Netflix have today announced a new step in their online streaming business by breaking a deal with production company Media Rights Capital to distribution exclusively, via their service, a new TV series called House of Cards. Most interesting part of this story is that David Fincher will direct the pilot and Kevin Spacey will be starring, being their first actor-director collaboration since Se7en, Spacey worked extensively behind the scenes on The Social Network as producer though.
House of Cards will be a re-adaptation of a British TV show and novel which was written in post-Thatcher era Britain and was a scathing insight into politics. The pilot will premiere in late 2012, Fincher will begin filming next spring and will probably begin preparation when The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo gets wrapped up and done in around the summer this year. Netflix have made a deal for 26 episodes, essentially breaking down into two, thirteen-episode seasons beating out strong contenders from HBO (where you think this would be its natural home) and AMC.
Of course I’m excited for the project, whether or not the exclusive streaming will work is another issue and I remain to be convinced. You can read the statement from Netflix below:
A satirical tale of power, corruption and lies, “House of Cards” is based on the book and acclaimed BBC mini-series of the same name. “The gripping, serialized one hour drama has become a very important part of the Netflix experience,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. “David Fincher’s unique vision, the indelible performances of Kevin Spacey and the original version of “House of Cards,” all have a big following among our members, giving the series a very good chance of becoming a fan favorite.”
Originally written as a novel by former U.K. Conservative Party Chief of Staff Michael Dobbs, “House of Cards” explores the ruthless underside of British politics at the end of the Thatcher era. Reset against the backdrop of modern-day U.S. electoral politics, the new one-hour drama follows an ambitious politician (Spacey) with his eye on the top job.
Scripts for 13 episodes will be delivered before production on the “House of Cards” pilot begins in the spring of 2012. Production on subsequent episodes of “House of Cards” will commence several months later, allowing producers time to carefully develop the series.
Media Rights Capital’s “House of Cards” stars Kevin Spacey (Casino Jack) and was developed by Beau Willimon (The Ides of March). David Fincher (The Social Network), Josh Donen (Spartacus: Blood and Sand), Academy Award-winner Eric Roth (Forrest Gump), along with Kevin Spacey and Dana Brunetti of Trigger Street Productions (The Social Network) are Executive Producers for the series. Emmy Award-winner Andrew Davies and Michael Dobbs, who produced the original BBC series, also serve as Executive Producers, with Willimon as Co-Executive Producer. The “House of Cards” pilot is written by Willimon and will be directed by Fincher. (Deadline)
Published: Mar 18, 2011 07:12 pm