January 15, 2014 - 3:24 PM
TORONTO - Oscar-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis and the creators of "Flashpoint" are behind some of Bell Media's new TV projects in development.
Bell Media, which runs CTV as well as several specialty channels including Bravo, Much and Comedy, says it has 29 possible drama projects in the works for its various networks.
They include the hour-long historical drama "Lords of Opium," from executive producer Haggis. It's about the lucrative opium trade in China during the late 19th century.
"Flashpoint" creators Mark Ellis and Stephanie Morgenstern are behind "Salamander," about a detective who uncovers a mysterious society, while "Flashpoint" executive producers Anne Marie La Traverse and Bill Mustos each have untitled projects underway.
And Don Carmody Productions — the homegrown giant behind the features "Goon," "Chicago" and the "Resident Evil" franchise — are working on "Echoes," in which Earth becomes the battlefield for two warring extraterrestrial species.
Bell Media previously announced that it has 20 comedy projects for potential new pilots and/or series.
Other drama projects include:
—"Cardinal Mysteries," based on the novels by Giles Blunt, centred on the investigation of a serial murderer;
—"Ice" from "Miss Congeniality" writer Katie Ford, about a suburban woman who turns to diamond theft after losing all her money in a divorce;
—"Mighty Quinns," from "Private Practice" scribe Steve Blackman, about a family of con artists who help a government agency solve crimes; and
—"Tranquility" from "Battlestar Galactica" producer Mark Verheiden, about a troubled ex-cop who becomes sheriff of a colony on the moon.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2014