Starz to Build Ken Follett’s THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH

Chris Albrecht, the new chairman and CEO of Starz Entertainment, is starting off strong.  Albrecht has secured the U.S. television rights to The Pillars of the Earth, a $40 million, 8-part mini-series adapted from Ken Follett’s acclaimed novel.  Produced by the German Tandem Communications, Canada’s Muse Entertainment and the Tony and Ridley Scott’s Scott Free Productions, Pillars is the type of splashy acquisition that typified Albrecht’s time as the Chairman of HBO.  Directed by Sergio Mimica-Gezzan (Heroes), the mini-series boasts an all-star line-up including Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Matthew Macfayden and Donald Sutherland.  During Albrecht’s time at HBO, the network frequently boasted the most critically acclaimed dramas and mini-series on television.  The move to get Pillars shows that he is serious about getting Starz as much Emmy gold as he can.  That said, I am looking forward to seeing his other programming decisions.  (via THR)