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New York -- Cartoon Network is taking a big step into live-action, prepping a slew of programs that represent the channel's largest slate in a long time.

The channel has more than a dozen projects in development including projects from writers David Titcher ("The Librarian"), Paul Dini ("Lost") and Mike Werb ("Face/Off," "The Mask"), among others. Chief content officer Rob Sorcher said that the network could possibly go to pilot with three of the projects this year, then launch a night of live-action programming sometime in 2010.

"That would absolutely be a win for us," Sorcher said Thursday.

The channel opened a Burbank-based scripted development series about a year ago. Last year, the network said it would pursue two avenues with live-action scripted series -- one in fantasy, action and adventure and the other in comedy.

"This is part of the overall expansion of programming at Cartoon Network," Sorcher said.

Robert Englund stars as Dr. Eli, a quirky scientist responsible for unleashing a mutant breed of killer bees on an unsuspecting town, when Black Swarm flies onto DVD February 3, 2009 from Genius Products and Rhi Entertainment. The 12th installment in the popular "Maneater" DVD series - describd as a mix of The Birds and Piranha - also stars Sebastien Roberts, Sarah Allen, and Jayne Heitmeyer. David Winning ( Something Beneath ) directed from a script by Todd Samovitz ( Wonderland ) and Ethlie Ann Vare ( Something Beneath ). Synopsis: Exterminator Devin Hall (Roberts) has seen a lot when it comes to peculiar insect behavior, but nothing like the swarm of wasps that descends on a homeless man and kills him. The attack captures the attention of two women: Katherine...

TORONTO -- Bruce Dern and Cindy Sampson are toplining the telefilm Swamp Devil, now filming in Montreal, Canadian producer Muse Entertainment said Wednesday.

Dern plays a small town's ex-sherrif, who must prove a swamp devil exists to escape a murder charge, while Sampson plays his estranged daughter returning home to help her father.

David Winning is directing Swamp Devil from a script penned by Ethlie Ann Vare and Gary Dauberma, while Irene Litinsky and Ric Nish share producer credits.

Michael Prupas of Muse is executive producing along with Robert Halmi Sr. and Robert Halmi Jr., whose RHI Entertainment shingle will sell the property internationally.

The telefilm already has been sold to SuperChannel, the upstart Canadian premium pay TV channel.

Swamp Devil will shoot in Montreal until Oct. 17.