BBC America has picked up the period drama Copper from Cineflix Studios and executive producers Tom Fontana and Barry Levinson.

The 10-episode series –  BBC America’s first original scripted drama series – is about a young Irish cop at work among immigrant communities in 19th century New York. It was co-created by Fontana and Will Rokos and Cineflix Studios head Christina Wayne is also executive producing.

Copper will start production in fall 2011 in Toronto and bow on BBC America in summer 2012.

“Copper is a great fit for BBC America, capturing the early American multicultural experience in provocative, ground-breaking fashion. In the spirit of great BBC drama it’s brimming with fascinating and complex characters giving us the opportunity to cast the best actors from both sides of the Atlantic,” said Perry Simon, general manager of BBC America, in a statement.

The Copper pickup stateside follows Toronto-based indie producer Cineflix Media branching out from its roots in factual programming to scripted fare.