A new six-part series called Faces of Evil is in the works, shedding light on flawed investigations into notorious killers from both the U.S. and UK. Woodcut Media has been commissioned by A+E Networks EMEA to delve into the twisted tales of individuals such as Dorothea Puente, known as the ‘Death House Landlady,’ and Robert Berdella Jr., the ‘Kansas City Butcher.’
Throughout the series, viewers will witness the intricate details of how Puente managed to deceive everyone into believing she was a harmless elderly woman for years before being charged with nine counts of murder in California. Likewise, Berdella Jr. kidnapped, assaulted, and killed at least six young men in the 1980s before being apprehended by the authorities.
From the UK, the series will reflect on the cases of Billy Dunlop and Russell Bishop, individuals who initially escaped conviction for their involvement in the murders of Julie Hogg, Nicola Fellows, and Karen Hadaway. Despite compelling evidence against them, Dunlop and Bishop eventually faced the consequences of their actions after decades of evading the law.
Each episode will delve into the missteps and flawed procedures that allowed these killers to avoid capture and conviction for so long. It will also highlight the bravery and persistence of those who relentlessly pursued justice, refusing to let these heinous crimes go unpunished.
Woodcut International will be responsible for distributing the series to a global audience, showcasing the relentless efforts of law enforcement and the families of the victims. Executive producers Matthew Gordon and Koulla Anastasi have teamed up with series producer Tracey Moore to bring these compelling stories to the forefront.
Dan Korn, VP of Programming at A+E Networks EMEA, expressed his enthusiasm for partnering with Woodcut Media once again to explore the chilling narratives of killers who managed to evade the authorities. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the progress made in forensic science and the resolution of crimes that were previously left unsolved.
Koulla Anastasi, Commercial Director of Woodcut Media and MD of Woodcut International, highlighted the significance of justice being served in the realm of true crime. She pointed out the advancements in forensics and the increased speed at which crimes are being resolved, underscoring the necessity of producing series like Faces of Evil to bring awareness to these critical issues.
A+E Networks EMEA, a prominent network operating in various regions across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, aims to provide compelling content through channels such as Crime + Investigation, The History Channel, Blaze, and Cosmo TV. With a strong presence in key cities like London, Rome, Madrid, and Johannesburg, the network continues to deliver engaging and thought-provoking programming to its diverse audience.
The true crime industry in the UK faced a significant loss with the passing of producer John Balson earlier this year. Following this tragedy, a television and film welfare association was established to support industry professionals. Woodcut founder Kate Beal’s involvement in the formation of the UK’s Association of True Crime Producers highlights the industry’s response to incidents like the murder of Sarah Everard and the media coverage surrounding Nicola Bulley’s death.
Faces of Evil promises to captivate audiences with its compelling narratives of infamous killers and the relentless pursuit of justice that eventually caught up with them. Through meticulous storytelling and powerful visuals, the series will shed light on the dark and elusive world of criminal investigations, leaving viewers with a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in unraveling the truth behind some of the most notorious crimes in history.
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