• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, April 14, 2009

For several years, Bravo's reality series -- "Top Chef," the "Real Housewives" franchise or the now-departed "Project Runway" -- have offered a run of compelling characters. And while real life may be stranger -- and thus more intriguing -- than fiction, the network is now developing two scripted series it hopes will provide the same magnetic draw for viewers.

Frances Berwick, the general manager of Bravo Media, said the goal is to transfer some of what's worked on the "personality-driven" reality shows to the new dramas. Bravo may have a head start with skeptics, suggesting that much of what happens on reality series is actually scripted.

Furthermore, the two dramas appear as if they could easily have been created as Bravo-style reality shows. "Blueprint" focuses on two best friends, one straight and one gay, who own a successful New York architecture and interior design firm. "30 Under 30" highlights successful young professionals floating through the New York social scene, "living dynamic, glamorous and sometimes scandalous lives."

Word that Bravo has looked to experiment with scripted series has been percolating for a while. That rumor was confirmed Tuesday at a network upfront event. Still, no timetables for the series debuts were given.

Executive producers on "Blueprint" are also involved with CW's "Gossip Girl," while a driving force behind "30 Under 30" played a role in "Murphy Brown's" success many years ago.

Bravo also announced Tuesday that it will launch four new reality series over the coming months, including "American Artist" (working title), a sort of "Project Runway" for the art field, where contestants compete in sculpture, painting, photography and in other areas. "Magical Elves," a producer on "Runway," is working on the show.

Also on tap is "Kell on Earth" (working title) about the successful single mother behind a New York fashion PR firm -- and how she balances those roles with being "one of New York's most notable women about town."

Bravo had previously announced that it would debut "The Fashion Show" about aspiring designers -- a series some have tabbed as a "Runway" knockoff -- starting next month. Isaac Mizrahi and Kelly Rowland will be hosts, but Bravo said viewers would have a chance to vote on winners.

Also, "Inside the Actors Studio" will be returning with host James Lipton for a 15th season.

At the Tuesday event, Bravo ad sales head Susan Malfa said the network had 97 new advertisers last year, and its upscale audience is "pretty recession-resistant."

Bravo, headed by Lauren Zalaznick, president of NBCU's women and lifestyle entertainment networks, is a key part of NBC Universal's cable group, which also includes USA and MSNBC. CEO Jeff Zucker last month said NBCU was "first and foremost a cable network company" and the portfolio yields 60% of operating profits.

Zucker attended Bravo's Tuesday event.