Video Interview: Nutopia’s Jane Root

NEW YORK: America: The Story of Us broke ratings records for HISTORY this week. Executive producer Jane Root reveals in this video interview the background of the ambitious project and the plans to format the show in other territories.

An epic 12-hour TV event, America: The Story of Us made its debut on Sunday in the U.S. on HISTORY. The premiere episode featured opening remarks from President Barack Obama, sharing his reflections on the spirit and resilience that has shaped, and continues to shape, the country. The first night was watched by 5.7 million total viewers, making it the highest-rated, most-watched special of all time for HISTORY. Over the course of six Sundays through Memorial Day, the series will cover 400 years of the nation’s history, looking at moments where Americans used technology to advance human progress.

Presenting an unprecedented look at pivotal historical moments and the key people, events and locations that have formed the backbone of the U.S., America: The Story of Us marks the largest programming event that HISTORY has ever undertaken. The project was produced for the network by Nutopia, the independent production company founded by Root. The factual programming veteran is a former president of Discovery Channel in the U.S., controller of BBC Two and she co-founded the U.K. indie Wall to Wall.