‘Crash’ TV series planned

Starz Entertainment said Monday it will co-produce an original television series based on the movie “Crash,” which won three Oscars -- including best picture -- in 2006.

Key contributors to the film, including director, co-writer and producer Paul Haggis, will help create the 13 one-hour episodes, which are scheduled to start production in the spring and air later this year, said Stephan Shelanski, executive vice president of programming for Starz Entertainment. Lionsgate (“Mad Men,” “Weeds”) will co-produce the series.

“Crash,” a film that followed the interlocking lives of people of varied ethnicities in Los Angeles, drew controversy for its provocative premise that racism colors the views of everyone. Critics concluded that its basic theme, however, was one of progress.

Haggis said in a statement, “Ironically, my initial impulse was to present the material in a format for television. I am thrilled it’s coming full circle and can’t wait to see how it expands and transforms.”

Co-writer and producer Bobby Moresco, producer Bob Yari, producer Don Cheadle, producer Mark R. Harris and executive producer Tom Nunan will also participate in the series.

-- Lynn Smith