Lifetime Television Orders New Half-Hour Reality Series OFF THE LEASH
A "Howlingly" Funny Behind-The-Scenes Look At A Hollywood Pet Talent Agency Where The Fur Flys As Obsessive Owners Compete To Make Their Pet The Next Big Animal Star
Six Episodes from Executive Producers Mechelle Collins and Kevin Dill (Bravo′s "Blow Out," MTV′s "Juvies") to Premiere in Fall 2006
Starring performing pooches, quirky pet owners and cutthroat animal agents, the new Lifetime Original Series OFF THE LEASH goes inside the tumultuous world of a real-life Hollywood pet talent agency to reveal just how far some women will go to find four-legged stardom for their beloved dogs, it was announced by Susanne Daniels, President, Entertainment, Lifetime Entertainment Services.
The new half-hour series from executive producers Kevin Dill and Mechelle Collins (Bravo′s "Blow Out," MTV′s "Juvies") exposes the inner workings of the star-maker machinery along with the excesses, intrigues and just doggone escapades of ambitious pet owners driven to unleash their inner animal.
"These are real stories about people who have big dreams of making their adored pet into a Hollywood star," said Daniels. Adding, "Pets are important family members in American homes today, and are more visible than ever in films, television and commercials. This show offers a humorous glimpse at the machinations behind how a pet makes it from the home to the big screen-and it′s just as full of absurd surprises as any human actor′s struggle for success. For these animals, it′s not about going on the newspaper, but getting in the newspaper."
Hollywood talent agents scout comedy clubs and actor showcases looking for new stars. The dog scout for Le Paws Hollywood Pet Agency searches the local Beverly Hills dog parks to sniff out prospects for the next "spokesdog." Tough-minded young businesswoman Michelle operates Le Paws. Her dedicated staff includes trainers, a talent manager and her entrepreneurial partner Stuart. Using ruthless "Glengarry Glen Ross"-style tactics, the sales team pitches potential clients to pay top dollar for a package of training classes. Signing the deal are women who treat their pets better than themselves, not unlike like stage mothers obsessed with making their child into a celebrity. In between auditions and photo shoots they trot their pooches to doggie spas and doggie yoga, outfit them in expensive doggie duds and make them sit with doggie therapists. With so much at stake, conflicts brew just beneath the surface - and practically everyone will do almost anything to prove their pet is not just a one-trick pony.
