PRODUCTION BEGINS IN PITTSBURGH ON WGN AMERICA'S "OUTSIDERS," NEW ORIGINAL DRAMA SERIES FROM AWARD-WINNING PLAYWRIGHT PETER MATTEI, EMMY(R) AWARD-WINNING PRODUCER PETER TOLAN AND EMMY AWARD-WINNER PAUL GIAMATTI

Sony Pictures Television and Tribune Studios Production, Slated to Debut in 2016, Centers on the Farrell Family, a Powerful, Mysterious Appalachian Clan

Emmy Award-Winning Director Adam Bernstein to Direct Two Episodes

13-Episode Drama Stars David Morse, Joe Anderson, Thomas M. Wright and Ryan Hurst, Among Others

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 5, 2015) - Production begins today in and around Pittsburgh, PA on WGN America's new original drama series "Outsiders," a tale of struggle for power and control set in the rugged and mysterious hills of Appalachia. A Sony Pictures Television and Tribune Studios production, "Outsiders" is written and created by award-winning playwright Peter Mattei, who executive produces alongside Fedora Entertainment's Emmy(R) Award winner Peter Tolan ("Rescue Me," "Analyze This"), Emmy Award-winning actor Paul Giamatti ("John Adams," "Sideways"), Dan Carey ("All Is Bright") for Touchy Feely Films and Fedora's Michael Wimer ("2012," "Rake"). Emmy Award-winning director Adam Bernstein ("30 Rock," "Fargo") will direct two installments of WGN America's 13-episode, one-hour drama, slated to premiere in early 2016.

"Outsiders" tells the story of the Farrell clan, a family of renegades who've been in the hills of Kentucky since before anyone can remember. Living off the grid and above the law on their mountaintop homestead, they'll protect their world and defend their way of life using any means necessary.

The ensemble cast for "Outsiders" includes: David Morse ("Treme," "Hurt Locker") as Big Foster, a gruff and powerful heir to leadership; Joe Anderson ("The Divide," "Across the Universe") as Asa, a member of the Farrell clan looking to rejoin the family after a stint with the outside world; Thomas M. Wright ("The Bridge," "Top of the Lake") as Sheriff Wade Houghton, a cop who has a history with the Farrells, and grapples with a few troubles of his own; Ryan Hurst ("Sons of Anarchy," "Bates Motel"), as Lil Foster, a massive mountain man and son of Big Foster; Gillian Alexy ("The Americans," "Damages") as G'Winveer, a survivor and Asa's confidante; Kyle Gallner ("American Sniper," "Veronica Mars") as Hasil, an intuitive soul who feels rejected by the group; Christina Jackson ("Boardwalk Empire," "Deception") as Sally-Ann, a beautiful girl from a mining town who is fascinated by the Farrells and Hasil in particular; Francie Swift ("Hostages," "House of Cards") as Haylie, a cunning, all-American community relations manager with the encroaching coal company; and Phyllis Somerville ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "The Big C") as Lady Ray, the regal yet tough leader of the Farrell clan.

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About WGN America and Tribune Studios

WGN America, the flagship entertainment network of Tribune Media Company (NYSE: TRCO), is nationally distributed in 74 million homes via cable, satellite and telco, with entertainment programming including the original, scripted series "Salem," "Manhattan," "Underground," "Outsiders" and "Ten Commandments," along with first-run syndicated series, blockbuster movies and live sports. Through Tribune Studios, the creative development arm of Tribune Media, original content is produced for WGN America and Tribune local stations nationwide. Follow the network on Twitter @wgnamerica. For additional information, please visit www.wgnamerica.com.