singapore and Tokyo, Sony's linear and digital networks offer high quality film and television content from Sony Pictures and third-parties, as well as original content commissioned globally and locally. Sony Pictures Television Networks is a division of Sony Pictures Television Inc., a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.

About Amaze Film + Television
Amaze Film + Television is an international film and television production company based in Toronto founded by writer/producers Michael Souther and Teza Lawrence. Amaze's diverse portfolio includes the award-winning HBO series CALL ME FITZ, starring Jason Priestley, the ½ hour comedy THE STANLEY DYNAMIC, the TIFF Kids Audience award winning family film FINN ON THE FLY, the feature SAINT RALPH distributed theatrically around the world, and most recently the comedy documentary BEING CANADIAN, that was nominated for a WGA Award and hit the iTunes top 10 during the week of its release. For more info visit Amaze Film + Television at amazefilm.com.

Press Contact:
Jason_Allen@spe.sony.com/ 310.244.3502