Posted by Ros on February 25, 2002 at 10:53:06:
In Reply to: posted by caitlin on February 18, 2002 at 09:15:27:
Thought everyone might be interested in seeing what Wes is up to. Hope it really does turn into a series.
Redford Preps 'Mystery' Movie for PBS
NEW YORK (Variety) - Robert Redford's Wildwood Prods. has signed a deal to produce a TV movie adapted from Tony Hillerman's best-selling novel "Skinwalkers" for PBS' "Mystery" series.
"Skinwalkers" represents the first American production for "Mystery" since the British-oriented series premiered on public TV 22 years ago.
The movie, which begins filming Monday on location at various Arizona sites, stars Adam Beach and Wes Studi as contemporary Navajo tribal policemen. Chris Eyre ("Smoke Signals") will direct from an adaptation penned by Redford's son, James.
Robert Redford's company has an option on the 13 Hillerman novels that feature the Navajo lawmen Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn.
If successful, the movie could trigger a "Mystery" franchise like "Rumpole of the Bailey," Hercules Poirot and Inspector Maigret, said Michael Nozik, a longtime Redford associate who will serve as an executive producer with the veteran actor and Rebecca Eaton.
The first Hillerman novel that Redford produced, the 1991 theatrical "Dark Wind," starring Lou Diamond Phillips and directed by documentarian Errol Morris ("The Thin Blue Line"), got a limited theatrical release.
: I opened up our local paper this morning and what should I read but the following:
: "Murder, suspense, and intrigue flood Apache Junction (AZ) with the first PBS made for television movie based on a novel by Tony Hillerman. Actors and film crews will soon descend on Apache Junction (AZ) to begin filming "Skinwalkers", a story that combines mystery and insight into Navajo culture and plunges Navajo Tribal Police Officers Jim Chee adn Lt. Joe Leaphorn into the depths of ritual, witchcraft, and murder."
: "The two lead roles in "Skinwalkers" will be played by Wes Studi and Adam Beach, both of whom had leading roles in "Dances With Wolves."
: Ha! So, maybe I'll finally be able to meet Wes Studi!
: caitlin