'Making a Murderer' documentary makers on the 'epic' story of Steven Avery
By Natalia Jorquera and Davina Fenton
A US documentary series about a convicted murderer is one of the contenders for the Audience Award at this year's TV Bafta awards.
Netflix's "Making a Murderer" focuses on Steven Avery, who is currently serving a life sentence for the 2005 murder of 25-year-old photographer Teresa Halbach.
The 53-year-old's conviction came just two years after his release after serving 18 years behind bars following a wrongful rape conviction.
The 10-part series has attracted an cult international following and prompted much debate and speculation over Avery's conviction, possible police corruption, and whether he was actually framed for a murder he did not commit.
Its makers, Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos, told ITV News they chose its title because of its "ambiguity" amid the many questions surrounding the case.
Ms Davos said the series offers viewers the experience of "being accused" and said it was "really important that people engage with what that's like".
"Every person who's accused of a crime deserves to be treated the same as every other person," she added.
There has been some accusations of bias in the way the Avery case has been portrayed and suggestions that key parts of the case have been missed out in the documentary.
Ken Kratz, former District Attorney of Calumet County and prosecutor in the case, has claimed that "80 to 90 per cent of the physical evidence" that tied Avery to the case was not presented.
When asked about these criticisms, Laura Ricciardi said "we don't find any veracity to these accusations".
"Of course, not all of the evidence could be included, even in a 10-hour series, I think there were more than 900 exhibits in the Halbach case alone.
"The series is not about the Halbach case itself. It's an epic story, it spans 30 years, and it's really an examination of the American criminal justice system at work," she added.
In January, Avery filed a new appeal seeking his release, claiming authorities used an improper search warrant and as a result any evidence found "is clearly fruit of the poisonous tree." The appeal process is still ongoing.
The team have said they are "open to continuing to follow the story" but whether they will "remains to be seen".
The Bafta TV awards will be held in London at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday 8 May.