Even the staunchest conservative will admit Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has a near-Midas touch when it comes to picking film projects, many of which go on to generate Oscar buzz each fall. His commercial instincts are similarly strong.
So perhaps it’s not surprising to see Weinstein, a major donor to President Barack Obama, getting involved with the current faith-based content push.
I’ve learned that WGN has teamed with the Weinstein Company for a Ten Commandments 10-part event series, which is being executive produced by Oscar-winning producer Bruce Cohen (Silver Linings Playbook, American Beauty). I hear the plan is for each episode to be helmed by a different A-list director, focusing on one commandment and its evolving significance.
The latter puts the project in a potentially tight spot, allowing the best and brightest directors to interpret sacred material to millions of Americans.
Director Darren Aronofsky’s Noah is set to bow in 2014, and a film version of The History Channel’s ratings smash The Bible will hit theaters next year, too.