Carsey-Werner picks up drama library

US-based independent sitcom production house Carsey-Werner is to represent the Stephen J Cannell Television library both domestically and internationally.

The acquisition adds thousands of hours of dramatic programming to the Carsey-Werner library of comedy hits and expands Carsey-Werner Distribution’s activities.

According to Stephen Cannell: “When they were at ABC in 1979, (company founders) Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner bought the first TV series from The Cannell Studios, Ten Speed and Brown Shoe. These two innovative people served to raise the bar higher at the beginning of my career. It is a wonderful thing to be working with them again.”

Herb Lazarus, president of international distribution at Carsey-Werner, said: “This is a great partnership with the best comedy and the best action drama programming. Stephen Cannell’s reputation is renowned throughout the world and we look forward to working closely with his organisation.”

Stephen J Cannell, a prolific writer who became a successful series creator, executive producer, director, broadcaster, and head of his own independent studio, is well known for his crime and action-adventure dramas. The library includes such hits as The A-Team, Hunter, Riptide, Renegade, 21 Jump Street, Wiseguy, Silk Stalkings, The Commish, and The Greatest American Hero.