The one-hour television series is based on an original idea by Valhalla Entertainment’s Gale Anne Hurd and is set to go into development immediately.

The story is set in the Jamaica in the late 17th century and will chronicle the titular port’s notorious rise as the “richest and wickedest city” in the new world and a haven for pirates, corrupt politicians and ruthless merchants.

“I have been obsessed with pirates and Port Royal for years, and have a library of books on the subject,” Hurd said. “The real story of privateers and the politics of the era has never been explored on screen, and I’m excited to bring that world to life with the terrific team at GK-tv.”

“In keeping with our focus on cinematic television with a global perspective, we see Gale and her team at Valhalla as a phenomenal partner in creating a gritty and authentic series of fantastic scope, set in the dangerous world of Port Royal,” GK-tv president Craig Cegielski said.

Hurd, Cegielski and GK Film’s Graham King and Tim Headington are executive producers and Valhalla’s Kris Henigman and Ben Roberts will be the company’s creative executives on the series.

GK-tv’s first television series Camelot starring Joseph Fiennes, Jamie Campbell Bower and Eva Green premieres on Starz on Apr 1.