Oxygen Sets Four New Projects For Development Slate

Oxygen will look to reach young, multicultural women with four new series as part of its development slate.

The new shows include The Misty Copeland Project (working title) which follows the renowned African-American ballerina (pictured) as she trains would-be ballerinas; Teaching English, which follows a group of young Americans living abroad in countries where English is rarely heard; Survival of The Clickiest, which follows a group of young budding online style stars each forging a path in the ultra-competitive world of vlogging; and Straight Up With A Twist, a half-hour comedy that captures after work bar discussions of various groups of friends.

“From the unbelievably inspirational and talented Misty Copeland, to the bold young women experiencing life abroad, the new development slate appeals to a multitude of female viewers,” said Cori Abraham, Senior Vice President of Development & International for Oxygen Media in a statement.  “These projects embrace the new Oxygen programming filter, which focuses on real characters who are on a journey to seek out new experiences and follow their true passions in life.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.