• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, May 2, 2007

The A&E family of networks knows how to create a pre-upfront headline: Offer an impressive dollar figure it plans to spend on development. A year ago, it was $500 million; this time it's $600 million.

Abbe Raven, CEO of A&E Television Networks, said last year's half-billion is "paying off big time" with ratings growth, prompting the 20% increase for 2007-08. While some of the outlay will be devoted to new Web sites, HD upgrades and mobile extensions, among other initiatives for multiple AETN brands, a highlight is a move by the A&E network--long invested in reality shows--to launch an original drama next year.

The network now has 14 dramas in development, with the latest additions heavy in the law-enforcement realm, including "Homestead," about L.A. cops living in the rough-and-tumble neighborhoods they work in, and "Under," about a man who joins the witness-protection program after turning against his mob bosses. Both could complement off-net dramas A&E currently airs: "CSI: Miami" and "The Sopranos," respectively.

Bob DeBitetto, executive vice president-general manager of A&E, who joined Raven at an upfront presentation Tuesday, said the scripted drama development is the capstone of a three-tiered plan to take A&E from a dowdy network with an aging audience to a "great brand [with] a new generation of younger viewers." Leading off was the launch of "Real Life" series such as "Dog the Bounty Hunter" and "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," then off-net acquisitions such as "The Sopranos," followed by its own drama creations.

DeBitetto said "The Sopranos" is "our most coveted environment among a growing roster of blue-chip advertisers." The two off-net dramas have delivered 19 million new viewers to A&E, providing "an enormous advantage as we look to create our own scripted dramas."

On a limited basis, A&E will begin filming a four-hour mini-series version of Michael Crichton's "The Andromeda Strain" this summer with Ridley and Tony Scott signed as executive producers.

In the pipeline to continue "Real Life" series are "The Rookies," about new police academy graduates who hit "some of the deadliest streets in America," and "Paranormal State," about Penn State students who investigate paranormal activity.