ABC has ordered a drama pilot written and executive produced by “12 Years a Slave” writer John Ridley.
“American Crime” follows the personal lives of the players involved in a racially charged trial as their worlds are turned upside down.
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Via his production company Stearns Castle, former ABC executive Michael McDonald also serves as an executive producer on the project from ABC Studios.
The drama will go into contention for a series pickup alongside two other drama projects: “How to Get Away With Murder” from Shonda Rhimes and Sony Pictures Television’s “Sea of Fire,” which is based on Dutch format “Vuurzee.”
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ABC has already given a series commitment to drama “Secrets & Lies” from Aaron Kaplan.