'Dog' Chapman hopes to land television deal
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Duane "Dog" Chapman is pursuing negotiations with a TV network to create a reality show, tentatively called "Beware of The Dog," based on his exploits as a bounty hunter.
Advertiser library photo • July 11, 2003
Chapman, 50, of Honolulu, and Beth Smith, his partner in life and in the venture, said a Hawai'i pilot would be filmed, starting up within the next three weeks.
Hawai'i-based bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman gained fame earlier this year for tracking down and capturing convicted rapist Andrew Luster. Chapman now wants to turn his exploits into a television series.
Smith, co-creator and Chapman's executive assistant, said the pilot is based on the hunt for Andrew Luster, a convicted rapist who was captured by Chapman in Mexico. Although Chapman was later arrested by Mexican authorities for allegedly overstepping his authority on foreign ground, the case garnered "Dog" notoriety and worldwide publicity.
Chris Ender, senior vice president of communications for CBS-TV, said yesterday it's too soon to say whether a reality show about Chapman will get off the ground. "We are in conversations with Mr. Chapman about a potential series," Ender said. "But a formal agreement has not been reached."
Based on information given by another CBS representative, The Advertiser reported on Friday that the project had been turned down by the network, but both Chapman and Ender confirmed that the discussions are continuing.
Chapman said the pilot would use documentary footage already shot in the Luster case and the Hawai'i segments would re-create the progress of his work.
"After the pilot, we want to show how we track the fugitive, how we apprehend," Chapman said. "I often get asked, 'What makes you so brave?' It's not about being brave; I've got this calling. I come (home) to Hawai'i and all bad thoughts disappear; I want (CBS) to show the 'aina, the kama'aina, the mana'o."
