Last week’s focus was on the Upfronts in New York City, but the big industry event this past week has been the annual screenings held in Los Angeles for international buyers. The big studios (and a number of independent distributors) host acquisitions executives from around the globe, screen for them the pilots of their new shows which have been picked up by the big five US networks (ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox and NBC) for next season, all with the hope of securing those lucrative international sales.

Behind Canada, the UK is considered one of the most important markets and this past week executives from every major UK broadcaster (including the BBC, ITV, BSkyB, Comedy Central and UKTV) have been in attendance, trying to get an idea as to which new shows will be the best fit for their channels. It’s over the next couple of weeks that the picture will become clearer and the respective broadcasters will begin seriously bidding on the first window UK rights for certain shows. I should have a clearer read on which shows which UK broadcaster are eyeing within the next two weeks, but at this stage, which shows are looking strong on the international market? TVWise presents our run down of industry intel (from numerous sources) on which shows are hot and those which, frankly, are not.

In this first (of five) studio run down we take a look at Disney Media Distribution’s slate. DMD is shopping 9 new broadcast series this year including the vast majority of ABC’s new scripted line up - such as Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Lucky 7 (the US remake of BBC One’s The Syndicate) and the Once spin-off Once Upon A Time In Wonderland - as well as CBS’ new series Intelligence. Disney is feeling confident about this year’s slate and say that they have already had ”substantial” discussions with buyers from a number of countries. Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is certainly driving that confidence and following a less than stellar sell through rate in the UK last season (DMD sold 0 new shows from the 2012-2013 season to the UK), there is certainly a hope that this year will see strong sales figures. But which shows have international buyers talking?

Betrayal

One of 9 new shows that ABC Studios is producing for sister net ABC, Betrayal was penned by David Zabel and follows a beautiful but unhappily married female photographer who begins a torrid affair with a lawyer for a powerful family. When he turns out to be defending a murder suspect who is being prosecuted by her husband, the relationship and the case begin a spiraling series of betrayals with cataclysmic results for everyone involved. The drama series stars Hannah Ware, Stuart Townsend, Chris Johnson, Henry Thomas, James Cromwell and Wendy Moniz.

Betrayal is not one of the hot shows from this years screenings but it has still generated a decent amount of interest from international buyers. One source described it as “a soapy thriller”, while another described it as “a good pilot, but not one that had hit written on it”. On the whole the series seems to be generating the same level of interest as Missing and Red Widow did last season.

Intelligence

Intelligence is one of the few new drama series that CBS ordered for its 2013-2014 schedule (the network went heavily after comedy this year). Penned by Michael Seitzman, the drama follows a unit inside U.S. Cyber Command that has been created around one agent with a very special gift — a microchip that has been implanted in his brain that allows him to access the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Intelligence is produced by ABC Studios and stars Meghan Ory, Josh Holloway, Marg Helgenberger, Michael Rady, James Martinez, PJ Byrne and John Billingsley. The pilot was directed by David Semel, with Seitzman, Semel, Tripp Vinson and Rene Echevarria serving as executive producers.

This drama is one that has generated some strong interest across the field. Between the star power of Lost alum Josh Holloway and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation veteran Marg Helgenberger and what I hear was a very strong pilot, Intelligence is one that played well at the screenings. This is definitely one of the hotter series that DMD is shopping this season.

Killer Women

This drama, again for ABC and produced by ABC Studios, was penned by Hannah Shakespeare follows Molly Parker, the only woman in the notoriously male Texas Rangers. She is a ballsy, beautiful badass who knows how to get to the truth and isn’t afraid to ruffle feathers along the way. The drama series stars Tricia Helfer, Marc Blucas, Marta Milans, Michael Trucco and Alex Fernandez.

Killer Women is one that it’s hard to get a clear read on. I hear that a number of execs went in with high hopes and were disappointed by what they saw. Others, on the other hand, were very impressed by the pilot. To sum up, in what is unfortunately a trend for a fair number of new shows for ABC, the drama is pegged as solid, but not one that has led to a lot of excitement this week.

Lucky 7

The remake of British series The Syndicate, Lucky 7 follows seven employees at a service station in Queens whose lives are changed in many unexpected ways when they win a lottery jackpot. The drama series is produced by ABC Studios and stars Isiah Whitlock Jr, Stephen Louis Grush, Summer Bishil, Anastasia Phillips, Christine Evangelista, Lorraine Bruce, Luis Antonio Ramos and Matt Long.

Lucky 7 is another series which seems to have failed to impress a great many. I hear that some execs had preconceived notions going in (owing to the fact that the series was based on a BBC series) and that the finished product didn’t live up to the hype. There is of course some keen interest in the show (largely from Canada). But the finished pilot has been called “weak” by one source and like Killer Women seems unlikely to lead to any serious bidding wars.

Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Penned by Joss Whedon, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. follows the daily activities of the intelligence agency knows as Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistic Directorate (S.H.I.E.L.D.), which has appeared in numerous Marvel comics and feature films. The cast includes Ming-Na, Clark Gregg, Brett Dalton, Elizabeth Henstridge, Ian De Caestecker and Chloe Bennet. ABC Studios and Marvel TV are producing, with Whedon, Jeph Loeb, Jeffrey Bell, Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen serving as executive producers.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is one of the only true standouts from Disney Media Distribution’s slate on the drama side (the other being Intelligence). This one was hot before the LA Screenings got under way and despite what one source described as “heavy confidentiality” surrounding this series that has not changed. Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is the hottest new series on DMD’s slate and (by the looks of it) of any major studio. Given the success of Marvel’s feature film business, there is little doubt that this series is going global….and soon.

Mixology

One of ABC Studios few new comedy series, Mixology was written by Jon Lucas & Scott Moore and is set in the world of a sexy Manhattan bar and chronicles the exploits of singles in search of love — all over the course of one night. The comedy series stars Ginger Gonzaga, Kate Simses, Sarah Bolger, Blake Lee, Andrew Santino and Alexis Carra.

Mixology is playing very well and has generated a lot of excitement. I hear that part of it is due to what one source called a “very funny” script and part is due to the show’s fairly unique format, in which one season take place over the course of one night. The unique nature of the format has been compared to just how unique the format of 24 was when it hit the international market over a decade ago.

Once Upon A Time In Wonderland

Once Upon A Time In Wonderland is a spin off of ABC’s hit series Once Upon A Time and follows Alice and Cyrus, Alice’s love interest, as the explore wonderland. The drama series is being produced by ABC Studios and stars Sophie Lowe, Peter Gadiot, Michael Socha and Emma Rigy.

This one is hard to get a clear read on because, at the moment, it’s not one that international television executives are talking about. That’s not to say that this one is a dud. In fact I hear that the reverse is true, but it’s not playing strongly withy buyers right now. Why? That’s down to the fact that ABC ordered a pilot presentation rather than a traditional pilot and based their pick up decision on that 10 minute presentation. I hear that some buyers will give it a few months until they can see a cut of a finished episode before deciding on this one. So, for now, international sales will be driven on the power of the parent series convincing international buyers to pick up the next entry in the franchise.

Resurrection

Resurrection was written by Aaron Zelman and asks what happens when the people you have mourned and buried suddenly appear on your doorstep as if not a day’s gone by? The lives of the people of Arcadia are forever changed when their deceased loved ones return. The drama series is produced by ABC Studios and stars Matt Craven, Devin Kelley, Frances Fisher, Samaire Armstrong, Sam Hazeldine, Nicholas Gonzalez, Omar Epps, Kurtwood Smith, Landan Gimenez and Mark Hildreth.

This series, another drama on tap for DMD’s corporate sibling ABC, has some mild buzz for it. It’s hard to tell if that’s down to the series itself or if its being overshadowed by stronger players such as S.H.I.E.L.D. One source called it a “well plotted thriller” and that combined with talent such as House alum Omar Epps has impressed a number of execs, but its not the hottest title on the slate.

Trophy Wife

Another comedy series being produced by ABC Studios for ABC is Trophy Wife. The comedy series was created by Emily Halpern & Sarah Haskins and follows reformed party girl Kate who finds herself with an insta-family when she falls in love with a man with three manipulative kids and two judgmental ex-wives. The comedy series stars Malin Akerman, Bradley Whitford, Marcia Gay Harden, Michaela Watkins, Natalie Morales and Ryan Lee.

Disney Media Distribution seems to be doing ok on the comedy side of their slate. Along with fellow comedy Mixology, Trophy Wife has some strong buzz. Again this one has been pegged as a mix between a great script and a well known cast – with Bradley Whitford’s performance pin pointed as being “something special.” So both of DMD’s new comedies are playing well at the screenings, the dramas are more of a mixed bag, but the field is being led by hot series Intelligence and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Ben Daniels (House of Cards), Lisa Millett (Pillars of The Earth), Katie Moore (Merlin), Edie Whitehead, Adrian Scarborough (Upstairs, Downstairs), Kevin Guthrie (Restless) and Branka Katic (Red Widow) have all joined the cast of BBC One’s period drama series The Paradise for its upcoming second season.

Daniels has been cast as Tom Weston, an enigmatic former soldier and Katherine’s (Elaine Cassidy) new husband; Millett as Myrtle, the bawdy but kind-hearted new cook; Moore as Susy; Whitehead as Tom’s daughter Flora; Scarborough as Fenton. Filming on season two is now underway.

The Paradise is an adaptation of French novel by Emile Zola and follows the ambitious and big hearted Denise Lovett who arrives in the City to find work. She finds a job at The Paradise, the first ever department store.The store provides the catalyst for her rags-to-riches story as she falls in love with the exhilarating and dangerous charms of the modern world and her eyes are opened to a whole new world of possibilities. The drama series is produced by BBC Drama Productions and features a large cast which includes Emun Elliott, Joanna Vanderham, Elaine Cassidy, Sarah Lancashire, Matthew McNulty, Peter Wight, David Hayman, Stephen Wight, Sonya Cassidy, Ruby Bentall, Finn Burridge, Patrick Malahide and Olivia Hallinan.

Speaking of joining the series, Ben Daniels said: “I’m a huge Émile Zola fan and when Bill  Gallagher said he was writing a new character for The Paradise and had me in mind for the role, I knew I wanted to play Tom Weston before I’d even read a word of the script. Tom’s a fascinating animal and will certainly be ruffling a few feathers (and silks!) along the way. I’m really looking forward to the next few months of filming.”

Back in April TVWise reported that Sky Atlantic was eyeing Showtime’s drama series Ray Donovan in a deal with international distributor CBS Studios International. That deal has now closed with Sky Atlantic taking the exclusive first run UK broadcast rights to the series.

Created by Ann Biderman (Southland), Ray Donovan is a richly textured family drama that centers on Ray Donovan, L.A.’s best professional “trouble shooter.” He’s the one called in to solve the complicated, confidential and controversial problems of the city’s elite. He can make anyone’s problems disappear…except the ones he can’t escape created by his own damaged Boston “Southie” family. The series stars Liev Schreiber, Jon Voight, Eddie Marsan, Dash Mihok, Paula Malcomson, Kate Moennig, Steven Bauer, Pooch Hall, Johnathon Schaech, Kerris Dorsey, Devon Bagby and Peter Jacobson.

TVWise’s Acquisitions Scorecard has been updated with this new information.

The first season of ABC’s drama series Mistresses will receive its UK premiere on TLC on Friday June 14th at 9pm, it has been announced.

Based on the British series of the same name, Mistresses follows Savi (Alyssa Milano), a successful career woman working toward the next phase in her life — both professional and personal — simultaneously bucking for partner at her law firm while she and her husband, Harry (Brett Tucker), try to start a family of their own. Savi’s free-spirited and capricious baby sister, Josselyn (Jes Macallan), couldn’t be more different – living single, serial dating and partying, and regularly leaning on her big sister along the way. Their common best friend, April (Rochelle Aytes), a recent widow and mother of two, is rebuilding her life after tragedy and learning to move forward, with the support and guidance of her closest girlfriends. And friend Karen (Yunjin Kim), a successful therapist with her own practice, reconnects with the girls after her involvement in a complicated relationship with a patient goes far too deep.

TVWise’s UK Premiere Dates page has been updated with this new information.

The third season of TNT’s science-fiction series Falling Skies will receive its UK premiere on FOX on Tuesday July 16th at 9pm, it has been announced.

Created by created by Robert Rodat & produced by Steven Speilberg, Falling Skies tells the extraordinary story about life and survival in the wake of a catastrophic alien invasion. The series centres on Tom Mason, a college professor who becomes an unlikely resistance leader in the fight for freedom. The drama series, which ranks as TNT’s highest rated series in the younger demos, is produced by DreamWorks Television and stars Noah Wyle, Moon Bloodgood, Will Patton, Drew Roy, Maxim Knight, Connor Jessup, Colin Cunningham, Sarah Carter, Seychelle Gabriel and Mpho Koaho.

The show’s 10 episode third season picks up seven months after the survivors of the 2nd Mass reached Charleston, which has now been named capital of the New United States. Now elected to public office, Tom has taken a more aggressive approach to the alien occupation than former leader Dr. Manchester. The government has formed a tenuous alliance with a band of rebel skitters who now paint their faces with a red and yellow stripe before battle in honor of Red Eye, their fallen leader. Tom’s son Ben serves as the mediator between Mason and the rebel skitters. But the alliance may not be enough to overpower the enemy Espheni, whose forces are now being led by an even more sinister overlord. To complicate matters further, another race of aliens has just entered the battlefield. Charleston also faces dangers from within its own walls. Recent battle losses have convinced Tom and the military that there may be a mole feeding strategic plans to the Espheni.

TVWise’s UK Premiere Dates page has been updated with this new information.

Starz’s newest drama series The White Queen (which is a co-production with the BBC) will premiere on Saturday August 10th at 9/8c, it has been announced.

Based on the The Cousin’s War series of novels by Phillipa Gregory and developed for TV by Emma Frost, The White Queen is set in 1464, during the height of the War of the Roses, and tells the story of the women caught up in the ongoing conflict for the throne. The House of York’s young and devilishly handsome Edward IV is crowned King of England with the help of the master manipulator Lord Warwick “The Kingmaker.” But when Edward falls in love and secretly marries a beautiful young widow, the commoner Elizabeth Woodville, Warwick’s plan for control over the English throne comes crashing down around him. Frustrated by the new Queen’s influence he will stop at nothing to maintain his grip on the King. The ten-part drama series stars Max Irons, James Frain, Rebecca Ferguson, Janet McTeer, Amanda Hale, Faye Marsay, Aneurin Bernard, David Oakes, Juliet Aubrey, Eleanor Tomlinson, Frances Tomelty, Michael Maloney, Ben Lamb, Hugh Mitchell, Simon Ginty, Eve Ponsenby and Robert Pugh. Company Pictures is producing with John Griffin, George Faber, Charles Pattinson, Eurydice Gysel and Polly Hill serving as executive producers

TVWise’s US Premiere Dates page has been updated with this new information.

The second season of TBS’ comedy series Men At Work will receive its UK premiere on FOX on Saturday July 6th at 8:30pm, it has been announced.

Created by Breckin Meyer, Men at Work centers on four buddies who work together at a magazine and form a modern day band of brothers as they navigate work politics, life and love in New York City. The comedy series is produced by Sony Pictures Television and stars Danny Masterson (That 70′s Show), James Lesure (Las Vegas), Michael Cassidy (The O.C) and Adam Busch (Buffy the Vampire Slayer). In the opening episode of the show’s second season, titled Missed Connections, Tyler comes up with an ingenious plan to “create” the perfect woman for Milo and help him find an offline love…online. While Gibbs experiences a different side of Neal while driving to a family engagement and tries to unleash the beast.

TVWise’s UK Premiere Dates page has been updated with this new information.

Universal Channel has released a trailer for the first season of Canadian drama series Motive, which is set to premiere on Thursday June 13th at 9pm.

Created by Daniel Cerone, Motive follows Vancouver homicide detective Angie Flynn on a backwards chase for clues to a killer that has already been revealed to viewers. The series follows both Flynn and her team and the killer, giving the audience the opportunity to delve inside the mind of a criminal and understand their motive. The series is produced Foundation Features & Lark Productions in association with Bell Media and stars Kristin Lehman (The Killing), Louis Ferreira (Stargate Universe), Lauren Holly (NCIS), Roger Cross (24), Brendan Penny (The Assistants) and Cameron Bright (Twilight).

Universal Channel’s Trailer For Motive Follows Below:

The first season of FX’s drama series The Bridge will premiere on Wednesday July 10th at 10/9c, it has been announced.

Based on the Scandinavian series Bron, The Bridge was adapted for North American television by Cold Case scribe Meredith Stiehm & Elwood Reid and is set on the border between El Paso and Juarez and centers on two detectives, one from the United States and one from Mexico, who must work together to hunt down a serial killer operating on both sides of the U.S.-Mexican border. When an American judge known for her anti-immigration views is found dead on the bridge connecting El Paso and Juarez, Sonya Cross from El Paso PD must work with her Mexican counterpart from Chihuahua State Police, Marco Ruiz, to catch a serial killer operating on both sides of the border. Marco understands the slippery politics of Mexican law enforcement, and while his police force slowly succumbs to the pressures and demands of the cartel, he’s one of the last good men in the department. He’s charming, but also cunning as he will do whatever it takes to get what he needs. This does not sit well with Sonya, who has Asperger’s and strictly follows rules as well as protocol. Her candid and off-putting personality fuels an unforgiving drive for truth. The case quickly pulls them into a string of murders on the border, a scene already consumed by illegal immigration, drug trafficking, violence and prostitution. The drama series is produced by FX Productions & Shine America and stars Diane Kruger, Demián Bichir, Ted Levine, Annabeth Gish, and Thomas M. Wright.

TVWise’s US Premiere Dates page has been updated with this new information.

ITV has released a trailer for the first season of The Americans, which is set to premiere on Saturday June 1st at 10pm.

Created by Joe Weisberg, The Americans follows the complex marriage of two KGB spies posing as Americans in suburban Washington DC shortly after Ronald Reagan is elected President. The arranged marriage of Phillip and Elizabeth Jennings, who have two children who know nothing about their parents true identity, grows more passionate and genuine by the day, but is constantly tested by the escalation of the Cold War and the intimate, dangerous and darkly funny relationships they must maintain with a network of spies and informants under their control. Complicating their relationship further is Phillip’s growing sense of affinity for America’s values and way of life. Tensions also heighten upon the arrival of a new neighbor, Stan, an FBI agent working in counter intelligence. The drama series, which has already been renewed for a second season, is produced by Dreamworks Television in association with Fox Television Studios and FX Productions and stars Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, Noah Emmerich, Holly Taylor and Keidrich Sellati.

ITV’s Trailer For The Americans Follows Below: