A&E Announces New Series "Inked"  6/24/05

A&E NETWORK’S NEW REAL LIFE SERIES “INKED”

PREMIERES WITH BACK-TO-BACK EPISODES: JULY 20 AT 9PM & 9:30/ 8 & 8:30C

NEW YORK, JUNE 24, 2005 - Celebrity chic meets outrider art when an unpredictable mix of rock stars, celebrity VIPs, locals and tourists visit Vegas’ first casino tattoo parlor, in A&E Network’s new real life series INKED, premiering on Wednesday, July 20 with back-to-back episodes, 9 and 9:30PM/8 and 8:30C. It’s sure to get under your skin.

Every body has a story. Set on the cutting edge of anything-goes Las Vegas, INKED takes a real-life look at the pioneering Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company. Each week, in back-to-back episodes, we follow founder and freestyle motocross champ Carey Hart as he caters to high-profile clients while also managing his staff of temperamental artists, all within the glamorous confines of the Palms Casino Resort. Carey opened the shop in 2004 and now runs it with co-owner Thomas Pendleton, who has been tattooing since he was fourteen. Thomas is sure the shop will be a huge success, but he worries that his employees are “stuck on stupid.”

Meet the employees:  

DIZZLE runs errands, sweeps the floors, and is eager to become shop apprentice. Hazed nonstop by mentor Thomas, Dizzle is eventually allowed to start training. Step No. 1: Tattooing designs on grapefruits, because citrus peel shares many of the characteristics of human skin.

CLARK is one of H&H’s senior artists. Years ago, Clark lost an eye in an accident and now he wears an ominous patch. He’s confident that his lack of three-dimensional perspective makes him a better artist. Clark’s loyal clients seem to agree. They fly in from all over the world for his custom inks.

QUINN is the sexy 20-something California blonde receptionist. Quinn’s questionable work ethic stirs up constant tension.

BIG E is a massive Samoan whose gentle touch surprises clients.

MONICA is the shop manager, whose fling with Thomas is threatening the parlor’s future.

Following are descriptions of the premiere episodes: CHANGE OF HART Wednesday July 20th at 9PM/ 8C It’s been several months since the grand opening of Hart & Huntington and the shop’s owners have had enough of each other. Hart wants to keep the shop open but Huntington isn’t playing nice. If Hart and Huntington can’t settle their differences, the shop will be shuttered.

PULL IT TOGETHER, DIZZLE Wednesday July 20th at 9:30PM/8:30C Dizzle, the shop helper and resident goofball, has made the decision to become a tattoo artist and the first step on that path is getting an apprenticeship. But apprenticing under Thomas and Clark won’t be easy. These guys earned their ink the hard way and they’re not about to just hand Dizzle the needle.

Nancy Dubuc and Neil A. Cohen are the A&E Executive Producers. Gregg Backer, Jeff Bowler, and Matt Ginsburg serve as executive producers. INKED is produced by Fox TV Studios in association with Foglight Entertainment for A&E Network.

About A&E Network Now reaching more than 88 million homes, A&E Network brings viewers the Art of EntertainmentTM through a unique combination of three genres – The Art of Biography, The Art of Documentary, and The Art of Drama. A brand synonymous with excellence in television, A&E Network offers a diverse mix of programming ranging from critically acclaimed original series and movies, to innovative documentaries, to the Emmy Award-winning BIOGRAPHY® series, to dramatic specials, feature film presentations, and contemporary performances. In 2004, A&E Network holds the distinct record for the most Primetime Emmy nominations (24) for a basic cable network. Premiering in July 2005 are the real life series: Inked, which will take viewers to the craft's cutting edge at Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company, Vegas’ first casino tattoo parlor; and Criss Angel Mindfreak, “a master of shock as much as illusion” who transcends tradition and moves into a new brand of modern mysticism, exhibiting mystery on the stage, on the street and in his public. Also set to debut in 2005, Being…, executive produced by Mick Jagger, giving viewers an exclusive, all-access pass into the lives of today’s most popular and fascinating people. The 2005 schedule also includes a host of topical and timely documentary specials under the A&E Indie Films including Murderball and Rock School and a quarterly series titled Movie Real, bringing viewers the true stories behind the topics of Hollywood’s biggest releases. Great drama also remains the heart of the A&E Network brand with upcoming original movies such as Knights of the South Bronx. Returning real-life series in 2005 include Dog The Bounty Hunter, Growing Up Gotti, Intervention, Airline, Family Plots and The First 48.

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