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Sky1 crosses the Threshold LA SCREENINGS: First major overseas pick-up of the new slate of US series goes to the UK's Sky1, which has come onboard as coproduction partner on a new and promising CBS Paramount sci-fi drama. The deal, under which Sky1 will air the show early 2006, is the culmination of much pre-Upfronts work between Sky Networks' LA-based svp, Rebecca Segal; Paramount Network Television's president David Stapf and Armando Nunez, president of distributor CBS Paramount International Television.  One of the better of a slew of sci-fi and supernatural dramas this season, the one-hour suspense series follows a team of experts who are brought together when the US Navy discovers an alien spacecraft beneath the Atlantic Ocean. Produced via Heyday Films, it stars Carla Gugino (Sin City), Charles S Dutton (Something the Lord Made), Brian Van Holt (House of Wax), Robert Patrick Benedict (Felicity) and Brent Spiner (The Aviator). The exclusive deal continues BSkyB's coproduction drive here in LA, having already joined forces with CBS Paramount International Television to coproduce USA Network sci-fi series The 4400, as well as with NBC Universal for Sci-Fi Channel's new series of Battlestar Galactica. Increased competition from UK networks looking for US hits is the driving force for Sky Networks' coproduction strategy in LA. Rather than being led around the studio circuit and bidding along with everyone else, Segal is increasingly having early copro conversations with studios, and - if their pilot goes to series - joining the project as coproducer. "Obviously it only works if the pilot gets picked up, but this tactic gives us early access to the series ahead of our rival buyers, and also allows us to get in a little Sky input into the project," Segal told C21. "We've already had coproduction conversations with many studios about some of their projects that have now made it through this year's pilot season." James Baker, controller of Sky1, here in LA alongside Segal and David Smyth, Sky1's head of drama and comedy acquisitions, said: "We’re confident that the show will resonate with UK viewers when it launches in 2006.” Threshold will debut in the US this fall on CBS, Fridays at 21.00. Ed Waller 27 May 2005 © C21 Media 2005 
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