Paul Edwards to Direct Nat Geo’s Pilgrims Movie

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Veteran TV director Paul Edwards, who has helmed episodes of shows such as Gotham and Lost, has been hired to direct National Geographic Channel’s new scripted movie Saints & Strangers.

Produced by Sony Pictures Television with Little Engine Productions, the four-hour scripted movie is scheduled to start shooting this summer in South Africa, with a premiere set for fall. The film depicts the trials and tribulations faced by the Mayflower pilgrims and the Native Americans they encountered upon their arrival.

Edwards has been directing TV shows for more than 15 years. His credits also include Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., The Blacklist, Bates Motel and Heroes, for which he received a BAFTA TV award.

“Paul’s résumé reads like a ‘must-watch’ list of TV programs from the last two decades, and we’re excited to watch him bring this story to life in a creative and cohesive way,” said Tim Pastore, NGC’s president of original programming and production.

“We are thrilled that Paul will be at the helm of this extraordinary project to contribute his vast expertise and experience as a director and cinematographer,” said Helen Verno, the executive VP of movies and limited series for Sony Pictures Television.