Starz Latest to Partner With Ben Silverman

Starz president-CEO Chris Albrecht, speaking Monday at the Mip TV market in Cannes, announced the cable network is partnering for two projects with Ben Silverman's Electus, with more in the pipeline.

The deal is part of Starz's efforts to line up international development partners on projects aimed at filling out the company’s lineup of original productions.

“We are developing some strong ideas with Ben Silverman’s company that will clearly demonstrate Starz is more focused than ever on creating event television with the world’s TV audience in mind,” Albrecht said.

The two projects announced Monday are:

— "William the Conqueror," created by "Taken" director Pierre Morel, who will direct the pilot and executive produce the series with his producing partner, Renee Tab. The historical epic series, about the French monarch who in 1066 successfully invaded England, will shoot all across Europe.

— “Peacekeeper,” a contemporary action thriller set at the United Nations headquarters in New York as well as hot spots around the world, is co-created by Silverman and producer-director Fisher Stevens.

“The world is getting smaller but continues to be more local as well. Throughout my career I’ve worked to create and develop global connections within TV production, having identified, developed, packaged and exec produced such international formats as ‘The Office’ and ‘Ugly Betty’ in the U.S., as well as creating the concept with Michael Hirst of global hit ‘The Tudors,’ which was designed to appeal to a worldwide audience,” Silverman said in a statement. “Now with Chris Albrecht and Starz we have a partner and projects to take it to the next level.”

Starz already airs “Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” which is shot in New Zealand and features an international cast. It also will air the European co-production “The Pillars of the Earth,” debuting in the U.S. in July, and, in 2011, the Irish-Canadian co-production “Camelot.”

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