Jake Gyllenhaal moves his talents onto the small screen
Film domination is not enough for Jake Gyllenhaal, he is now coming for the world of TV…
The actor may be known for his appearances in many films over the years such as BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, NIGHTCRAWLER and SOUTHPAW, but the actor is no stranger to the world of producing. Gyllenhaal previously served as a producer on his films NIGHTCRAWLER and END OF WATCH.
The anthology series marks Gyllenhaal’s first foray into television producing. The Oscar-nominated actor’s production company Nine Stories Prods. is developing an anthology series from A+E Studios for A&E Network. The limited series will explore major American cult personas, and the first season is planned to revolve around the Jim Jones story and the Gyllenhaal is attaches as the executive producer of the project with his Nine Stories producing partner, Riva Marker.
Gyllenhaal’s development project was announced by Elaine Frontain Bryant, exec vice president and head of programming for A&E at the Television Critics Association press tour on Wednesday in Pasadena, California.
The series’ inaugural season would focus on the notorious story of Jim Jones and his cult The Peoples Temple of the Disciples of Christ. The series would chronicle Jones’ path from social leader and passionate integrationist to deranged spiritual dictator to a group of followers committed to his dangerous philosophy of faith. As Jones’ mental health began to unravel, growth of his flock, power and influence resulted in increased scrutiny from the media and authorities, forcing him to move his California-based congregation to Guyana to create the eponymous infamous Jonestown commune. There, in 1978, they lost their lives in a mass murder/suicide organized by Jones himself, resulting in the deaths of more than 900 people, including over 300 children, United States Congressman Leo Ryan and several journalists, becoming one of the largest single losses of American civilian lives in history.
What do you think of Gyllenhaal’s foray into producing for television? Share your thoughts below!
