• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, February 13, 2012

Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer confirmed last week that the company is prepping an original series for Netflix. Jenji Kohan, creator of Showtime’s “Weeds,” is involved in “Orange is the New Black,” which is expected to make it to Netflix in early 2013. In addition, the Charlie Sheen-vehicle “Anger Management” is coming to FX. If certain ratings are met during “Anger Management’s” first 10 episodes, a trigger kicks in for Lionsgate to produce 90 additional episodes.

Netflix launched “Lilyhammer” last week, its first original.

“Orange is the New Black” is based on a popular memoir by the same name about Piper Kerman’s prison stint for heroin-trafficking involvement. Filming is set to begin this summer on the one-hour drama, laced with comedic elements.

Feltheimer, speaking on an earnings call, declined to cite the ratings triggers for “Anger Management,” but said he’s confident it’s “one we think we can hit.” The deal with FX is similar to one Lionsgate has involving Tyler Perry comedies and could bring broadcast syndication within two-and-a-half years, en route to being an exceedingly profitable franchise.

Lionsgate, which has scripted series for cable such as “Mad Men,” is looking to break into the network market and has two pilots in the works -- one each for ABC and NBC.

Feltheimer also said there appears to be an “enormous” upside with the “Wendy Williams Show” as ratings in key demos rival some of TV’s top talk shows, but ad rates remain well below.