MTV planning original TV movies

NEW YORK, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- The U.S. cable television network MTV says it is releasing a slate of original movies crafted specifically for its audience.

Projects in production include "My Super Psycho Sweet 16" and "Turn The Beat Around," Tony DiSanto, president of MTV programming, revealed while making the announcement this week. Currently in development is "MADE."

"From high-energy dance to chilling horror and underdog comedies, the slate represents a diverse range of projects spun from original series franchises, as well as fresh concepts," the network said in a news release. "With two films currently in production and several in development, the network will launch one original movie per quarter beginning in 2010."

"Our mission is to redefine the creative canvas of MTV with a diversity of content in a variety of formats," added DiSanto. "Storytelling is in our DNA, and feature films for television are the next natural step of progression for us. We are thrilled to be in this game."

MTV was started 28 years ago to music videos but has morphed into programs highlighting pop culture and reality shows.