Crackle has ordered 10 episodes of the original drama series Start Up starring Adam Brody (The O.C.) and Martin Freeman (Sherlock). The pickup marks the second scripted one hour drama series on the streaming service's programming slate.
Set in Miami, Start Up explores what happens when a brilliant yet controversial tech idea gets incubated on the wrong side of the tracks by three strangers who don't necessarily fit the mold of tech entrepreneurs. Forced to fund a tech company with dirty money while forming ties with a Haitian gang, their fight to build a business pales in comparison to the fight to stay alive, especially when there's a vehement FBI agent who wields the power to make or break those he comes in contact with - and not always for the right reasons.
Brody will play Nick Talman, a sharp and intelligent financier at a boutique firm in Miami. Freeman will play FBI Agent Phil Rask, who specializes in financial crimes and eventually crosses paths with Talman.
In addition to Brody and Freeman, the drama will also star Edi Gathegi (The Blacklist), Otmara Marrero (Graceland) and Jocelin Donahue (House of the Devil). Production begins this week in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Ben Ketai created the drama, and will also direct and executive producer. Other executive producers are Andrew Marcus, Tom Forman, Ray Ricord, Gianni Nunnari and Gaulding. Brody will serve as a producer, along with Anne Clements. Critical Content and Hollywood Gang Productions will produce.
"Start Up carries out our promise to continue our commitment to quality drama," said Eric Berger, General Manager of Crackle and Executive Vice President of Sony Pictures Television Digital Network. "We are working with a top-notch team to produce a project that explores the motivations and complexities of creating a new venture, while walking a fine line between crime and legitimacy."
"Ben Ketai has an amazing vision for this series and we are fortunate to have such a talented ensemble of actors to help bring this story to life," added Andrew Marcus, President of Critical Content.
