BET, Renowned go on Copwatch

US cablenet BET has commissioned a factual series that follows campaigners against police brutality and misconduct from Critical Content-backed prodco Renowned Films.

Ten-parter Copwatch America focuses on people in two US cities who have formed crews to keep watch over police behaviour and film officers’ work.

The character-driven series gives viewers exclusive access to the crews, which comprise a mixture of newcomers and life-long activists.

The show will examine all sides of the story, hearing from both police officers and those who seek to hold them accountable.

London- and LA-based Renowned Films and US firm Critical Content are coproducing the series, with Max Welch, Tim Withers and Duane Jones executive producing for Renowned Films and Tom Forman doing the same for Critical Content.

Jones, co-founder of Renowned, said: “It has never been more of an important time to bring the remarkable stories of ‘copwatchers’ across the US and their continued fight against injustice to the public.

“Renowned understands how important the conversation sparked by Copwatch America will be, and we look forward to working with BET to dig deep into this complex narrative.”

Marisa Levy, VP and head of unscripted at BET, said: “BET Networks is committed to bringing important stories of systemic issues of race and justice across our nation to light.

“We are taking this on in a way no other brand and network can, through platforms like our powerful Finding Justice franchise and our upcoming original docuseries Copwatch America.”