Amazon Sets ‘Sneaky Pete,’ ‘Casanova’ Drama Pilot Premieres

Amazon Studios next week will launch its two newest drama pilots: “Sneaky Pete,” starring Giovanni Ribisi as an ex-con, from David Shore and Bryan Cranston; and period piece “Casanova,” about the famed 18th century Italian lover.

Both pilots will bow on Amazon’s Instant Video service Friday, Aug. 7, available to users in the U.S., the U.K. and Germany. Those will be joined by the studio’s slate of upcoming pilots slated for early 2015, from which Amazon will decide based in part on audience feedback which shows to greenlight as full series.

“Sneaky Pete,” a co-production with Sony Pictures Television, originally was in development at CBS. Drama stars Ribisi (“Avatar”) as a conman who, after leaving prison, takes cover from his past by assuming the identity of his former cellmate, Pete — and gets roped into the family’s bail bond business.

The pilot is directed by Seth Gordon (“Horrible Bosses”), written by Shore (“House,” “Battle Creek”) and executive produced by Shore, Cranston, James Degus and Erin Gunn. “Sneaky Pete” also stars Marin Ireland (“Side Effects”), Margo Martindale (“The Millers”), Peter Gerety (“Prime Suspect”), Libe Barer (“Parenthood”) and Shane McRae (“Still Alice”).

“Casanova,” shot on location in Paris, Venice and Hungary, stars Diego Luna (“Y Tu Mamá También,” “Elysium,” “Milk”) in the title role. The pilot marks the TV debut of Oscar-nominated director Jean-Pierre Jeunet (“Amelie”). Cast also includes Bojana Novakovic (“Shameless”), Miranda Richardson (“Sleepy Hollow”) and Ben Daniels (“House of Cards”). Pilot was written by Stuart Zicherman (“The Americans”) and exec produced by Jeunet, Zicherman and Electus’ Ben Silverman.

“We’re delighted to bring one of history’s most fascinating periods to life in ‘Casanova’ and a world-class performance by Giovanni Ribisi in ‘Sneaky Pete,'” Amazon Studios chief Roy Price said.

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