Independence Day's Roland Emmerich is to produce a new Lawrence of Arabia miniseries, Digital Spy said.

The six-hour drama event is from FremantleMedia International and will be written by Clive Bradley (Waking the Dead) and Rod Lurie (Straw Dogs).

Lawrence of Arabia will chart the heroic journey of the British Army officer T E Lawrence, who became famous as 'Lawrence of Arabia' owing to his unique role with Arab leaders during World War I.

Lawrence's story was previously dramatised for a 1962 film starring Peter O'Toole and directed by David Lean - the movie won seven Academy Awards and was nominated for three more.

David Ellender, CEO of FremantleMedia International, said: "T E Lawrence was undoubtedly one of the greatest military and political strategists of our time and a stunningly intrepid Englishman who tried to unite the Arab world.

"The heritage of this story is fascinating - beyond the historical element, it's a personal tale of emotional turmoil, identity crisis, conflicting loyalties and individual brilliance."

Fremantle is also working with UK writer/producer Paul Abbott (Shameless) to adapt French hit drama Les Revenants for English audiences.