Good news! The Ernest Dickerson-directed pilot episode must have impressed them enough, because AMC has made a 10-episode series order for the new crime drama series Low Winter Sun, which co-stars Mark Strong, Lennie James and Erika Alexander.
As a recap… the series will rcenter on…
A contemporary story of murder, deception, revenge and corruption in a world where the line between cops and criminals is blurred, "Low Winter Sun" begins with the murder of a cop by a fellow Detroit detective. Seemingly the perfect crime, in reality the murder activates forces that will forever alter the detective's life, and pull him into the heart of the Detroit underworld.
The show is expected to especially emphasize its racial themes.
As we already reported, Lennie James will play a character named Joe, who is described as "part cop, part perp" to Mark Strong's corrupt detective Frank, who murders his partner, thinks he's committed the perfect crime, but in reality, not quite so. And then shit hits the fan!
Erika Alexander will play Louise “LC” Cullen, who's described as "a strong and intimidating cop who is completely matter-of-fact and straightforward in everything she does." You can immediately see her as that character can't you? I can.
Ernest Dickerson directed the pilot episode, from a script penned by Chris Mundy, who's also the executive producer on the project, based on the dark 2006 British crime drama miniseries of the same name.
I guess I'll need to hunt down and watch the original BBC drama before the AMC version debuts. The network continues to impress with its hit bold programming, and I'm looking forward to this.
Don't forget that there's another anticipated new AMC drama which we also hope will go to series order – the still untitled Richard LaGravenese and Tony Goldwyn project, described as a legal thriller with major political, personal and ethical stakes, which stars Damon Gupton and Aunjanue Ellis.
The AMC press release follows:
AMC GREENLIGHTS "LOW WINTER SUN" TO FULL SERIES ORDER
New York, NY – December 14, 2012 – AMC today announced a series order for the pilot "Low Winter Sun," a co-production between Endemol Studios and AMC Studio. Chris Mundy ("Criminal Minds," "Cold Case") will serve as writer, executive producer and showrunner on the project, which stars Mark Strong ("Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy" "Zero Dark Thirty") and co-stars Lennie James ("The Walking Dead," "Jericho," "Snatch"). Season one consists of ten, one-hour episodes.
"Endemol and Chris Mundy have produced a beautiful pilot with an incredible cast led by the insanely talented Mark Strong," said Joel Stillerman, AMC's EVP of original programming, production and digital content. "We're thrilled to be moving forward with this compelling and intense new drama and look forward to returning to Detroit for production on the first season."
A contemporary story of murder, deception, revenge and corruption in a world where the line between cops and criminals is blurred, "Low Winter Sun" begins with the murder of a cop by a fellow Detroit detective. Seemingly the perfect crime, in reality the murder activates forces that will forever alter the detective's life, and pull him into the heart of the Detroit underworld. The series is based on the 2006 award-winning British two-part mini-series of the same name written by Simon Donald and produced by Tiger Aspect Productions (an Endemol Company). In addition to Mundy, Jeremy Gold, head of creative affairs for Endemol Studios, oversees the project with Greg Brenman, head of drama for Tiger Aspect. The project is represented by CAA.
AMC's pilot, the "Untitled LaGravenese & Goldwyn Project" will remain in consideration for a potential series pick-up in 2013.
AMC's Stillerman, Susie Fitzgerald, SVP of scripted development and current programming, and Jason Fisher, SVP of production, oversee "Low Winter Sun" for the network.
