NBC's "Philanthropist" eyes foreign money

By James Hibberd and Nellie Andreeva

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - NBC's new series "The Philanthropist" could be going international.

NBC is looking for a foreign partner to shoulder half the cost of the midseason drama, about a renegade billionaire who uses his wealth, connections and power to help people in need no matter the risks or costs. British actor James Purefoy ("Rome") is in talks for the lead role.

NBC is already working on British co-productions "Crusoe" and "Merlin," and the Canadian co-production "The Listener."

Bringing on an international partner also would help NBC brass' idea of filming different episodes of "The Philanthropist" on location in different countries. Although that has been done successfully on the unscripted side with CBS' "The Amazing Race," it is far more challenging on a scripted series.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter