NBC Greenlights 13 Eps of Fear Itself – A Masters of Horror Reworking

Posted by support@reallyscary.com (ReallyScary.com) on September 28, 2007 Variety reports NBC has given a 13-episode commitment to the horror anthology series Fear Itself, which the Peacock plans to air sometime next summer. The project is a reworked version of the Emmy-winning Masters of Horror and comes directly from the Showtime series' producers, Lionsgate and Industry Entertainment. Masters of Horror exec producers Keith Addis, Andrew Deane and Mick Garris are all onboard as well.

NBC Entertainment/Universal Media Studios co-chairman Ben Silverman, who announced the project Monday, said he's looking for new ways to offer scripted fare in the summer. "It's less expensive than the traditional license fees we pay," Silverman said. "That's allowing us to open up original programming to work across the whole year. There are different ways to get scripted shows on the air all year round."

Silverman said "Fear Itself" could also be scheduled during the regular season on Saturday nights as an alternative to the net's drama repeats. Production will begin early next year; the producers are looking to woo top-name horror writers and helmers for Fear Itself, just as they did with Masters of Horror.

Beggs said NBC pushed to change the title to avoid comparisons to Showtime's two-year run and also to broaden the series' focus. "They felt it was important to have a new title, and we agreed," Beggs said. "It doesn't limit us. 'Fear Itself' can tell all kinds of stories."

To meet broadcast standards, NBC will have to stay away from too much blood and gore -- something Silverman said wouldn't be a problem. "Scary doesn't necessarily mean blood," he said. More graphic footage will be saved for the DVD (and other backend) market, Beggs added. "We'll be making longer versions for video -- it's easier to cut and trim for NBC's running time anyway," he said.