AMC, which airs hits like Mad Men and Breaking Bad, is reportedly again developing a drama about diamond traders, according to The Hollywood Reporter, with big names behind it: 

The cable network is developing three projects, including a drama set in the world of diamond trading from executive producers Ridley and Tony Scott (The Good Wife).

Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead scribe Kelly Masterson will write and executive produce the untitled diamond project with Scott Free Productions’ president of television David Zucker also on board as an EP.

Now, this does not mean the show will air. AMC did not return a call from JCK but this is apparently the second time the channel has become interested in the industry. In 2008, there was a report it was developing Ice, billed as a “diamond industry Sopranos.” 

I have no idea if this will be a flattering or even honest portrait of the industry, but I am not optimistic, based on prior efforts. (It’s also interesting how Hollywood keeps going to this well, seeing how badly past efforts fared, including the Diamonds miniseries and Blood Diamond movie.)

But it’s almost as if the diamond business has become a punching bag. All the more reason it needs to organize itself to get positive messages out there. 

In the meantime, has anyone from the industry been contacted by the producers? If so, please contact me, or leave a note here. 

Rob Bates

JCK News Director