The production company and library owner has teamed up with Martin Scorsese to develop a TV series based on his 2002 Oscar-nominated crime saga Gangs Of New York.

While the original focused on early confrontations between rival gangs in New York in the mid to late 1800’s, Miramax said on Thursday [28] the series would draw its inspiration from organised crime across America at the turn of the century and thereafter.

“This time and era of America’s history and heritage is rich with characters and stories that we could not fully explore in a two-hour film,” said Scorsese. “A television series allows us the time and creative freedom to bring this colourful world, and all the implications it had and still does on our society, to life. I am excited to partner with Miramax in telling these stories.”

“No one better exemplifies what the new Miramax is and will be better than Martin Scorsese,” said Richard Nanula, chairman of Miramax and a principal at Colony Capital.

“His dedication to quality and the art of storytelling continues to excite everyone that works with him and watches his films and television programmes. We could not think of a better partner for this project than the creator of the wonderful film on which it is based.”