The West Docudrama Scores Deals

LONDON: Broadcasters in Australia and across Europe have picked up the eight-part historical docudrama The West, produced by Stephen David Entertainment and executive produced by Robert Redford, Stephen David and Laura Michalchyshyn.

DRG represents the series, which looks at the years between the end of the American Civil War and the turn of the 19th century, spotlighting some of the personalities that the era is known for, including Jesse James, Billy the Kid and Wyatt Earp.

In Australia, The West is headed to Foxtel and SBS, with a DVD deal in place with RLJ Entertainment. The show was also acquired by Rai in Italy, kabel eins Doku in Germany, SVT in Sweden, DR Denmark, Odisea/Odisseia in Iberia and Prima in the Czech Republic.

Richard Halliwell, DRG’s managing director, said, “These infamous legends and major events from the Wild West era have long been captured by filmmakers, but The West delivers these stories with new perspective, finely-crafted detail and—of course—true grit. Robert Redford’s knowledge of the West and his passion for faithfully telling this story of turbulent times full of hope, opportunity, greed and danger, have delivered a ‘must-see’ series that reinforces his reputation as a documentary-maker of note. The West covers a unique period in American history, one that helped establish the concept of the America Dream and created early forms of U.S. law. A natural watch for Western fans, this series will also find an audience with lovers of history and anyone who appreciates the fact that the most remarkable stories are always true.”