Ricky Schroder, Laura Bell Bundy and LeAnn Rimes to star in first two films to premiere in late summer on the new CMT Original Movies franchise of made-for-television movies. The first two movies, to be released later this summer, include "To The Mat," (working title) starring Ricky Schroder ("24," "NYPD Blue") and Laura Bell Bundy ("Legally Blonde: The Musical", "How I Met Your Mother," Universal Nashville recording artist); and "Reel Love," Grammy Award-winning country artist and actress LeAnn Rimes. Both films will be produced by Entertainment One Television.
"We've had great ratings success programming with acquired theatrical romantic comedies", said Mary Beth Cunin, Senior VP of Programming Strategy, "so it is only natural for us to create original stories that are tailor made for the CMT audience."
Written by C. Jay Cox ("Sweet Home Alabama"), "To The Mat," starring Ricky Schroder and Laura Bell Bundy, tells the story of a laid-back ex-wrestler (Schroder) who's trying to keep his family's down-and-out southern wrestling school above water. When his mother hires an uptight Wall Street consultant from New York (Bell Bundy) to help get the books in order, these two opposites must find a way to get along and save the family business. Directed by Rob Iscove ("She's All That"), "To The Mat" is currently in production and is set to premiere in August on CMT.
"Reel Love" stars LeAnn Rimes as a successful, big city girl who returns to her small town roots after a family emergency. Rimes' character then embarks on a soulful, comedic journey to reconnect with family and friends and find meaningful romance along the way. Written by Sharon Weil Aaron and directed by Brian K. Roberts ("Everyone Loves Raymond"), "Reel Love" is set to begin production in late April and will premiere in September on CMT.
