×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Survivor guy to do 'live action Bible TV'

Epic Scripture stories to be brought to life with computer imagery and filming in the world's exotic places

As a kid in the 1960s, reality TV king Mark Burnett was thrilled  by the special-effects miracle of a sundered Red Sea in “The Ten Commandments”.

“How cool was that?” said the producer of TV’s “Survivor” and “The Apprentice”, who watched Cecil B. DeMille’s 1956 film when it aired on television.

Now it’s Burnett’s turn to wow a small-screen audience with epic Scripture stories: He and his wife, actress Roma Downey, are producing the 10-part docudrama “The Bible” for the History cable TV channel.

It’s set to air in 2013, History channel President Nancy Dubuc said Tuesday.

The series will combine live action with computer-generated imagery to retell stories ranging from Noah and the Ark to Exodus to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

Shooting is planned for the Middle East and elsewhere.

Burnett said he and Downey (who starred in a different look at faith, the fantasy series “Touched by an Angel”) have been working on the project for two years.

Both grew up with Scriptures, he in England and she in Northern Ireland, but aren’t on a mission, Burnett said.

“People apply personal meanings to the Bible. Our job is to tell the stories in an emotionally connected way,” he said.

History channel also partnered with Burnett on “Expedition Africa”.

“The Bible” is using the New International Version, the translation preferred by evangelical Christian leaders, and the New  Revised Standard Version. A committee of theologians and scholars is being assembled to consult on the series.

Burnett called it humbling to portray the Scriptures on screen and gratifying to “breathe fresh visual life into incredible stories for a global audience”.

The mini-series offers rare depth and the chance to create a “legacy” project, said Burnett, 50, whose credits also include the new TV singing contest “The Voice” and the upcoming Emmy Awards ceremony.

“I could be 80 or 90 and it could still be on television,” he said of “The Bible”.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.