A new US mini series that has again brought big Hollywood names to Romania is about to premiere on History Channel. Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton star in a historical drama inspired by a famous feud between two families, the Hatfields and the McCoys.

The real action took place in the aftermath of the American Civil War in the Appalachian Mountains, which run south from New England in the east of the US. But the producers chose to film in Romania, attracted by the unspoilt mountain landscapes found in the country, as well as the possibility of using sets built for the 2003 film 'Cold Mountain.' “The Cold Mountain set was there, so there was a tremendous amount of pre-work that we could build on,” said History Channel President and General Manager Nancy Dubuc.

Actor Bill Paxton said, “I was kind of amazed there were so many similarities," when comparing the Romanian locations to the historical site of the action near the Kentucky/West Virginia border. The action was filmed in Transylvania, Arges and at Castel Studio in Snagov.

The crew spent over three months in Romania, during which time Bill Paxton bought a Nicolae Grigorescu painting and Kevin Costner did a gig in a Bucharest club with band Modern West. The six hour mini-series 'Hatfields & McCoys' is currently airing in the US.

The series will premiere on May 28 on History Channel.

Liam Lever, liam@romania-insider.com