E1 & Endemol USA in Deal for AMC Pilot

NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES/TORONTO: The basic cable channel AMC has signed up E1 Entertainment to produce and Endemol USA to executive produce the pilot Hell On Wheels.

Hell On Wheels is a contemporary Western centered on the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. The pilot was created and written by Joey and Tony Gayton, who will also executive produce. The project was developed by Endemol USA. David Von Ancken (Californication) is on board to direct the pilot.

“Hell On Wheels brilliantly captures the world surrounding the construction of the first Transcontinental Railroad in post civil war America. The epic setting provides the perfect backdrop for the early industrialism and corruption surrounding the project; the incredible immigrant experience; and the good, the bad, and the ugly of what it took to get this railroad built,” said Joel Stillerman, AMC’s senior VP of original programming, production and digital content. “The Gaytons have created a high octane world that pays homage to the script’s namesake, and this show fits perfectly with our goal of creating premium television on basic cable.”

E1 and Endemol USA have also entered into an international distribution partnership. Endemol will hold all TV distribution rights across Europe and E1 will sell Hell On Wheels in the remaining territories. E1 also holds the worldwide rights for DVD/Blu-ray, VOD and digital distribution.

“With its excellent reputation for delivering premium programming, E1 is thrilled to be partnering with AMC to produce this exceptional pilot,” said John Morayniss, E1 Television’s CEO. “As one of the largest independent television production companies in North America, this deal further illustrates how E1 has become the go-to studio for U.S. and international broadcasters seeking an independent production partner. And not just for production. Our distribution agreement with Endemol USA marks the start of a beautiful relationship and ensures powerful and effective international reach for Hell On Wheels.”

"This has been a passion project for us at Endemol USA for over two years, and I am thrilled to see it finally take flight,” commented David Goldberg, the chairman of Endemol North American. “The Gaytons delivered a truly remarkable script and AMC is the perfect home for this show. And by partnering with E1 for distribution, we will undoubtedly maximize the global success of Hell On Wheels."