NBC Sends 'Philanthropist' Abroad, Confirms Purefoy Casting

By Josef Adalian

NBC's midseason drama "The Philanthropist" is going global, shifting production to London and South Africa via the network's recently launched international arm.

In addition, NBC has confirmed the long-rumored casting of James Purefoy ("Rome") in the title role of globetrotting do-gooder/playboy Teddy Rist.

NBC will produce "Philanthropist" under the auspices of its newly acquired London-based Carnival Film & Television banner. All this means that NBC Universal International President Angela Bromstad will have oversight of the project, which had been set up at Burbank-based Universal Media Studios.

Moving production of "The Philanthropist" overseas will allow NBC to produce the show at a substantial savings compared with a Stateside production. Also, Mr. Purefoy was keen to remain based in the U.K., an NBC Universal spokesman said.

David Eick ("Battlestar Galactica") will continue as executive producer of "The Philanthropist," as will Original Media's Charlie Corwin. The writing of the series will remain based in Los Angeles.

Production on "The Philanthropist" is expected to begin within the next two weeks, with Peter Horton directing.