What's being developed at cable networks

Here are a few pilots that were picked up at cable networks. These are the projects that I find interesting. I'm actually a fan of science fiction, action adventure, or any period pieces:

Project is in contention at Syfy

Justin Marks

REWIND

This action thriller comes from feature screenwriter Justin Marks. His credit includes Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li. The project centers on a group of operatives and scientists that travel back in time. Using untested technology, this special team must alter the past in order to thwart a devastating terrorist attack in their time. Syfy has remained pretty conservative with pilot pick ups, proving their success with shows like WAREHOUSE 13, HAVEN, and SANCTUARY. No canceled shows, means no new shows. This is the first pick up in over a year for the network, with the last being ALPHAS and THREE INCHES (the former was eventually made into a series). However, the network is still hesitant with their pickups, as this project is a 2-hour back door pilot. This means the network will first test this show as a two hour movie. Depending on the audience reaction, the network will decide whether to pick it up to series.

Warehouse 13, Haven, Sanctuary, and Alphas

Project in contention at Starz

NOIR

This action-adventure espionage project is based on the 2001 Japanese anime NOIR. The story centers on two female assassins who are members of the underworld "murder mob." Soon, the women find out they're connected to each other, and they're then charged with working together. Duration of the partnership: until they find out the specifics of their mysterious link, or until they kill each other. This project is unusual for Starz because it's a graphic novel adaptation that normally does not get produce by the network. It's also not set in a historic period that the network specializes in like series SPARTACUS: VENGEANCE and MAGIC CITY. This project has actually already been picked up to a series (8-10 Episodes). As I mentioned, cable networks do not operate like broadcast networks and can straight up pick up a series. Noir will definitely test the waters at Starz and hopefully generate anime fans along with new viewers.

Spartacus: Vengeance and Magic City

Project is in contention at FX

GZA

IGOTCHABACK

This comedy loosely depicts the life of GZA, a rap artist and founding member of the Wu Tang Clan. As the aging artist questions the meaning of life, a young music manager, Heathcliff Berru, is chosen to represent him. This project is attractive to FX because the subject matter is right in the network's wheelhouse. They've seen success in SONS OF ANARCHY, THE LEAGUE, JUSTIFIED, and AMERICAN HORROR STORY. The network would love to address the viewing tastes of its growing affluent, well-educated urban audience. Further, the project represents the kind of narrative that the network has traditionally gravitated to in its dramas.

Sons of Anarchy, The League, Justified, and American Horror Story

Project is in contention at USA Network

Steven Pasquale

OVER/UNDER

This project is a family drama about a man who struggles to turn his life around. A day trader with a massive gambling problem is fired from his job six months after a bad trade costs his firm millions. Shut out of the job market, he and his beautiful, photographer wife retreat to a neighborhood on the cusp of gentrification. He finds an unlikely partner and starts to turn his life around in an unexpected way. Steven Pasquale is set to play the lead role. This project represents a bold attempt by USA to tackle the grit and disappointments of the modern financial climate. However, the premise contains a strong undercurrent of redemption compatible with current USA dramas WHITE COLLAR, ROYAL PAINS and SUITS.

White Collar, Royal Pains, and Suits