GK-tv is sailing to Jamaica with Gale Anne Hurd.
Hurd, through her Valhalla Entertainment shingle, has developed and will produce Port Royal, an hourlong series set in the late 17th century and chronicling Jamaica’s rise as the “richest and wickedest city” in the new world and as a self-governing safe haven for cutthroat pirates, corrupt politicians and ruthless merchants.
“I have been obsessed with pirates and Port Royal for years, and have a library of books on the subject,” said Hurd, who also developed and produced AMC’s The Walking Dead with Frank Darabont. “The real story of privateers and the politics of the era has never been explored on screen, and I’m excited to bring that world to life with the terrific team at GK-tv.”
Hurt will executive produce, along with GK-tv’s Craig Cegielski and GK Films’ Graham King and Tim Headington. Valhalla’s Kris Henigman and Ben Roberts will serve as creative executives on the series.
Camelot, the first TV series for GK-tv, a division of GK Films, premiered Friday on Starz.
“In keeping with our focus on cinematic television with a global perspective, we see Gale and her team at Valhalla as a phenomenal partner in creating a gritty and authentic series of fantastic scope, set in the dangerous world of Port Royal,” GK-tv president Craig Cegielski said Monday.
Valhalla’s The Walking Dead has been picked up for a second season on AMC.
