By Tambay A. Obenson
Shadow and Act.com
As the networks continues its commitment to increase original programming, as part of it’s rebranding, Oxygen has announced what it calls “its aggressive development slate” with four new projects targeting “young, multicultural women.”
The lineup includes “The Misty Copeland Project,” a series that follows the star ballerina as she trains and mentors talented hopefuls from diverse backgrounds, who descend upon New York City to take on the next major step in their ballet careers. With the opportunity of a lifetime and chance to catapult to the top of the ballet world, these aspiring dancer’s passion, commitment and hard work will be center stage in “Misty’s Master Class.”
This will be one of a small handful of upcoming new Misty Copeland projects in the works. Nelson George is already working on a feature documentary on Copeland – the first black woman in two decades to be a soloist at the American Ballet Theatre. In addition to George’s doc, a scripted feature film on Copeland’s life just may be coming to a theater near you in the future. Earlier this year, New Line Cinema optioned film rights to Copeland’s memoir, “Life In Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina,” which recounts her early struggles as a young dancer living in a welfare motel with her family. The book provides an insider’s look at the cutthroat world of professional ballet, telling a moving story of dreams and perseverance.
Other new titles on Oxygen’s rebranding slate include: “Teaching English” (which will follow a group of young Americans living abroad in countries where English is rarely heard); “Survival of The Clickiest” (which will follow a group of young budding online style stars, each forging a path in the ultra-competitive world of vlogging); and “Straight up with a Twist” (a half-hour reality comedy that will capture various groups of friends and their post work bar debates – conversations that will be intertwined with quick-witted animations and sketches).
“From the unbelievably inspirational and talented Misty Copeland, to the bold young women experiencing life abroad, the new development slate appeals to a multitude of female viewers,” said Cori Abraham, Senior Vice President of Development & International for Oxygen Media. “These projects embrace the new Oxygen programming filter, which focuses on real characters who are on a journey to seek out new experiences and follow their true passions in life.”
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