CTV debuts the first of a two-part, four-hour mini-series Lives of the Saints in January 2005. Based on the best-selling trilogy from Italian-Canadian author Nino Ricci, the made-for-TV movie stars screen siren Sophia Loren, Kris Kristofferson, Nick Mancuso, Fabrizio Filippo and Jessica Pare. The film chronicles one family’s search for the truth in an epic adventure spanning 30 years and two countries (Italy and Canada).
An official at CTV says the story, about a family torn apart by murder, suicide, and secrets, has mass appeal and should resonate with anyone who has known the joy and pain of immigration. That said, Loren and Kristofferson draw in the 25-54 year old audience, while CTV hopes to capture a younger demo with the addition of up-and-comers Pare and Filippo. CTV projects that advertising will sell out by January, but noted there are still opportunities available. Lives of Saints is a joint production by Toronto-based Capri Films and Italy-based RTI and airs on Jan. 2 from 9-11 p.m., concluding on Jan. 3 in the same time slot.
