Nickelodeon's TeenNick Commences Production on New Original Series Gigantic

NEW YORK, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- TeenNick, Nickelodeon's 24-hour TV network exclusively for and about teens, has commenced production on Gigantic, a new half-hour dramedy that takes a fictional look at the glitzy, chaotic and often hilarious life of being a Hollywood "it" kid. Shot at various locations around Los Angeles, Gigantic features an ensemble cast that includes Grace Gummer and Gia Mantegna as two of the lead characters in the 20-episode series.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091104/NY05337 )

"Our audience loves celebrity and pop culture and Gigantic gives them a unique, relatable teen perspective on a world they rarely get to see," said Marjorie Cohn, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Development, Nickelodeon.

Gigantic is the first original scripted show for TeenNick (formerly The N), since its September rebranding, and represents the network's second collaboration with award-winning production company Reveille. The series marks the first production from executive producers Marti Noxon's (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Grey's Anatomy, Mad Men, Point Pleasant) and Dawn Parouse Olmstead's (Prison Break, Point Pleasant, Tru Calling) new company Grady Twins. Also on board as executive producers are Reveille's Carolyn Bernstein and Todd Cohen. Gigantic was first brought to the network by the brother and sister team of Ben and Debby Wolfinsohn. The series is set to premiere early 2010 on TeenNick.

Set in the world of the Hollywood elite packed with A-list parties and privilege, Gigantic tells a coming-of-age story infused with pop culture fame. It's not easy being teenagers growing up in the shadow of their parents' superstar status, and Gigantic skewers the celebrity machine while exposing the humanity and comedy beneath the glamour of Tinseltown. With an insider look behind the tabloids and gossip blogs, the series features an ensemble cast that includes: 17-year-old Anna (Gummer) and her younger brother Walt (Tony Oller), both kids of a famous movie star couple; Anna's best friend Piper (Jolene Purdy); frenemy Vanessa (Mantegna) and Anna's boy crush with a big secret Joey (Ryan Rottman).

Marti Noxon, whose television credits include Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Point Pleasant and Mad Men, is currently developing multiple projects for film and television, including Bang, starring Diane Keaton for HBO, Fright Night for Dreamworks Studios and Box City, starring Susan Sarandon and Topher Grace, which Noxon will direct. Noxon, a graduate of the theater department of UC Santa Cruz, currently lives in Hollywood with her husband and two children.

Brooklyn-native Dawn Parouse Olmstead most recently executive-produced all four seasons of Prison Break. Previously, Olmstead was Co-President/Partner of Adelstein-Parouse Production, developing and producing Prison Break and Point Pleasant, and is producing the film The Experiment with Forest Whitaker and Adrien Brody. Prior to that post, she joined forces with Original Film's Neal Moritz and Marty Adelstein to launch Original Television, producing the dramas Tru Calling and Still Life for 20th Century Fox Television. Formerly Vice President of Development and Original Programming at MTV, Olmstead started her career as a producer at Saturday Night Live and The Jon Stewart Show.

About Reveille
Reveille is a leading independent television studio with a major presence in scripted and unscripted television and digital entertainment, and a world leader in creating integrated marketing opportunities for advertisers. Reveille's scripted entertainment programming includes The Office and Kath and Kim (NBC), Ugly Betty (ABC) and The Tudors (Showtime). The company's roster of highly successful reality programming includes The Biggest Loser, American Gladiators, and Nashville Star (NBC), 30 Days (FX), Parental Control (MTV) and many more. Through its distribution arm, ShineReveille International, Reveille distributes its extensive library of high-quality programming, along with a broad array of programming acquired from independent producers and U.S. networks, to more than 150 countries. Reveille is part of the Shine Group, one of the world's foremost multinational entertainment and drama companies. The Shine Group also includes UK independent producers Kudos, Princess, Dragonfly and Shine TV.

About TeenNick
TeenNick, the 24-hour TV network exclusively for and about teens, is currently available in 66 million households via cable, digital cable and satellite, as well on mobile, VOD and broadband. TeenNick's distinct perspective connects its audience to the electricity and possibilities of teendom, anytime and anywhere, with original series and ever-popular favorites. TeenNick.com, paired with sister site Quizilla.com, makes TeenNick the #1 online destination for teens. TeenNick and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.