Starz adds 2 scripted comedies to schedule

LOS ANGELES , Sept. 4 (UPI) -- The U.S. pay TV network Starz is planning to add two scripted, half-hour comedies to its programming slate this winter, Variety.com reported Tuesday.

Both "Hollywood Residential" and "Head Case" focus on the West Coast entertainment industry, the network said.

"Original series are a way for Starz to extend its brand beyond the theatrical movies that dominate our schedule," said Starz Vice President of Programming Mike Ruggiero. "With these two sitcoms, we're taking a measured approach and not trying to do everything at once."

Starz has commissioned eight episodes of each Hollywood-centric, semi-improvised series.

Other pilots and a one-hour series are also in the works, Ruggiero said.