CNN to Launch New Original Series, CHICAGOLAND,
With Executive Producer Robert Redford in
2014
Sundance Productions’ CHICAGOLAND is produced by BCTV
‘Brick City’ filmmakers Marc Levin and Mark Benjamin
Executive produced by Robert
Redford and Laura Michalchyshyn of Sundance
Productions, and award-winning filmmakers Marc Levin and Mark
Benjamin of BCTV, CHICAGOLAND is a non-scripted,
eight-part original series about a heartland American city. It is as
authentic an American city as there is, and the series will explore where
politics and policy meet real people’s lives – in a city generating change and
innovation in social policy, education, and public safety – to meet national
and local challenges.
Beginning in early 2014, viewers will
watch the riveting, real-life drama of a city looking to unite at this critical
moment in the city’s history. In the aftermath of a countrywide
economic collapse, Chicago faces the challenges of improving its public
education system, and neighborhood and youth safety. Can the city’s
leaders, communities, and residents come together in ways that expand
opportunities and allow aspirations to be realized?
“The vibrant culture and
opportunities inherent in this 21st century, world-class city run alongside
profound daily challenges,” said Redford. “Much of it falls on the
shoulders of its tough, visionary mayor, his team and people doing heroic work
in neighborhoods throughout the city,” continued Redford. “Chicago has
always had a rhythm all its own. It’s a city that wears its heart on its
sleeve and I am honored to be a part of telling this story,” he added.
“We’re very pleased to bring this unique
long-form series to the network,” said Amy Entelis, senior vice
president for talent and content development for CNN Worldwide. “CHICAGOLAND
is a creative exploration of stories relevant to every city and every
American,” Entelis said.
“CNN is thrilled to collaborate with
the team that brought the award-winning BRICK CITY to
television, and producers Redford and Michalchyshyn, to spotlight this
groundbreaking story,” said Vinnie Malhotra, senior vice president
of development and acquisitions for CNN Worldwide. “CHICAGOLAND will
be shared with CNN’s global audience – and supported by supplemental reporting
on the critical issues explored in the series,” Malhotra said.
“Chicago is the quintessential American city and where it
goes tells us a lot about where our country is going,” said series producer
Levin. “We are excited to bring this new kind of docu-series to CNN.”
“If change can happen here – at this
school, it can happen anywhere,” Fenger High School principal Liz Dozier vows
in CHICAGOLAND. Fenger’s stories, and other Chicago tales,
unfold on CNN in early 2014.
