The BBC has been plunged into crisis after its highest paid anchor has been accused of breaching the broadcaster’s impartiality rules for the second time in less than a year.
Variety understands that BBC director general Tim Davie and head of content Charlotte Moore “dropped everything” on Monday to have an urgent meeting about “Match of the Day” host Gary Lineker’s retweet of a post urging FIFA and the International Olympic Committee to ban Israel from football tournaments.
A BBC spokesperson denied that Davie and Moore had cleared their schedules to discuss the bubbling controversy and declined to confirm whether they had met.
“The Palestinian Football Association calls on @iocmedia, @FIFAcom and all regional and int’l sports bodies to take an urgent stance on Israel’s grave violations of human rights and subject it to legal accountability measures,” read the tweet, which was originally posted by the...
Variety understands that BBC director general Tim Davie and head of content Charlotte Moore “dropped everything” on Monday to have an urgent meeting about “Match of the Day” host Gary Lineker’s retweet of a post urging FIFA and the International Olympic Committee to ban Israel from football tournaments.
A BBC spokesperson denied that Davie and Moore had cleared their schedules to discuss the bubbling controversy and declined to confirm whether they had met.
“The Palestinian Football Association calls on @iocmedia, @FIFAcom and all regional and int’l sports bodies to take an urgent stance on Israel’s grave violations of human rights and subject it to legal accountability measures,” read the tweet, which was originally posted by the...
- 1/17/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
The BBC’s director of content Charlotte Moore has revealed that the British broadcaster is planning to resume filming on Top Gear and EastEnders next month following the coronavirus production shutdown.
In a blog on the BBC website, Moore said production will restart on the BBC Studios car show and soap opera by the end of June, while plans are also being drawn up to resume shoots on other independently-produced shows.
Her commitment to a restart follows Deadline revealing this week that the government has given the green light for TV and film production to resume in the UK as part of its plans to get the country back to work.
“We’ve been looking very carefully at how we can safely put some of our shows back into production, and I’m pleased to announce that we plan to begin filming again on both EastEnders and Top Gear by the end of next month,...
In a blog on the BBC website, Moore said production will restart on the BBC Studios car show and soap opera by the end of June, while plans are also being drawn up to resume shoots on other independently-produced shows.
Her commitment to a restart follows Deadline revealing this week that the government has given the green light for TV and film production to resume in the UK as part of its plans to get the country back to work.
“We’ve been looking very carefully at how we can safely put some of our shows back into production, and I’m pleased to announce that we plan to begin filming again on both EastEnders and Top Gear by the end of next month,...
- 5/14/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has revealed that production on its flagship shows EastEnders and Top Gear will restart in June.
Filming has effectively been on hold on all British TV since lockdown in the U.K. began in late March amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, but BBC director of content Charlotte Moore has now set out a timeframe for the public broadcaster's long-running soap opera and motoring series to begin again.
The return to work will include such precautions as strictly limited crews and others to adhere to all necessary government guidelines.
"We've been looking very carefully at ...
Filming has effectively been on hold on all British TV since lockdown in the U.K. began in late March amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, but BBC director of content Charlotte Moore has now set out a timeframe for the public broadcaster's long-running soap opera and motoring series to begin again.
The return to work will include such precautions as strictly limited crews and others to adhere to all necessary government guidelines.
"We've been looking very carefully at ...
- 5/14/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Steven Knight To Adapt Dickens’ ‘Great Expectations’ In Reteam With BBC/FX, Ridley Scott & Tom Hardy
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is reteaming with his Taboo and A Christmas Carol collaborators on a new adaptation of Charles Dickens classic Great Expectations. Knight will write and executive produce the six-part BBC One/FX limited series that is also exec produced by Ridley Scott, Tom Hardy, Dean Baker, David W Zucker and Kate Crowe.
Great Expectations is the coming-of-age story of an orphan nicknamed Pip. Dickens first released it in a series of weekly chapters beginning in December 1860 before it was subsequently published as a novel. Previous filmed iterations have included a 2012 feature from Mike Newell and a BBC/PBS series in 2011.
Knight is an avowed Dickens fan who told me a couple years back that part of what sets Peaky Blinders apart from other period drama owes something to the author. At the time, he said, “If one were to hope to aspire to do what Dickens...
Great Expectations is the coming-of-age story of an orphan nicknamed Pip. Dickens first released it in a series of weekly chapters beginning in December 1860 before it was subsequently published as a novel. Previous filmed iterations have included a 2012 feature from Mike Newell and a BBC/PBS series in 2011.
Knight is an avowed Dickens fan who told me a couple years back that part of what sets Peaky Blinders apart from other period drama owes something to the author. At the time, he said, “If one were to hope to aspire to do what Dickens...
- 5/13/2020
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Steven Knight, Ridley Scott and Tom Hardy will adapt Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” as a limited series for FX and BBC, the networks announced Wednesday.
One of Dickens’ most memorable works, “Great Expectations” is the coming-of-age story of an orphan nicknamed Pip. Dickens first released it in a series of weekly chapters beginning in December 1860 before it was subsequently published as a novel.
No stars are currently attached to the FX and BBC limited series, but casting is set to begin soon.
Knight will write the six-part adaptation and executive produce alongside Ridley Scott, Tom Hardy, Dean Baker, David W. Zucker, Kate Crowe and Mona Qureshi for the BBC. Marina Brackenbury serves as co-executive producer.
The series hails from FX Productions in association with the BBC, Scott Free and Hardy Son & Baker.
Also Read: 'A Christmas Carol' Trailer: Guy Pearce Has an Extremely Un-Merry Holiday in FX's Dickens...
One of Dickens’ most memorable works, “Great Expectations” is the coming-of-age story of an orphan nicknamed Pip. Dickens first released it in a series of weekly chapters beginning in December 1860 before it was subsequently published as a novel.
No stars are currently attached to the FX and BBC limited series, but casting is set to begin soon.
Knight will write the six-part adaptation and executive produce alongside Ridley Scott, Tom Hardy, Dean Baker, David W. Zucker, Kate Crowe and Mona Qureshi for the BBC. Marina Brackenbury serves as co-executive producer.
The series hails from FX Productions in association with the BBC, Scott Free and Hardy Son & Baker.
Also Read: 'A Christmas Carol' Trailer: Guy Pearce Has an Extremely Un-Merry Holiday in FX's Dickens...
- 5/13/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Last year, the BBC and FX gave us a macabre three-part retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol from the imagination of one of the UK’s leading screenwriters, Steven Knight. That was just the beginning. A second Dickens adaptation is now on its way from Knight, and judging from the comments of one BBC boss, there’ll be more where that came from.
Dickens’ Great Expectations is next up from the Peaky Blinders creator. Knight is writing and executive-producing a six-episode adaptation of the classic novel for BBC One and FX, to be made by the same UK-us collaboration involving Ridley Scott and Tom Hardy’s production companies.
Published in weekly instalments from December 1860, Great Expectations is famously the story of orphan Pip, who as a child has a pivotal encounter with an escaped prisoner before rising up through society’s ranks. It’s a coming-of-age tale about class and youthful pride,...
Dickens’ Great Expectations is next up from the Peaky Blinders creator. Knight is writing and executive-producing a six-episode adaptation of the classic novel for BBC One and FX, to be made by the same UK-us collaboration involving Ridley Scott and Tom Hardy’s production companies.
Published in weekly instalments from December 1860, Great Expectations is famously the story of orphan Pip, who as a child has a pivotal encounter with an escaped prisoner before rising up through society’s ranks. It’s a coming-of-age tale about class and youthful pride,...
- 5/13/2020
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
“Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight is to pen a six-part adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel “Great Expectations” for the BBC and FX, with Ridley Scott and Tom Hardy on board as executive producers.
“Great Expectations” is the second Dickens adaptation penned by Knight, following BBC and FX’s three-part series “A Christmas Carol.”
Knight will write and executive produce “Great Expectations” (6 x 60′), which will also be executive produced by Scott, Hardy, Dean Baker, David W. Zucker, Kate Crowe and Mona Qureshi for the BBC — the same team behind “A Christmas Carol.”
“Great Expectations” will be produced by FX Productions in association with the BBC, Scott’s production banner Scott Free and Hardy’s production outfit Hardy Son & Baker.
“Great Expectations” is the coming-of-age story of orphan Pip. The novel has been brought to the screen many times before, including as feature adaptations by directors Mike Newell in 2012 (pictured), Alfonso Cuarón...
“Great Expectations” is the second Dickens adaptation penned by Knight, following BBC and FX’s three-part series “A Christmas Carol.”
Knight will write and executive produce “Great Expectations” (6 x 60′), which will also be executive produced by Scott, Hardy, Dean Baker, David W. Zucker, Kate Crowe and Mona Qureshi for the BBC — the same team behind “A Christmas Carol.”
“Great Expectations” will be produced by FX Productions in association with the BBC, Scott’s production banner Scott Free and Hardy’s production outfit Hardy Son & Baker.
“Great Expectations” is the coming-of-age story of orphan Pip. The novel has been brought to the screen many times before, including as feature adaptations by directors Mike Newell in 2012 (pictured), Alfonso Cuarón...
- 5/13/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Four channel editor Cassian Harrison is to move over to BBC Studios to work on creating programming for its global services.
Harrison joins BBC Studios on a nine-month attachment as senior VP of commissioning and content for global services. He will report into Paul Dempsey’s global distribution division.
BBC Two controller Patrick Holland will cover BBC Four during Harrison’s absence.
Harrison will work on the creation and distribution of original programming for digital services that BBC Studios owns and operates around the world.
BBC Studios runs a number of linear and digital services around the world including BBC Earth, BBC Brit and BBC First and a digital service, BBC Player, in Singapore and Malaysia.
At factual channel BBC Four, Harrison has backed programming ranging from the Slow TV initiative to “The Secret Life of Landfill” and “British History’s Biggest Fibs” to the acclaimed “Bros: After the...
Harrison joins BBC Studios on a nine-month attachment as senior VP of commissioning and content for global services. He will report into Paul Dempsey’s global distribution division.
BBC Two controller Patrick Holland will cover BBC Four during Harrison’s absence.
Harrison will work on the creation and distribution of original programming for digital services that BBC Studios owns and operates around the world.
BBC Studios runs a number of linear and digital services around the world including BBC Earth, BBC Brit and BBC First and a digital service, BBC Player, in Singapore and Malaysia.
At factual channel BBC Four, Harrison has backed programming ranging from the Slow TV initiative to “The Secret Life of Landfill” and “British History’s Biggest Fibs” to the acclaimed “Bros: After the...
- 5/4/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Four channel editor Cassian Harrison is stepping down after seven years to take on a nine-month attachment commissioning for BBC Studios’ international TV channels including BBC Earth and BBC Brit.
Harrison will this month become the senior vice president of commissioning and content global services, reporting to Paul Dempsey, BBC Studios’ president of global distribution.
BBC Two controller Patrick Holland will cover for Harrison during his attachment. The BBC currently expects him to return once his spell at BBC Studios is complete.
BBC Studios CEO Tim Davie said: “Cassian’s extensive experience and excellent track record in creating and commissioning great British television will help supercharge our offering to international viewers as we look to take the premium, original content for which the BBC is world-renowned, to an even wider global audience.”
Harrison pioneered slow TV during his time with BBC Four and commissioned films including Bros: After The Screaming Stops.
Harrison will this month become the senior vice president of commissioning and content global services, reporting to Paul Dempsey, BBC Studios’ president of global distribution.
BBC Two controller Patrick Holland will cover for Harrison during his attachment. The BBC currently expects him to return once his spell at BBC Studios is complete.
BBC Studios CEO Tim Davie said: “Cassian’s extensive experience and excellent track record in creating and commissioning great British television will help supercharge our offering to international viewers as we look to take the premium, original content for which the BBC is world-renowned, to an even wider global audience.”
Harrison pioneered slow TV during his time with BBC Four and commissioned films including Bros: After The Screaming Stops.
- 5/4/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
British television production went on an indefinite hiatus in the middle of March as the United Kingdom went into lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic. The UK is set reevaluate its lockdown measures by May 7, but the production suspension has the BBC worried about an eventual lack of new programming. Should the production of television shows continue to be suspended, the BBC will face giant programming gaps that it might not be able to afford.
During a virtual discussion at the Edinburgh Television Festival, BBC head of drama commissioning Piers Wenger said the company is considering a drastic idea to get television production up and running by quarantining entire casts and crews together (via The Guardian). Wenger said crew quarantines would allow “actors to interact in the same space” without the health risks of members coming and going from set.
The Guardian reports: “Wenger accepted that asking high-profile stars to spend...
During a virtual discussion at the Edinburgh Television Festival, BBC head of drama commissioning Piers Wenger said the company is considering a drastic idea to get television production up and running by quarantining entire casts and crews together (via The Guardian). Wenger said crew quarantines would allow “actors to interact in the same space” without the health risks of members coming and going from set.
The Guardian reports: “Wenger accepted that asking high-profile stars to spend...
- 4/30/2020
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
The BBC has set out plans to find additional savings of £125M ($156M) this year after making clear that its fixed licence fee income does not mean it is immune to the coronavirus crisis.
The licence fee generates £3.7B ($4.6B) for the BBC, but the British broadcaster’s commercial arm, BBC Studios, has taken a revenue hit during the pandemic, and the corporation has pledged to continue funding free TV licences for people over the age of 75.
The financial damage was outlined internally by director general Tony Hall on Wednesday and reinforced in an email to staff on Thursday from group managing director Bob Shennan.
“We’re not immune from the challenges faced by economies and businesses around the world,” Shennan said. “We’re getting less money from the licence fee, while our commercial operations are bringing in less revenue too. We are doing everything we can to protect our income,...
The licence fee generates £3.7B ($4.6B) for the BBC, but the British broadcaster’s commercial arm, BBC Studios, has taken a revenue hit during the pandemic, and the corporation has pledged to continue funding free TV licences for people over the age of 75.
The financial damage was outlined internally by director general Tony Hall on Wednesday and reinforced in an email to staff on Thursday from group managing director Bob Shennan.
“We’re not immune from the challenges faced by economies and businesses around the world,” Shennan said. “We’re getting less money from the licence fee, while our commercial operations are bringing in less revenue too. We are doing everything we can to protect our income,...
- 4/30/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
A shortage of scripted drama due to coronavirus restrictions will lead to more partnerships between broadcasters and SVODs “to share the goods around,” according to the BBC’s controller of drama Piers Wenger.
Speaking as part of an online Q&a organized by the Edinburgh International TV Festival, Wenger said that new scripted content is going to be thin on the ground because so many shoots have been canceled during the pandemic.
“I have spent a lot of time on Zoom to my counterparts in the U.S. — whether (that’s) HBO, Hulu, AMC or some of the SVODs — and those big platforms are in an arms race. They want titles; they need to keep restocking their platforms,” says Wenger.
Though there has been significant hand-wringing in the U.K. in recent years about an eventual end to the co-production model between broadcasters and global streamers, Wenger assures this period...
Speaking as part of an online Q&a organized by the Edinburgh International TV Festival, Wenger said that new scripted content is going to be thin on the ground because so many shoots have been canceled during the pandemic.
“I have spent a lot of time on Zoom to my counterparts in the U.S. — whether (that’s) HBO, Hulu, AMC or some of the SVODs — and those big platforms are in an arms race. They want titles; they need to keep restocking their platforms,” says Wenger.
Though there has been significant hand-wringing in the U.K. in recent years about an eventual end to the co-production model between broadcasters and global streamers, Wenger assures this period...
- 4/28/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
Jodie Comer, Martin Freeman, Tamsin Greig, Kristin Scott Thomas and Imelda Staunton are among the stars lined up for new BBC One adaptations of playwright Alan Bennett’s acclaimed “Talking Heads” monologues, which start filming Tuesday.
Ten of the original pieces are being remade, having first aired on BBC Television in 1988 and 1998, winning two BAFTA awards. Two new monologues, written by Bennett last year, are also being filmed.
The contained nature of Bennett’s monologues means they are one of the very few dramas that can be produced while following guidelines on safe working practices during Covid-19. Filming is taking place at BBC Elstree Studios using existing sets.
They are produced by former National Theatre artistic director Nicholas Hytner’s London Theatre Company and ‘The Personal History of David Copperfield’ producer Kevin Loader.
Lead director Hytner, whose film credits include “The Madness of King George” and “The History Boys,” said:...
Ten of the original pieces are being remade, having first aired on BBC Television in 1988 and 1998, winning two BAFTA awards. Two new monologues, written by Bennett last year, are also being filmed.
The contained nature of Bennett’s monologues means they are one of the very few dramas that can be produced while following guidelines on safe working practices during Covid-19. Filming is taking place at BBC Elstree Studios using existing sets.
They are produced by former National Theatre artistic director Nicholas Hytner’s London Theatre Company and ‘The Personal History of David Copperfield’ producer Kevin Loader.
Lead director Hytner, whose film credits include “The Madness of King George” and “The History Boys,” said:...
- 4/28/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
Britain’s top television executives will be questioned on the coronavirus crisis during a series of live Zoom interviews that form part of the reimagined online Edinburgh TV Festival.
Starting from April 27, the festival’s creative director Stewart Clarke will sit down with BBC director of content Charlotte Moore, ITV director of television Kevin Lygo, Channel 4 director of programs Ian Katz, Viacom International Media Networks’ UK director of programs Ben Frow and Sky’s managing director of content Zai Bennett.
Also taking part in the interviews will be UKTV’s director of commissioning Richard Watsham and BBC Two controller Patrick Holland. Later interviews will take place with the bosses of...
Starting from April 27, the festival’s creative director Stewart Clarke will sit down with BBC director of content Charlotte Moore, ITV director of television Kevin Lygo, Channel 4 director of programs Ian Katz, Viacom International Media Networks’ UK director of programs Ben Frow and Sky’s managing director of content Zai Bennett.
Also taking part in the interviews will be UKTV’s director of commissioning Richard Watsham and BBC Two controller Patrick Holland. Later interviews will take place with the bosses of...
- 4/21/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Scheduling is a dark art at the best of times, but in a global pandemic, the role becomes a Herculean task for broadcasters around the world.
Lockdowns in the U.K., France, Italy and Spain — the four hardest-hit countries in Europe — have proven a boon for broadcasters, who can play to captive audiences, provided they have the pipeline to fill their slots.
With a complete shutdown of all live sports and the cancellation of other major cultural and broadcast events, such as the Olympics, Euro 2020, Glastonbury music festival and the Tour de France, how are schedulers strategizing to fill the voids in their schedules?
Variety spoke to scheduling bosses at major public and commercial broadcasters across Italy, U.K., France and Spain about their gameplans — or lack thereof.
Italy: Rai Turns to the God
As soon as the pandemic broke, the first thing Stefano Coletta, chief of public broadcaster Rai...
Lockdowns in the U.K., France, Italy and Spain — the four hardest-hit countries in Europe — have proven a boon for broadcasters, who can play to captive audiences, provided they have the pipeline to fill their slots.
With a complete shutdown of all live sports and the cancellation of other major cultural and broadcast events, such as the Olympics, Euro 2020, Glastonbury music festival and the Tour de France, how are schedulers strategizing to fill the voids in their schedules?
Variety spoke to scheduling bosses at major public and commercial broadcasters across Italy, U.K., France and Spain about their gameplans — or lack thereof.
Italy: Rai Turns to the God
As soon as the pandemic broke, the first thing Stefano Coletta, chief of public broadcaster Rai...
- 4/17/2020
- by Tim Dams, Nick Vivarelli, Elsa Keslassy and John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: BBC Studios CEO Tim Davie is increasingly being talked about as the candidate to beat in the race to replace Tony Hall as director general of the BBC.
Deadline has spoken to several sources familiar with the recruitment process and a consensus is emerging around Davie as the frontrunner, even though the BBC is some way off crowning a successor to Hall.
Deadline hears that BBC chairman Sir David Clementi is yet to begin formal interviews for the role, but sources say the field of candidates has narrowed further in recent days and Davie is confident in his credentials.
Three other...
Deadline has spoken to several sources familiar with the recruitment process and a consensus is emerging around Davie as the frontrunner, even though the BBC is some way off crowning a successor to Hall.
Deadline hears that BBC chairman Sir David Clementi is yet to begin formal interviews for the role, but sources say the field of candidates has narrowed further in recent days and Davie is confident in his credentials.
Three other...
- 4/9/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has announced plans to host a coronavirus telethon on April 23, bringing together its two charity partners, Comic Relief and Children In Need, for the first time.
Produced by BBC Studios, The Big Night In will go live for three hours on BBC One and aims to cheer up the nation by spotlighting stories of kindness, humor and hope during the catastrophic coronavirus pandemic.
Along the way, the show will invite donations which will go towards vulnerable people who have been impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Comic Relief and Children In Need will funnel the cash to local charities on the frontline.
The BBC said the show would be star-studded,...
Produced by BBC Studios, The Big Night In will go live for three hours on BBC One and aims to cheer up the nation by spotlighting stories of kindness, humor and hope during the catastrophic coronavirus pandemic.
Along the way, the show will invite donations which will go towards vulnerable people who have been impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Comic Relief and Children In Need will funnel the cash to local charities on the frontline.
The BBC said the show would be star-studded,...
- 4/7/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC is to air a special fund-raising entertainment show, “The Big Night In,” on April 23, which will put a spotlight on the work of those battling with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and provide some showbiz relief to lift the spirits of the Brits under lockdown.
Funds raised through the three-hour show will be split equally between the BBC’s biggest charitable partners, BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief. They will use the funds to “provide essential support to local charities, projects and programs across the U.K. to help those most in need,” according to a statement from the broadcaster.
The star-studded live show, to be carried on the flagship channel BBC One, will be produced by BBC Studios Entertainment. It will “offer some light relief and entertainment, whilst celebrating and rewarding those going the extra mile to support their communities in these troubled times,” the BBC said.
Funds raised through the three-hour show will be split equally between the BBC’s biggest charitable partners, BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief. They will use the funds to “provide essential support to local charities, projects and programs across the U.K. to help those most in need,” according to a statement from the broadcaster.
The star-studded live show, to be carried on the flagship channel BBC One, will be produced by BBC Studios Entertainment. It will “offer some light relief and entertainment, whilst celebrating and rewarding those going the extra mile to support their communities in these troubled times,” the BBC said.
- 4/7/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
The BBC has unveiled a package of measures to help bolster a U.K. independent production sector that’s struggling amid the coronavirus lockdown.
British producers, like their counterparts worldwide, have been hard hit amid delayed and canceled shoots caused by the coronavirus crisis.
A new five-point plan by the BBC to “back the broadcasting industry at this difficult time” includes doubling its investment in its Small Indie Fund, supercharging development and investment in archive rights.
Firstly, the corporation said it would work closely with production companies on current projects that have been disrupted, to find supportive solutions wherever possible. The BBC said this will include being flexible around delivery, and varying cash flow as appropriate on a title-by-title basis.
The BBC also said it will invest more money in development over the next few months to focus on both short and long-term opportunities.
Investment in its Small Indie Fund,...
British producers, like their counterparts worldwide, have been hard hit amid delayed and canceled shoots caused by the coronavirus crisis.
A new five-point plan by the BBC to “back the broadcasting industry at this difficult time” includes doubling its investment in its Small Indie Fund, supercharging development and investment in archive rights.
Firstly, the corporation said it would work closely with production companies on current projects that have been disrupted, to find supportive solutions wherever possible. The BBC said this will include being flexible around delivery, and varying cash flow as appropriate on a title-by-title basis.
The BBC also said it will invest more money in development over the next few months to focus on both short and long-term opportunities.
Investment in its Small Indie Fund,...
- 4/6/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
The BBC has outlined its plan of action for assisting the UK production community through the coronavirus pandemic, which has ripped through the industry halting filming on most major TV shows.
The BBC is in a unique position given that its funding is guaranteed by the licence fee, and it is keen to show that it is using this position of relative stability to support program makers around the country. Its five-point plan is as follows: Supporting producers with shuttered shows: The BBC said it would be flexible about delivery times and will offer cash flow solutions on a “title-by-title basis.
The BBC is in a unique position given that its funding is guaranteed by the licence fee, and it is keen to show that it is using this position of relative stability to support program makers around the country. Its five-point plan is as follows: Supporting producers with shuttered shows: The BBC said it would be flexible about delivery times and will offer cash flow solutions on a “title-by-title basis.
- 4/6/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC will donate £700,000 to the U.K.’s Film and TV Charity in support of coronavirus relief.
The donation is aimed at those out of work because of halted production caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on freelance workers.
Around £500,000 will go to the London-based charity’s new Film and TV Covid-19 Emergency Relief Fund, in partnership with the British Film Institute, that was set up earlier this week with a £1 million ($1.2 million) donation from Netflix.
A further £200,000 will go towards the charity’s two-year mental health action plan, known as the Whole Picture Programme, to address the widespread issues found in research released by the charity earlier this year.
The BBC has also joined the industry-led Film and TV Taskforce on Mental Health.
The funds will be drawn from the BBC’s commercial production and distribution arm, BBC Studios, with contributions from public service commissioning teams,...
The donation is aimed at those out of work because of halted production caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on freelance workers.
Around £500,000 will go to the London-based charity’s new Film and TV Covid-19 Emergency Relief Fund, in partnership with the British Film Institute, that was set up earlier this week with a £1 million ($1.2 million) donation from Netflix.
A further £200,000 will go towards the charity’s two-year mental health action plan, known as the Whole Picture Programme, to address the widespread issues found in research released by the charity earlier this year.
The BBC has also joined the industry-led Film and TV Taskforce on Mental Health.
The funds will be drawn from the BBC’s commercial production and distribution arm, BBC Studios, with contributions from public service commissioning teams,...
- 3/27/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Unprecedented times call for innovative measures and U.K. public service broadcasters are exploring a range of means to keep a nation in lockdown engaged.
The BBC’s extremely popular “The Graham Norton Show,” for example, will be filmed at the host’s (pictured) home for the first time in its 13-year history with virtual guests, rather than in a studio setting with an audience.
Speaking to Variety, BBC director of content Charlotte Moore describes “an ever moving challenge in trying to work out how to keep our services going.”
“We want to make sure we keep as much of our services going for people. Because, obviously, the need to feel connected, to feel you have information that is relevant to your local area when people are isolated either as families or on their own (is important). Particularly (for) our elderly audience, we need to really make sure that they understand what’s going on,...
The BBC’s extremely popular “The Graham Norton Show,” for example, will be filmed at the host’s (pictured) home for the first time in its 13-year history with virtual guests, rather than in a studio setting with an audience.
Speaking to Variety, BBC director of content Charlotte Moore describes “an ever moving challenge in trying to work out how to keep our services going.”
“We want to make sure we keep as much of our services going for people. Because, obviously, the need to feel connected, to feel you have information that is relevant to your local area when people are isolated either as families or on their own (is important). Particularly (for) our elderly audience, we need to really make sure that they understand what’s going on,...
- 3/26/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The BBC has declared its commitment to being the “primary incubator of story-telling talent in the UK”.
The BBC has declared its commitment to being the “primary incubator of story-telling talent in the UK” by commissioning a quartet of first-time TV writers, along with another Sally Rooney adaptation.
Drama controller Piers Wenger revealed a single film adaptation of Kit de Waal’s My Name Is Leon written by The Last Tree director Shola Amoo, revolving around a mixed-race boy growing up in 1980s Britain. It is directed by Kibwe Tavares (a Screen Star of Tomorrow in 2012) and is being produced...
The BBC has declared its commitment to being the “primary incubator of story-telling talent in the UK” by commissioning a quartet of first-time TV writers, along with another Sally Rooney adaptation.
Drama controller Piers Wenger revealed a single film adaptation of Kit de Waal’s My Name Is Leon written by The Last Tree director Shola Amoo, revolving around a mixed-race boy growing up in 1980s Britain. It is directed by Kibwe Tavares (a Screen Star of Tomorrow in 2012) and is being produced...
- 2/25/2020
- by 1101315¦Max Goldbart Broadcast¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: BBC One’s gripping missing persons drama Baptiste is to return for a second, and potentially final season, with Killing Eve star Fiona Shaw joining the cast.
The six-part series, made by Fleabag producer Two Brothers Pictures, follows retired detective Julien Baptiste (Tchéky Karyo) as he delves into Budapest’s corrupt underworld in an attempt to find a British Ambassador’s family, who go missing on a skiing holiday in the Hungarian mountains.
Ambassador Emma Chambers is played by Shaw, a character who is thrust into the crosshairs of Baptiste’s most complex case to date, as the detective navigates an untrustworthy Hungarian police force and international media interest as he hunts for her husband and two sons.
Harry and Jack Williams, writers and managing directors of Two Brothers Pictures, said the second season will pay homage to The Missing, the BBC drama from which the character of Baptiste originated,...
The six-part series, made by Fleabag producer Two Brothers Pictures, follows retired detective Julien Baptiste (Tchéky Karyo) as he delves into Budapest’s corrupt underworld in an attempt to find a British Ambassador’s family, who go missing on a skiing holiday in the Hungarian mountains.
Ambassador Emma Chambers is played by Shaw, a character who is thrust into the crosshairs of Baptiste’s most complex case to date, as the detective navigates an untrustworthy Hungarian police force and international media interest as he hunts for her husband and two sons.
Harry and Jack Williams, writers and managing directors of Two Brothers Pictures, said the second season will pay homage to The Missing, the BBC drama from which the character of Baptiste originated,...
- 1/22/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC insiders have voiced surprise at the timing of Tony Hall’s decision to step down as director general, but focus is already shifting to his successor’s enormous task of fighting the invasion of the U.S. streamers.
Three senior insiders told Deadline that they had expected Hall to remain in post until 2022, when the BBC celebrates its 100th anniversary. It’s a milestone Hall has often signposted in speeches and preparations are already underway to mark the occasion on television and radio.
But something changed, and at the turn of the year, Hall began signaling his plans to step down to his closest allies at the BBC. Hall will serve his six-month notice period, giving BBC chairman Sir David Clementi time to appoint his successor after seven years in the top job.
Hall has provided two reasons for his change of heart. Firstly, he has accepted a new...
Three senior insiders told Deadline that they had expected Hall to remain in post until 2022, when the BBC celebrates its 100th anniversary. It’s a milestone Hall has often signposted in speeches and preparations are already underway to mark the occasion on television and radio.
But something changed, and at the turn of the year, Hall began signaling his plans to step down to his closest allies at the BBC. Hall will serve his six-month notice period, giving BBC chairman Sir David Clementi time to appoint his successor after seven years in the top job.
Hall has provided two reasons for his change of heart. Firstly, he has accepted a new...
- 1/20/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC director general Tony Hall has been appointed chair of the board of trustees of the National Gallery.
The executive, who has served on the Gallery’s board since November, takes over as chair from Sir John Kingman, who has been interim chair since Hannah Rothschild stood down from the role in September.
Hall said: “The National Gallery houses the greatest collection of paintings – not just in the UK – but the world. It is a hugely important cultural asset for the country and for the many people who visit from across the globe.
“I am proud to take on the role of its chair. The National Gallery isn’t just about serving those who already love art, but reaching a wider audience and future generations.
“The National Gallery is one of our finest institutions and I look forward to working with Gabriele Finaldi, the Trustees, and the wider team, to ensure its continued success.
The executive, who has served on the Gallery’s board since November, takes over as chair from Sir John Kingman, who has been interim chair since Hannah Rothschild stood down from the role in September.
Hall said: “The National Gallery houses the greatest collection of paintings – not just in the UK – but the world. It is a hugely important cultural asset for the country and for the many people who visit from across the globe.
“I am proud to take on the role of its chair. The National Gallery isn’t just about serving those who already love art, but reaching a wider audience and future generations.
“The National Gallery is one of our finest institutions and I look forward to working with Gabriele Finaldi, the Trustees, and the wider team, to ensure its continued success.
- 1/20/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Tony Hall announced his shock decision to stand down as BBC director general on Monday, sparking what is likely to be a six-month race to be his successor. A job advert is already being prepared by the BBC board and prospective candidates will likely be dusting off their resumes for one of the most prestigious roles in British media.
Whoever prospers will walk into the BBC’s headquarters in central London to a bulging in-tray of priorities. Hall’s successor will have to negotiate the BBC’s future funding and operating agreement with, what appears to be, a hostile government, emboldened by Boris Johnson’s thumping election win last year.
Other priorities include building on Hall’s legacy of launching BBC Studios as a commercial entity, developing radio, music and podcast app BBC Sounds, and cleaning up a messy equal pay dispute that has become a protracted and toxic problem under the current director general.
Whoever prospers will walk into the BBC’s headquarters in central London to a bulging in-tray of priorities. Hall’s successor will have to negotiate the BBC’s future funding and operating agreement with, what appears to be, a hostile government, emboldened by Boris Johnson’s thumping election win last year.
Other priorities include building on Hall’s legacy of launching BBC Studios as a commercial entity, developing radio, music and podcast app BBC Sounds, and cleaning up a messy equal pay dispute that has become a protracted and toxic problem under the current director general.
- 1/20/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
As the U.K. industry reacts to news of Tony Hall’s intention to depart the BBC this July, top-level executives including Charlotte Moore and Tim Davie as well as external contenders such as Channel 4’s Alex Mahon are beginning to emerge.
Variety understands that Lord Hall, who has headed the BBC for seven years as director general, has been intending to leave the corporation for some time with a 2020 date in his sights since last year, though most in the industry expected him to depart following the BBC’s centenary in 2022. He is understood to be leaving for another role that is outside the broadcasting world.
Industry insiders tell Variety that with Hall’s departure, the “time is right for a woman” to lead the BBC. Moore, who currently serves as director of content for the corporation, is emerging as the primary frontrunner for the top job.
If given the role,...
Variety understands that Lord Hall, who has headed the BBC for seven years as director general, has been intending to leave the corporation for some time with a 2020 date in his sights since last year, though most in the industry expected him to depart following the BBC’s centenary in 2022. He is understood to be leaving for another role that is outside the broadcasting world.
Industry insiders tell Variety that with Hall’s departure, the “time is right for a woman” to lead the BBC. Moore, who currently serves as director of content for the corporation, is emerging as the primary frontrunner for the top job.
If given the role,...
- 1/20/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
A new BBC show will explore the origins and stories of mythical creatures in J.K. Rowling’s “Fantastic Beasts” and explore their connections with animals roaming the planet today.
“Fantastic Beasts: A Natural History” (working title) has been greenlit by the BBC and the U.K. pubcaster has pacted with Warner Bros., which makes the “Fantastic Beasts” movies. They are working with London’s iconic Natural History Museum, which is preparing “Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder Of Nature,” a soon-to-open exhibition that will use creatures from the “Harry Potter” universe to shine a light on real-life incredible animals.
Stephen Fry will host the BBC special. The British actor and presenter is familiar with the Wizarding World, having narrated the “Harry Potter” audiobooks.
The TV show is being made by the BBC’s Natural History Unit and Warner Bros Entertainment U.K. The producers said it will look at creatures, mythical and real,...
“Fantastic Beasts: A Natural History” (working title) has been greenlit by the BBC and the U.K. pubcaster has pacted with Warner Bros., which makes the “Fantastic Beasts” movies. They are working with London’s iconic Natural History Museum, which is preparing “Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder Of Nature,” a soon-to-open exhibition that will use creatures from the “Harry Potter” universe to shine a light on real-life incredible animals.
Stephen Fry will host the BBC special. The British actor and presenter is familiar with the Wizarding World, having narrated the “Harry Potter” audiobooks.
The TV show is being made by the BBC’s Natural History Unit and Warner Bros Entertainment U.K. The producers said it will look at creatures, mythical and real,...
- 1/8/2020
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
The BBC, Warner Bros, and the UK’s Natural History Museum are partnering on an hour-long documentary that will explore the connections between Jk Rowling’s mythical Fantastic Beasts creatures and real animals that have roamed Earth.
Narrated by Stephen Fry and made by BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit, Fantastic Beasts: A Natural History (working title) will take viewers into the Natural History Museum, drawing parallels between creatures like the extinct wooly rhino and the Erumpent, a magical beast from the world of Harry Potter.
The documentary will also feature the Natural History Museum’s exhibition, titled Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder Of Nature, which opens in spring this year.
BBC director of content Charlotte Moore said: “The BBC is world-renowned for its amazing natural history programming and it is a delight to bring the natural world and wizarding world together on BBC One.”
Josh Berger, president and managing director of...
Narrated by Stephen Fry and made by BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit, Fantastic Beasts: A Natural History (working title) will take viewers into the Natural History Museum, drawing parallels between creatures like the extinct wooly rhino and the Erumpent, a magical beast from the world of Harry Potter.
The documentary will also feature the Natural History Museum’s exhibition, titled Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder Of Nature, which opens in spring this year.
BBC director of content Charlotte Moore said: “The BBC is world-renowned for its amazing natural history programming and it is a delight to bring the natural world and wizarding world together on BBC One.”
Josh Berger, president and managing director of...
- 1/8/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. broadcasters and producers have toasted the success of British talent at the Golden Globes.
With numerous wins on Sunday night, including multiple victories for Sam Mendes’ WWI movie “1917,” and TV series “Succession” and “Fleabag,” the Brits featured heavily in the roster of winners. Other British winners on the night included Taron Egerton, who scooped best actor for his portrayal of Elton John in “Rocketman.”
While Phoebe Waller-Bridge thanked Barack Obama in her acceptance speech, the BBC’s head of content, Charlotte Moore, paid tribute to the “Fleabag” star. Moore also hailed Renee Zellweger for her turn as late-career Judy Garland in BBC Films-backed “Judy.”
“An incredible night for the hugely talented Phoebe Waller-Bridge and BBC Comedy’s hit series ‘Fleabag’ on the global stage at the Golden Globes, alongside Renee Zellweger’s star turn in BBC Films’ ‘Judy,'” said Moore, one of the most powerful figures in British TV.
With numerous wins on Sunday night, including multiple victories for Sam Mendes’ WWI movie “1917,” and TV series “Succession” and “Fleabag,” the Brits featured heavily in the roster of winners. Other British winners on the night included Taron Egerton, who scooped best actor for his portrayal of Elton John in “Rocketman.”
While Phoebe Waller-Bridge thanked Barack Obama in her acceptance speech, the BBC’s head of content, Charlotte Moore, paid tribute to the “Fleabag” star. Moore also hailed Renee Zellweger for her turn as late-career Judy Garland in BBC Films-backed “Judy.”
“An incredible night for the hugely talented Phoebe Waller-Bridge and BBC Comedy’s hit series ‘Fleabag’ on the global stage at the Golden Globes, alongside Renee Zellweger’s star turn in BBC Films’ ‘Judy,'” said Moore, one of the most powerful figures in British TV.
- 1/6/2020
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
British TV and film executives woke up to news of another American awards show dominated by their compatriots, who can lay claim to winning 40% of the Golden Globes on Sunday night.
Ten of the evening’s 25 prizes at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards went to television shows and movies spearheaded by British talent, with projects including 1917 and Fleabag winning big. It comes after Brits were involved in 13 of the 27 Emmy Awards in September.
Here is how people are reacting over in the UK:
BBC director of content Charlotte Moore hailed the success of Fleabag, which was originally commissioned by online channel BBC Three. The show won Best TV Series – Comedy, while Phoebe Waller-Bridge took home Best Actress TV Series – Comedy. “An incredible night for the hugely talented Phoebe Waller-Bridge and BBC comedy’s hit series Fleabag on the global stage at the Golden Globes, alongside Renee Zellweger’s star turn in BBC Films’ Judy,...
Ten of the evening’s 25 prizes at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards went to television shows and movies spearheaded by British talent, with projects including 1917 and Fleabag winning big. It comes after Brits were involved in 13 of the 27 Emmy Awards in September.
Here is how people are reacting over in the UK:
BBC director of content Charlotte Moore hailed the success of Fleabag, which was originally commissioned by online channel BBC Three. The show won Best TV Series – Comedy, while Phoebe Waller-Bridge took home Best Actress TV Series – Comedy. “An incredible night for the hugely talented Phoebe Waller-Bridge and BBC comedy’s hit series Fleabag on the global stage at the Golden Globes, alongside Renee Zellweger’s star turn in BBC Films’ Judy,...
- 1/6/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Amazon has partnered with the BBC on a British comedy drama created by The Office co-creator Stephen Merchant and Mayans M.C. co-creator Elgin James.
The Svod service and the British public broadcaster have ordered crime thriller-meets-state-of-the-nation commentary The Offenders (w/t) from Mum producer Big Talk and Merchant’s Four Eyes. It is the latest co-production between Amazon Studios and the BBC, which have previously partnered on Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s award-winning Fleabag and Steve McQueen’s drama Small Axe.
The six-part series, which consists of hour-long episodes, follows seven strangers from different walks of life forced together to complete a community payback sentence in Bristol. Although they seem like archetypes, they should not be pigeon-holed. As their unlikely new friendships intersect with their complicated private lives, the group must unite to protect one of their own from Bristol’s most dangerous criminal gang.
Merchant, who also created and...
The Svod service and the British public broadcaster have ordered crime thriller-meets-state-of-the-nation commentary The Offenders (w/t) from Mum producer Big Talk and Merchant’s Four Eyes. It is the latest co-production between Amazon Studios and the BBC, which have previously partnered on Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s award-winning Fleabag and Steve McQueen’s drama Small Axe.
The six-part series, which consists of hour-long episodes, follows seven strangers from different walks of life forced together to complete a community payback sentence in Bristol. Although they seem like archetypes, they should not be pigeon-holed. As their unlikely new friendships intersect with their complicated private lives, the group must unite to protect one of their own from Bristol’s most dangerous criminal gang.
Merchant, who also created and...
- 1/6/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Killing Eve has been in the vanguard of British shows dominating Hollywood TV awards this year — and now the murderous BBC America drama can boast another accolade after becoming the BBC’s most-streamed series of 2019.
Season two of the Sid Gentle Films-produced drama, starring Emmy-winning Jodie Comer as an unpredictable assassin, generated 40.4M requests for the BBC’s online video service iPlayer.
This put it comfortably ahead of its nearest rival, the fifth season of Line Of Duty, which scored 27.4M streams, while season five of Peaky Blinders was the third-most watched show of the year with 26.6M requests.
Killing Eve‘s performance helped iPlayer to a record-breaking year. The streamer clocked up 3.55B program requests in the 10 months to the end of October after managing 3.6B views over the whole of last year.
BBC director of content Charlotte Moore said: “It’s been a huge year for BBC iPlayer –— as well as record-breaking figures,...
Season two of the Sid Gentle Films-produced drama, starring Emmy-winning Jodie Comer as an unpredictable assassin, generated 40.4M requests for the BBC’s online video service iPlayer.
This put it comfortably ahead of its nearest rival, the fifth season of Line Of Duty, which scored 27.4M streams, while season five of Peaky Blinders was the third-most watched show of the year with 26.6M requests.
Killing Eve‘s performance helped iPlayer to a record-breaking year. The streamer clocked up 3.55B program requests in the 10 months to the end of October after managing 3.6B views over the whole of last year.
BBC director of content Charlotte Moore said: “It’s been a huge year for BBC iPlayer –— as well as record-breaking figures,...
- 12/18/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC One has commissioned its latest drama from the makers of Bodyguard — a six-part series about a murder trial that explodes in the national consciousness.
World Productions will make Showtrial for the British broadcaster after working with Strike and The Tunnel writer Ben Richards to create the series, in which two worlds collide in a fictional legal battle.
Talitha Campbell, the arrogant daughter of a wealthy entrepreneur, is put on trial following the disappearance of fellow student, Hannah Ellis, the hard-working daughter of a single mother.
Showtrial follows both sides of the argument from the point of arrest to the verdict, with the nation gripped by the details of the case, which touches on wealth, politics and prejudice.
World Productions CEO Simon Heath said: “It’s great to be working again with Ben Richards, who uses the DNA of our true crime obsession to create a gripping fictional murder trial...
World Productions will make Showtrial for the British broadcaster after working with Strike and The Tunnel writer Ben Richards to create the series, in which two worlds collide in a fictional legal battle.
Talitha Campbell, the arrogant daughter of a wealthy entrepreneur, is put on trial following the disappearance of fellow student, Hannah Ellis, the hard-working daughter of a single mother.
Showtrial follows both sides of the argument from the point of arrest to the verdict, with the nation gripped by the details of the case, which touches on wealth, politics and prejudice.
World Productions CEO Simon Heath said: “It’s great to be working again with Ben Richards, who uses the DNA of our true crime obsession to create a gripping fictional murder trial...
- 12/4/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Paul Mayhew-Archer, who co-wrote Dustin Hoffman and Judi Dench Roald Dahl adaptation Esio Trot with Richard Curtis, has penned a feature-length Parkinson’s drama for BBC One.
The British public broadcaster has commissioned But When We Dance, a story about two people with lots in common – a great sense of humour, a love of dance and they both have Parkinson’s. Filming locations include the English National Ballet classes for people with Parkinson’s where romance first blossoms for Tony and Emma. The disease is thought to afflict around 145,000 people in the UK alone.
Doctor Who and Westworld director Jonny Campbell is helming the 90-minute drama, which is produced by Red Arrow Studios-backed Endor Productions, which produces Fox Networks Group drama Deep State, and Clearwood Films, run by Ellie Wood, who has worked on shows such as Bleak House. It will be produced by Hilary Bevan Jones and exec...
The British public broadcaster has commissioned But When We Dance, a story about two people with lots in common – a great sense of humour, a love of dance and they both have Parkinson’s. Filming locations include the English National Ballet classes for people with Parkinson’s where romance first blossoms for Tony and Emma. The disease is thought to afflict around 145,000 people in the UK alone.
Doctor Who and Westworld director Jonny Campbell is helming the 90-minute drama, which is produced by Red Arrow Studios-backed Endor Productions, which produces Fox Networks Group drama Deep State, and Clearwood Films, run by Ellie Wood, who has worked on shows such as Bleak House. It will be produced by Hilary Bevan Jones and exec...
- 12/3/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
James Nesbitt has been cast as the lead in new BBC One detective drama Bloodlands, which represents the first commission for Bodyguard creator Jed Mercurio’s production company.
Dubbed an “Irish noir,” Nesbitt will play Northern Irish police detective Tom Brannick who connects a suicide note with an infamous cold case with enormous personal significance. The discovery sparks an explosive hunt for a legendary assassin.
Bloodlands is written by newcomer Chris Brandon, who has only penned a handful of episodes of TV3’s Irish police drama Red Rock, and is Hat Trick Mercurio Television’s debut commission.
Hmt Television was set up in 2015 and is co-owned by Mercurio and Hat Trick Productions, the Jimmy Mulville-run indie behind shows including Have I Got News For You and Matt LeBlanc’s Golden Globe-winning Episodes.
Mercurio, Mulville and Mark Redhead are the executive producers for Htm, while Tommy Bulfin will executive produce for the BBC.
Dubbed an “Irish noir,” Nesbitt will play Northern Irish police detective Tom Brannick who connects a suicide note with an infamous cold case with enormous personal significance. The discovery sparks an explosive hunt for a legendary assassin.
Bloodlands is written by newcomer Chris Brandon, who has only penned a handful of episodes of TV3’s Irish police drama Red Rock, and is Hat Trick Mercurio Television’s debut commission.
Hmt Television was set up in 2015 and is co-owned by Mercurio and Hat Trick Productions, the Jimmy Mulville-run indie behind shows including Have I Got News For You and Matt LeBlanc’s Golden Globe-winning Episodes.
Mercurio, Mulville and Mark Redhead are the executive producers for Htm, while Tommy Bulfin will executive produce for the BBC.
- 11/6/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has provided an insight into how many people are watching box sets of two of its most potent dramas.
At a big event in London on Monday for some of the UK’s top television creatives, BBC director of content Charlotte Moore talked up the broadcaster’s streaming service iPlayer, which launched in 2007.
Providing an insight into streaming requests in a way that Netflix and Amazon rarely do, she picked out two shows that have lit up iPlayer in recent weeks.
Season five of Peaky Blinders has just aired in the UK, and all five seasons have racked up 42M views on iPlayer since July, according to Moore. This includes “some of the biggest” demand it has seen from young viewers.
Furthermore, she said both season one and two of BBC America’s assassin drama Killing Eve now have more than 100M iPlayer views.
“The pace of change is staggering.
At a big event in London on Monday for some of the UK’s top television creatives, BBC director of content Charlotte Moore talked up the broadcaster’s streaming service iPlayer, which launched in 2007.
Providing an insight into streaming requests in a way that Netflix and Amazon rarely do, she picked out two shows that have lit up iPlayer in recent weeks.
Season five of Peaky Blinders has just aired in the UK, and all five seasons have racked up 42M views on iPlayer since July, according to Moore. This includes “some of the biggest” demand it has seen from young viewers.
Furthermore, she said both season one and two of BBC America’s assassin drama Killing Eve now have more than 100M iPlayer views.
“The pace of change is staggering.
- 10/7/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC director of content Charlotte Moore fired thinly-veiled shots at Netflix and Amazon at a gathering of some of the UK’s top writing, production and on-screen talent on Monday night.
At a lavish party at London’s Sky Garden bar, overlooking some of the capital’s biggest landmarks, the BBC attempted to lay down a significant marker as the competition for Britain’s brightest creative minds becomes increasingly intense.
Against a backdrop of Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge being ripped from the BBC into the arms of Amazon, and The Crown writer Peter Morgan being snapped up on a giant overall Netflix deal, Moore appealed to the audience to bring their best work to the BBC, where she said they will be rewarded with a big platform, risk-taking and unrivaled creative freedom.
With an eye on the streaming giants, she said the BBC’s TV channels and “human”-curated iPlayer,...
At a lavish party at London’s Sky Garden bar, overlooking some of the capital’s biggest landmarks, the BBC attempted to lay down a significant marker as the competition for Britain’s brightest creative minds becomes increasingly intense.
Against a backdrop of Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge being ripped from the BBC into the arms of Amazon, and The Crown writer Peter Morgan being snapped up on a giant overall Netflix deal, Moore appealed to the audience to bring their best work to the BBC, where she said they will be rewarded with a big platform, risk-taking and unrivaled creative freedom.
With an eye on the streaming giants, she said the BBC’s TV channels and “human”-curated iPlayer,...
- 10/7/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Tony Hall set to unveil ‘broader shop window’ for TV talent.
The BBC is revamping iPlayer to offer a ‘total TV’ experience as it gears up for large-scale expansion of the service.
Director general Tony Hall will outline this evening the BBC’s R&d team’s ongoing work on the major upgrade, which will come into operation next year.
The news comes just a few months after the BBC was given the go-ahead by Ofcom to expand the VoD service’s content offering, by extending the window on virtually all programming from 30 days to 12 months and supercharging archived box sets.
The BBC is revamping iPlayer to offer a ‘total TV’ experience as it gears up for large-scale expansion of the service.
Director general Tony Hall will outline this evening the BBC’s R&d team’s ongoing work on the major upgrade, which will come into operation next year.
The news comes just a few months after the BBC was given the go-ahead by Ofcom to expand the VoD service’s content offering, by extending the window on virtually all programming from 30 days to 12 months and supercharging archived box sets.
- 10/7/2019
- by 1101315¦Max Goldbart Broadcast¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
The BBC has commissioned Crystal Maze-meets-Ninja Warrior-style primetime gameshow First and Last, as first revealed by Deadline.
British comedian Jason Manford is to host the comedy game show from Endemol Shine’s Zeppotron.
The six-part series will air on BBC One. Deadline broke the news that the British public broadcaster was developing a UK version, with local productions also being worked up in Brazil, China, Italy and Ukraine.
The show puts contestants through a succession of ingenious rounds, all of which have one golden rule – players mustn’t come first or last in any game. If they do, they will be eliminated. Eleven players start each show and compete across a range of downright daft, stupidly funny, play-along-at-home games that will see one of them leave with a cash prize of up to £10,000. To win, they’ll need to judge every round to perfection and hold their nerve in the nail-biting endgame.
British comedian Jason Manford is to host the comedy game show from Endemol Shine’s Zeppotron.
The six-part series will air on BBC One. Deadline broke the news that the British public broadcaster was developing a UK version, with local productions also being worked up in Brazil, China, Italy and Ukraine.
The show puts contestants through a succession of ingenious rounds, all of which have one golden rule – players mustn’t come first or last in any game. If they do, they will be eliminated. Eleven players start each show and compete across a range of downright daft, stupidly funny, play-along-at-home games that will see one of them leave with a cash prize of up to £10,000. To win, they’ll need to judge every round to perfection and hold their nerve in the nail-biting endgame.
- 9/27/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has unveiled the first images of Small Axe, its period drama from 12 Years A Slave director Steve McQueen. Amazon has U.S. rights.
The series, which is set in London’s West Indian community between the 1960s-’80s, stars Black Panther’s Letitia Wright and Star Wars‘ John Boyega
Malachi Kirby (Roots), Shaun Parkes (Lost In Space), Rochenda Sandall (Line Of Duty), Alex Jennings (Victoria) and Jack Lowden (Mary Queen Of Scots) also star.
The show is a six-part anthology series that tells five stories set within London’s West Indian community from the late 1960s to the early ’80s. The Oscar-winning writer and director has said that the series will tell the story of a West Indian community in the heart of London across three decades, beginning at the moment of Enoch Powell’s “Rivers of Blood” speech in 1968.
It starts in 1968, when a small restaurant called...
The series, which is set in London’s West Indian community between the 1960s-’80s, stars Black Panther’s Letitia Wright and Star Wars‘ John Boyega
Malachi Kirby (Roots), Shaun Parkes (Lost In Space), Rochenda Sandall (Line Of Duty), Alex Jennings (Victoria) and Jack Lowden (Mary Queen Of Scots) also star.
The show is a six-part anthology series that tells five stories set within London’s West Indian community from the late 1960s to the early ’80s. The Oscar-winning writer and director has said that the series will tell the story of a West Indian community in the heart of London across three decades, beginning at the moment of Enoch Powell’s “Rivers of Blood” speech in 1968.
It starts in 1968, when a small restaurant called...
- 9/10/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Letitia Wright and John Boyega are set to star on Steve McQueen’s “Small Axe,” an upcoming anthology series that will air on the BBC in the U.K. and Amazon in the U.S.
The cast also includes Malachi Kirby (“Black Mirror”), Shaun Parkes (“Lost in Space”), Rochenda Sandall (“Line of Duty”), Alex Jennings (“Victoria”) and Jack Lowden (“Mary Queen of Scots”).
Created and written by McQueen with Alastair Siddons and Courttia Newland, the six-part, one-hour series will tell five different stories (with the first told across two episodes) and is set in London’s West Indian community, running from the late 1960s through the early ’80s. Shooting on the series began on location in London this week.
Also Read: Amazon Unveils Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn's New Fashion Competition Series Title, Judges
Per the studio, the title “Small Axe” is derived from a Jamaican proverb which has resonance throughout the Caribbean,...
The cast also includes Malachi Kirby (“Black Mirror”), Shaun Parkes (“Lost in Space”), Rochenda Sandall (“Line of Duty”), Alex Jennings (“Victoria”) and Jack Lowden (“Mary Queen of Scots”).
Created and written by McQueen with Alastair Siddons and Courttia Newland, the six-part, one-hour series will tell five different stories (with the first told across two episodes) and is set in London’s West Indian community, running from the late 1960s through the early ’80s. Shooting on the series began on location in London this week.
Also Read: Amazon Unveils Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn's New Fashion Competition Series Title, Judges
Per the studio, the title “Small Axe” is derived from a Jamaican proverb which has resonance throughout the Caribbean,...
- 6/26/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Black Panther star Letitia Wright and Star Wars‘ John Boyega will lead cast in Steve McQueen’s upcoming BBC TV drama Small Axe, about London’s West Indian community between the 1960s-80s. As we reported yesterday, Amazon has picked up U.S. rights.
Production is now underway on location in London. Also starring are Malachi Kirby (Roots), Shaun Parkes (Lost In Space), Rochenda Sandall (Line Of Duty), Alex Jennings (Victoria) and Jack Lowden (Mary Queen Of Scots).
The long-gestating series will comprise six parts and tell five different stories. Its title is derived from a Jamaican proverb: “If you are the big tree, we are the small axe,” meaning that relatively marginal or small voices of dissent can successfully challenge more powerful ones. It is also the title of a Bob Marley song from his 1973 album Catch a Fire.
McQueen created the series’ stories with Alastair Siddons and Courttia Newland.
Production is now underway on location in London. Also starring are Malachi Kirby (Roots), Shaun Parkes (Lost In Space), Rochenda Sandall (Line Of Duty), Alex Jennings (Victoria) and Jack Lowden (Mary Queen Of Scots).
The long-gestating series will comprise six parts and tell five different stories. Its title is derived from a Jamaican proverb: “If you are the big tree, we are the small axe,” meaning that relatively marginal or small voices of dissent can successfully challenge more powerful ones. It is also the title of a Bob Marley song from his 1973 album Catch a Fire.
McQueen created the series’ stories with Alastair Siddons and Courttia Newland.
- 6/26/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Letitia Wright and John Boyega head an all-star British cast in Steve McQueen’s upcoming anthology series, “Small Axe,” one of the most eagerly anticipated dramas coming out of Britain, where it will air on the BBC. Amazon has already snagged the show for the U.S.
The series from the Oscar-winning director of “12 Years a Slave” and “Widows” has been years in the making. It is set in London’s West Indian community, starting in the late 1960s and running until the early ’80s.
Production is now underway on location in London. Boyega (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens”) and Wright (“Black Panther”) join a cast that also includes Malachi Kirby (“Black Mirror”), Shaun Parkes (“Lost in Space”), Rochenda Sandall (“Line of Duty”), Alex Jennings (“Victoria”) and Jack Lowden (“Mary Queen of Scots”).
The series will comprise six parts and tell five different stories. Its title is derived from...
The series from the Oscar-winning director of “12 Years a Slave” and “Widows” has been years in the making. It is set in London’s West Indian community, starting in the late 1960s and running until the early ’80s.
Production is now underway on location in London. Boyega (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens”) and Wright (“Black Panther”) join a cast that also includes Malachi Kirby (“Black Mirror”), Shaun Parkes (“Lost in Space”), Rochenda Sandall (“Line of Duty”), Alex Jennings (“Victoria”) and Jack Lowden (“Mary Queen of Scots”).
The series will comprise six parts and tell five different stories. Its title is derived from...
- 6/26/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon has boarded 12 Years A Slave director Steve McQueen’s forthcoming BBC drama.
The revelation emerged as Georgia Brown, Director of European Originals at the Svod service, was speaking at the House of Lords’ Communications Committee debate on the future of public service broadcasting in the UK.
It’s not clear which territories the Svod service has the rights for to the six-part series but former Fremantle exec Brown revealed that Amazon was co-producing the project, which has been long in the works, with the official commission coming from the BBC in August 2015. She added that it was “coming imminently”.
The show, which is being produced by The Frankenstein Chronicles producer Rainmark Films, is a look at the lives of a group of friends and their families living in West London from 1968 to 2014. The Oscar-winning writer and director has said that the series will tell the story of a West...
The revelation emerged as Georgia Brown, Director of European Originals at the Svod service, was speaking at the House of Lords’ Communications Committee debate on the future of public service broadcasting in the UK.
It’s not clear which territories the Svod service has the rights for to the six-part series but former Fremantle exec Brown revealed that Amazon was co-producing the project, which has been long in the works, with the official commission coming from the BBC in August 2015. She added that it was “coming imminently”.
The show, which is being produced by The Frankenstein Chronicles producer Rainmark Films, is a look at the lives of a group of friends and their families living in West London from 1968 to 2014. The Oscar-winning writer and director has said that the series will tell the story of a West...
- 6/25/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Pirates of the Caribbean star Mackenzie Crook is writing, directing and starring in an adaptation of classic British scarecrow story Worzel Gummidge.
Crook, who made his name in the BBC comedy The Office and created The Detectorists, is adapting Barbara Euphan Todd into two-hour long films. He will star as Gummidge, a scarecrow that can come to life.
The first film, The Scarecrow Of Scatterbrook, sees two young strangers, Susan and John, arrive in the village of Scatterbrook, where they encounter Gummidge. Their world is sent spinning into confusion when they realize Gummidge comes to life. The only person more shocked is Worzel, when he discovers that the children are not in fact fellow scarecrows but humans.
The second film, The Green Man, welcomes another mysterious arrival to Scatterbrook. The Green Man is the creator of scarecrows and keeper of scarecrow lore. He isn’t at all happy that Worzel is consorting with humans.
Crook, who made his name in the BBC comedy The Office and created The Detectorists, is adapting Barbara Euphan Todd into two-hour long films. He will star as Gummidge, a scarecrow that can come to life.
The first film, The Scarecrow Of Scatterbrook, sees two young strangers, Susan and John, arrive in the village of Scatterbrook, where they encounter Gummidge. Their world is sent spinning into confusion when they realize Gummidge comes to life. The only person more shocked is Worzel, when he discovers that the children are not in fact fellow scarecrows but humans.
The second film, The Green Man, welcomes another mysterious arrival to Scatterbrook. The Green Man is the creator of scarecrows and keeper of scarecrow lore. He isn’t at all happy that Worzel is consorting with humans.
- 6/6/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The Crown’s John Heffernan and Doll & Em’s Dolly Wells have joined the cast of BBC and Netflix drama Dracula.
The pair will star in the spooky series alongside The Girl in the Spider’s Web’s Claes Bang, who appears as Dracula.
The trio will star alongside No Offence’s Joanna Scanlan, His Dark Materials and Patrick Melrose’s Morfydd Clark and Phantom Thread’s Lujza Richter, while co-writer Mark Gatiss, who has previously appeared in shows including Doctor Who and Sherlock will also appear on screen.
Filming will begin in the spring for the series, which will consist of three 90-minute episodes. Written and created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, the series is inspired by Bram Stoker’s classic novel and will re-introduce the world to Dracula, the vampire who made evil sexy. In Transylvania in 1897, the blood drinking Count is drawing his plans against Victorian London.
The pair will star in the spooky series alongside The Girl in the Spider’s Web’s Claes Bang, who appears as Dracula.
The trio will star alongside No Offence’s Joanna Scanlan, His Dark Materials and Patrick Melrose’s Morfydd Clark and Phantom Thread’s Lujza Richter, while co-writer Mark Gatiss, who has previously appeared in shows including Doctor Who and Sherlock will also appear on screen.
Filming will begin in the spring for the series, which will consist of three 90-minute episodes. Written and created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, the series is inspired by Bram Stoker’s classic novel and will re-introduce the world to Dracula, the vampire who made evil sexy. In Transylvania in 1897, the blood drinking Count is drawing his plans against Victorian London.
- 2/11/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The Doctor Who Christmas special has been a tradition that either long-serving fans of the show have gotten used to over the past 13 years or one that those who grew up with the modern series have had basically all their lives. That’s about to change, though, as for the first time, the festive hour-long installment will be bumped over to New Year’s Day instead.
The schedule change had been rumored for a while, but it was just recently officially confirmed. Now, in a press release, showrunner Chris Chibnall and BBC director of content Charlotte Moore have promised fans that there are great things to come with the rehoused special episode.
Chibnall, for one, encouraged viewers to think of it as marking the beginning of a new year of Doctor Who rather than how the Christmas episode often acted as a celebration of the one that was just about to end.
The schedule change had been rumored for a while, but it was just recently officially confirmed. Now, in a press release, showrunner Chris Chibnall and BBC director of content Charlotte Moore have promised fans that there are great things to come with the rehoused special episode.
Chibnall, for one, encouraged viewers to think of it as marking the beginning of a new year of Doctor Who rather than how the Christmas episode often acted as a celebration of the one that was just about to end.
- 11/15/2018
- by Christian Bone
- We Got This Covered
Deal will bring series including Devs, Pose, Mayans Mc to UK broadcaster.
The BBC has signed a deal with FX Networks giving the UK public broadcaster rights to all FX’s new original scripted drama and comedy series.
Providing FX originals with their first primary home in the UK, the deal will bring series including Devs, the upcoming tech thriller from writer-producer Alex Garland, Ryan Murphy’s new transgender culture drama Pose (pictured) and Kurt Sutter’s Sons Of Anarchy follow-up Mayans Mc to the BBC.
The BBC and FX already co-produce drama series Taboo and BBC Two recently screened...
The BBC has signed a deal with FX Networks giving the UK public broadcaster rights to all FX’s new original scripted drama and comedy series.
Providing FX originals with their first primary home in the UK, the deal will bring series including Devs, the upcoming tech thriller from writer-producer Alex Garland, Ryan Murphy’s new transgender culture drama Pose (pictured) and Kurt Sutter’s Sons Of Anarchy follow-up Mayans Mc to the BBC.
The BBC and FX already co-produce drama series Taboo and BBC Two recently screened...
- 11/1/2018
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
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