Historical TV drama ‘Killing Kennedy’ to be filmed in Richmond

Published May 1, 2013 by Robert Powell, III

The National Geographic Channel is returning to Richmond to film a historical television drama based on “Killing Kennedy,” a book written by talk show host Bill O’Reilly.

In 2011, the cable television channel filmed another historical drama in Richmond based on O’Reilly’s popular book “Killing Lincoln.” For the latest film, National Geographic Channel again has teamed with Ridley Scott and Los Angeles-based Scott Free Productions, which produced “Killing Lincoln.”

“Killing Kennedy” recounts events surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November 1963.

The film will be eligible for state incentives after production is completed. Casting for the project is under way.

Production of “Killing Lincoln” in Richmond nearly three years ago was overshadowed somewhat by the filming of Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” in Central Virginia at the same time.

The TV drama, however, became the most watched show in the history of National Geographic Channel. It has since aired in 171 countries and 38 languages.

Ridley Scott has produced films such as “Blade Runner” and “Thelma and Louise.”

In addition to “Killing Lincoln,” he previously worked in Virginia as producer of “Hannibal” and “G.I. Jane.”