Busy Lionsgate TV is firing on all cylinders

May 11, 2007 The independent studio is launching its first-ever scripted series for a broadcast network -- the Kevin Williamson-created drama "Hidden Palms" -- at 8 p.m. May 30 on the CW, followed by the series premieres of two cable dramas: "The Kill Point" (formerly known as "The Kill Pit") debuts at 9 p.m. July 22 on Spike TV, and "Mad Men," AMC's first original drama series, also premieres in July. Kevin Beggs, Lionsgate president of television programming and production, says the studio has come a long way since he was tapped to start up the TV business in 1998, pointing out that it now has a total of seven scripted series on its slate, which also includes Showtime's "Weeds," USA Network's "The Dead Zone," Sci Fi Channel's "The Dresden Files" and ABC Family's "Wildfire." Beggs is quick to share credit for the studio's overall growth with the TV team, which includes Sandra Stern, COO of television; Barbara Wall, senior vp television; and Craig Cegielski, senior vp programming and sales, international television.

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