The life of Hollywood icon Cary Grant is getting the small-screen treatment in Archie, a four-part drama from BritBox and Itvx. Deadline has more first-look photos of Jason Isaacs as Grant below.
Jason Isaacs as Cary Grant
The series will air in November on ITV in the UK, and in December on BritBox in all its territories: North America, Australia, South Africa and the Nordics.
From writer Jeff Pope and director Paul Andrew Williams, Archie narrates the story of a young Grant’s (born Archibald Alexander Leach) troubled childhood and how extreme poverty, his father’s adultery and the loss of his older brother, John, tore the family apart and sent his loving mother into a downward spiral of grief and depression.
Isaacs will get some assistance in bringing Grant the Bristol, England-born actor to life. Dainton Anderson, Calam Lynch and Oaklee Pendergast play young versions of Archie Leach.
The...
Jason Isaacs as Cary Grant
The series will air in November on ITV in the UK, and in December on BritBox in all its territories: North America, Australia, South Africa and the Nordics.
From writer Jeff Pope and director Paul Andrew Williams, Archie narrates the story of a young Grant’s (born Archibald Alexander Leach) troubled childhood and how extreme poverty, his father’s adultery and the loss of his older brother, John, tore the family apart and sent his loving mother into a downward spiral of grief and depression.
Isaacs will get some assistance in bringing Grant the Bristol, England-born actor to life. Dainton Anderson, Calam Lynch and Oaklee Pendergast play young versions of Archie Leach.
The...
- 10/11/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
The first look images from Lenny Henry’s “Three Little Birds,” executive produced by “It’s a Sin” creator Russell T Davies, have been unveiled.
The series stars Rochelle Neil (“The Nevers”), Yazmin Belo (“What Just Happened”) and Saffron Coomber (“Tracey Beaker Returns”). Designed as a celebration of immigration, community and the strength of Black womanhood, the series is inspired by the stories of Henry’s mother. Set in 1957, it follows sisters Leah (Neil) and Chantrelle (Coomber) and their virtuous, bible-loving acquaintance, Hosanna (Belo), as they board a cruise ship from Jamaica bound for a new life in Britain. Once they reach they discover that life is not smooth sailing but are determined to succeed and overcome the many obstacles of integration and build a new life in Britain.
Yazmin Belo
The cast also includes Bobby Gordon (“Hollyoaks”), Arthur Darvill (“The Sandman”) and Beth Hayes (“Black Mirror”).
Charles McDougall, Yero Timi Biu...
The series stars Rochelle Neil (“The Nevers”), Yazmin Belo (“What Just Happened”) and Saffron Coomber (“Tracey Beaker Returns”). Designed as a celebration of immigration, community and the strength of Black womanhood, the series is inspired by the stories of Henry’s mother. Set in 1957, it follows sisters Leah (Neil) and Chantrelle (Coomber) and their virtuous, bible-loving acquaintance, Hosanna (Belo), as they board a cruise ship from Jamaica bound for a new life in Britain. Once they reach they discover that life is not smooth sailing but are determined to succeed and overcome the many obstacles of integration and build a new life in Britain.
Yazmin Belo
The cast also includes Bobby Gordon (“Hollyoaks”), Arthur Darvill (“The Sandman”) and Beth Hayes (“Black Mirror”).
Charles McDougall, Yero Timi Biu...
- 6/15/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Streamer BritBox International has made two new exec hirings, appointing Liz Spaulding to the position of VP for business development and Jennifer Moon as head of editorial and programming strategy.
Spaulding will be tasked with leading growth opportunities and partnership relations while Moon will take the lead on U.S. and Canada programming strategy, acquisition and scheduling.
Spaulding joins from Starz while Moon comes from AMC. Both will be based in New York, where they will report to EVP and general manager for group marketing services Robert Schildhouse.
Spaulding will also report to the streamer’s global chief acquisitions and commercial officer Kerry Ball.
Both Schildhouse and Ball are also relatively new to the company, with Schildhouse joining last fall and Ball joining last summer.
BritBox International is also on the hunt for a new creative director after Diederick Santer announced he was stepping down. He will stay on to...
Spaulding will be tasked with leading growth opportunities and partnership relations while Moon will take the lead on U.S. and Canada programming strategy, acquisition and scheduling.
Spaulding joins from Starz while Moon comes from AMC. Both will be based in New York, where they will report to EVP and general manager for group marketing services Robert Schildhouse.
Spaulding will also report to the streamer’s global chief acquisitions and commercial officer Kerry Ball.
Both Schildhouse and Ball are also relatively new to the company, with Schildhouse joining last fall and Ball joining last summer.
BritBox International is also on the hunt for a new creative director after Diederick Santer announced he was stepping down. He will stay on to...
- 1/19/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Diederick Santer, chief creative officer at streamer BritBox International, has stepped down from his role.
He joined just 18 months ago from Kudos with the mandate of curating a slate of top shows. Among the programs he has overseen are “Stonehouse,” which features “Succession’s” Matthew MacFadyen and is set to launch next week, and the upcoming Cary Grant biopic “Archie,” which stars Jason Isaacs.
Santer, who reported into BritBox CEO Reemah Sakaan, was also tasked with overseeing global programming, across all genres and international markets, including commissions and acquisitions, outside of the U.K.
According to Santer’s LinkedIn, he stepped down earlier this month, moving from his full-time creative role to a part-time executive role. Sources tell Variety that he is set to stay on at BritBox International to help executive produce and manage a handful of shows until the end of February.
Sakaan will step in to cover...
He joined just 18 months ago from Kudos with the mandate of curating a slate of top shows. Among the programs he has overseen are “Stonehouse,” which features “Succession’s” Matthew MacFadyen and is set to launch next week, and the upcoming Cary Grant biopic “Archie,” which stars Jason Isaacs.
Santer, who reported into BritBox CEO Reemah Sakaan, was also tasked with overseeing global programming, across all genres and international markets, including commissions and acquisitions, outside of the U.K.
According to Santer’s LinkedIn, he stepped down earlier this month, moving from his full-time creative role to a part-time executive role. Sources tell Variety that he is set to stay on at BritBox International to help executive produce and manage a handful of shows until the end of February.
Sakaan will step in to cover...
- 1/17/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: BritBox International has tapped Sanjeev Bhaskar as the lead for its latest original drama series, Inspector Singh Investigates, and has picked up docs about legendary acting mavericks Richard Harris and Peter O’Toole.
Inspector Singh Investigates is a three-part drama that BritBox International has co-commissioned alongside UK distributor Dcd Rights and 108 Media. BritBox International, which operates outside the UK, takes North American and Australian rights, we’ve learned.
108 Media London, the UK production wing of international content firm 108 Media is producing the series, which will be shot in Malaysia. Dcd Rights is selling it internationally (excluding North America and Australia).
The crime drama is based on the novel of the same name from author Shamini Flint, following Bhaskar as the titular Inspector Singh as he investigates complex murders rooted in the cultural DNA of exotic Asian countries.
Diederick Santer and Jonathan Karas are executive producers for BritBox International, the...
Inspector Singh Investigates is a three-part drama that BritBox International has co-commissioned alongside UK distributor Dcd Rights and 108 Media. BritBox International, which operates outside the UK, takes North American and Australian rights, we’ve learned.
108 Media London, the UK production wing of international content firm 108 Media is producing the series, which will be shot in Malaysia. Dcd Rights is selling it internationally (excluding North America and Australia).
The crime drama is based on the novel of the same name from author Shamini Flint, following Bhaskar as the titular Inspector Singh as he investigates complex murders rooted in the cultural DNA of exotic Asian countries.
Diederick Santer and Jonathan Karas are executive producers for BritBox International, the...
- 11/7/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Jed Mercurio’s Htm Television’s is working on Payback, a six-part crime drama for the UK’s ITV and Britbox International. Morven Christie, Peter Mullan and Prasanna Puwanarajah are leading the cast, and screenwriter Debbie O’Malley is writing.
Billed as a “compelling character-led series,” Payback will follows Lexie Noble,, as she becomes entangled in a perilous police operation to topple a notorious crime lord, Cal Morris. Puwanarajah and Derek Riddell play financial investigators looking into Lexie’s husband Jared, who has been laundering Cal’s illegal earnings behind her back.
Htm Television Creative Director Jed Mercurio is working alongside Hill, his Htm partner Madonna Baptiste and Diederick Santer on behalf of BritBox International on the series.
Billed as a “compelling character-led series,” Payback will follows Lexie Noble,, as she becomes entangled in a perilous police operation to topple a notorious crime lord, Cal Morris. Puwanarajah and Derek Riddell play financial investigators looking into Lexie’s husband Jared, who has been laundering Cal’s illegal earnings behind her back.
Htm Television Creative Director Jed Mercurio is working alongside Hill, his Htm partner Madonna Baptiste and Diederick Santer on behalf of BritBox International on the series.
- 9/1/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. broadcaster ITV has commissioned “Line of Duty” and “Bodyguard” creator Jed Mercurio’s Htm Television to produce crime thriller series “Payback” with BritBox International as co-production partner.
The six-part series stars Morven Christie (“The Bay”), Peter Mullan (“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”), Prasanna Puwanarajah (“Ten Percent”) and Derek Riddell (“Industry”).
Written by Debbie O’Malley (“Call the Midwife”), “Payback” follows Lexie Noble (Christie) as she becomes entangled in a police operation to topple a notorious crime lord, Cal Morris (Mullan). The drama will be filmed in Glasgow, Edinburgh and surrounding areas.
Christie said: “I fell in love with Lexie from the first page, and I’m absolutely delighted to be working with Peter and this wonderful team in my hometown.”
“Payback” was commissioned by ITV head of drama Polly Hill.
Hill said: ” ‘Payback is a brilliant thriller which questions how well you know your partner...
The six-part series stars Morven Christie (“The Bay”), Peter Mullan (“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”), Prasanna Puwanarajah (“Ten Percent”) and Derek Riddell (“Industry”).
Written by Debbie O’Malley (“Call the Midwife”), “Payback” follows Lexie Noble (Christie) as she becomes entangled in a police operation to topple a notorious crime lord, Cal Morris (Mullan). The drama will be filmed in Glasgow, Edinburgh and surrounding areas.
Christie said: “I fell in love with Lexie from the first page, and I’m absolutely delighted to be working with Peter and this wonderful team in my hometown.”
“Payback” was commissioned by ITV head of drama Polly Hill.
Hill said: ” ‘Payback is a brilliant thriller which questions how well you know your partner...
- 9/1/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
BritBox is hoping to carve out a niche for Anglo-centric programming in the U.S. and its boss has taken a particularly British swipe at rival streamers for their attempts.
Opening the streaming service’s virtual TCA panel, CEO Reemah Sakaan took aim.
“While other streamers have definitely discovered the quality and power of the British genre and in recent years, they’ve been originating some great British shows, they are accessories and not part of the core offering,” she said.
“The streamers are well intentioned. However, they definitely lack a little of what we would define as the essence of British, you might hear the accent see the settings and costumes, but in reality, they’re what we would call British-ish. At BritBox, there’s no extra -ish,” she added. “We were born in America, but we’re wholeheartedly British undeniably authentically and fanatically so. British is in our brand,...
Opening the streaming service’s virtual TCA panel, CEO Reemah Sakaan took aim.
“While other streamers have definitely discovered the quality and power of the British genre and in recent years, they’ve been originating some great British shows, they are accessories and not part of the core offering,” she said.
“The streamers are well intentioned. However, they definitely lack a little of what we would define as the essence of British, you might hear the accent see the settings and costumes, but in reality, they’re what we would call British-ish. At BritBox, there’s no extra -ish,” she added. “We were born in America, but we’re wholeheartedly British undeniably authentically and fanatically so. British is in our brand,...
- 8/9/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Good afternoon Insider squad. Max Goldbart here back from Glastonbury with all the news, analysis and sunburn you need as we look back on the final week of June. Read on.
Karlovy Vary Kicks Off
Czeching-in: The film festival calendar is in full swing this summer and the picturesque Czech festival of Karlovy Vary kicks off today, ending next Saturday. On the ground for Deadline are Diana Lodderhose and our new Senior International Film Correspondent Melanie Goodfellow, taking in the Prague festival, which will see 33 films from five continents compete across three sections. Italian director Paolo Genovese’s relationship drama Superheroes will open, while George Miller’s Cannes title Three Thousand Years of Longing is set to close, and A-listers Liev Schreiber, Geoffrey Rush and Benicio del Toro are all in attendance. Diana set us up with two excellent primers, as she posed how Kv continues to be an “edgy...
Karlovy Vary Kicks Off
Czeching-in: The film festival calendar is in full swing this summer and the picturesque Czech festival of Karlovy Vary kicks off today, ending next Saturday. On the ground for Deadline are Diana Lodderhose and our new Senior International Film Correspondent Melanie Goodfellow, taking in the Prague festival, which will see 33 films from five continents compete across three sections. Italian director Paolo Genovese’s relationship drama Superheroes will open, while George Miller’s Cannes title Three Thousand Years of Longing is set to close, and A-listers Liev Schreiber, Geoffrey Rush and Benicio del Toro are all in attendance. Diana set us up with two excellent primers, as she posed how Kv continues to be an “edgy...
- 7/1/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BritBox International, the British content specialist streamer operated by U.K. broadcasters BBC and ITV, has big growth plans.
While unveiling their new slate at an event in London on Wednesday, BritBox CEO Reemah Sakaan and Cco Diederick Santer revealed that the streamer’s spend on programming, via commissions, co-productions and acquisitions, has trebled and that the marketing budget has doubled. At the core of BritBox programming is mystery shows and the aim is to add a dozen of them every year and a further dozen in what the executives describe as the “crime and beyond” genre. The numbers are not set in stone.
“It’s a roadmap rather than a straitjacket,” Santer told Variety. “There’s plenty else going on, with different kinds of titles across different genres.”
While the executives declined to put a financial value to the enhanced programming spend, Sakaan said that the streamer has been...
While unveiling their new slate at an event in London on Wednesday, BritBox CEO Reemah Sakaan and Cco Diederick Santer revealed that the streamer’s spend on programming, via commissions, co-productions and acquisitions, has trebled and that the marketing budget has doubled. At the core of BritBox programming is mystery shows and the aim is to add a dozen of them every year and a further dozen in what the executives describe as the “crime and beyond” genre. The numbers are not set in stone.
“It’s a roadmap rather than a straitjacket,” Santer told Variety. “There’s plenty else going on, with different kinds of titles across different genres.”
While the executives declined to put a financial value to the enhanced programming spend, Sakaan said that the streamer has been...
- 6/29/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
BritBox International, the streamer run by the BBC and ITV, has restructured, talked up U.S. growth and communicated its desire to avoid “transatlantic puddings” to a room of some of the UK’s most successful drama producers.
The streamer, which is behind the likes of Hugh Laurie-starring Agatha Christie adaptation Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?, has hired NBCUniversal and Discovery alum Kerry Ball in the newly-created post of Chief Acquisitions & Commercial Officer, while moving to a two-region structure: Bbi North America (covering the U.S. and Canada) and Bbi International Markets.
Meanwhile, BritBox’s Moira Hogan has been promoted to EVP International Markets & General Manager Apac and Neale Dennett is upped to SVP International Markets & General Manager Emea. An EVP North America & General Manager Group Marketing Services will join soon.
Reporting to CEO Reemah Sakaan,...
The streamer, which is behind the likes of Hugh Laurie-starring Agatha Christie adaptation Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?, has hired NBCUniversal and Discovery alum Kerry Ball in the newly-created post of Chief Acquisitions & Commercial Officer, while moving to a two-region structure: Bbi North America (covering the U.S. and Canada) and Bbi International Markets.
Meanwhile, BritBox’s Moira Hogan has been promoted to EVP International Markets & General Manager Apac and Neale Dennett is upped to SVP International Markets & General Manager Emea. An EVP North America & General Manager Group Marketing Services will join soon.
Reporting to CEO Reemah Sakaan,...
- 6/29/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The universe of the globally popular “Death in Paradise” series is being expanded with new show “Beyond Paradise.”
The new series follows characters who have moved from sunny Saint Marie to rural Britain. Co-commissioned by BBC One and BritBox International, and reuniting Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton in the lead roles, the six-part “Beyond Paradise,” created by Tony Jordan and Robert Thorogood, will be produced by Red Planet Pictures.
Executive chair of Red Planet, Jordan, will act as showrunner and executive producer alongside Tim Key and Belinda Campbell, and Diederick Santer and Tommy Bulfin will executive produce for BritBox International and BBC respectively. BBC Studios will handle international distribution. The series is produced by Lindsay Hughes and directed by Sandy Johnson. Filming will start on location in the U.K. later this year.
The deal is part of a slate with U.K. broadcasters BBC and ITV unveiled by BritBox...
The new series follows characters who have moved from sunny Saint Marie to rural Britain. Co-commissioned by BBC One and BritBox International, and reuniting Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton in the lead roles, the six-part “Beyond Paradise,” created by Tony Jordan and Robert Thorogood, will be produced by Red Planet Pictures.
Executive chair of Red Planet, Jordan, will act as showrunner and executive producer alongside Tim Key and Belinda Campbell, and Diederick Santer and Tommy Bulfin will executive produce for BritBox International and BBC respectively. BBC Studios will handle international distribution. The series is produced by Lindsay Hughes and directed by Sandy Johnson. Filming will start on location in the U.K. later this year.
The deal is part of a slate with U.K. broadcasters BBC and ITV unveiled by BritBox...
- 6/29/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The BBC and BritBox have commissioned a spin-off of BBC drama favorite Death in Paradise, with Kris Marshall’s Di Humphrey Goodman character making a return in the UK.
Marshall played the lead role in the show’s third-to-sixth season before being replaced by Ardal O’Hanlon and Beyond Paradise will spotlight his return to being a Di in his home nation. Beyond Paradise will be distributed internationally by BBC Studios and be available in all Britbox international markets outside of Australia.
Having recently entered its 11th season, Asacha Media Group-backed Sanditon producer Red Planet Pictures’ Death in Paradise is one of the BBC’s most popular dramas of the past decade and was one of the first shows to return to production after the Covid-induced production hiatus in 2020.
The idea for a spin-off has been floating around for several years and BritBox Chief Creative Officer Diederick Santer, who used to run Broadchurch indie Kudos,...
Marshall played the lead role in the show’s third-to-sixth season before being replaced by Ardal O’Hanlon and Beyond Paradise will spotlight his return to being a Di in his home nation. Beyond Paradise will be distributed internationally by BBC Studios and be available in all Britbox international markets outside of Australia.
Having recently entered its 11th season, Asacha Media Group-backed Sanditon producer Red Planet Pictures’ Death in Paradise is one of the BBC’s most popular dramas of the past decade and was one of the first shows to return to production after the Covid-induced production hiatus in 2020.
The idea for a spin-off has been floating around for several years and BritBox Chief Creative Officer Diederick Santer, who used to run Broadchurch indie Kudos,...
- 6/29/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Broadchurch star Andrew Buchan is turning his hand to writing with a darkly comic ITV/BritBox International horror from Jane Featherstone and Elisabeth Murdoch’s Sister.
Passenger is set in the small Northern English village of Chadder Vale, where a close-knit community is sent spinning on its axis following a series of strange and unnatural crimes. After arriving there five years ago, former Met Police Detective Riya Ajunwa has been searching for a challenge that will make her feel alive again, which she is handed when a local girl is mysteriously abducted.
Buchan has featured in several big-hitting British dramas including Broadchurch, The Honourable Woman and ABC Murders and the project is his first writing gig. ITV is similarly behind Vigil star Suranne Jones’ debut creation.
Passenger will premiere on new ITV VoD player Itvx before being given a linear slot further down the line, demonstrating the network’s on-demand strategy.
Passenger is set in the small Northern English village of Chadder Vale, where a close-knit community is sent spinning on its axis following a series of strange and unnatural crimes. After arriving there five years ago, former Met Police Detective Riya Ajunwa has been searching for a challenge that will make her feel alive again, which she is handed when a local girl is mysteriously abducted.
Buchan has featured in several big-hitting British dramas including Broadchurch, The Honourable Woman and ABC Murders and the project is his first writing gig. ITV is similarly behind Vigil star Suranne Jones’ debut creation.
Passenger will premiere on new ITV VoD player Itvx before being given a linear slot further down the line, demonstrating the network’s on-demand strategy.
- 3/17/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Matthew Macfadyen and Keeley Hawes are to play the leads in an ITV/BritBox U.S. drama about a disgraced British politician who faked his own death.
Stan & Ollie director Jon S. Baird is behind Stonehouse from The Dig writer John Preston, in which Succession star Macfadyen will play John Stonehouse and Keeley Hawes his wife Barbara.
Stonehouse was a high-flying politician in the Labour Party in the 1970s but was involved in an extramarital affair, had financial problems and had acted as a spy for the Czech Secret Service, which took its toll and led to him faking his death and fleeing to Australia. He was eventually found and brought back to England by British detectives.
The drama represents a return to ITV for Macfadyen who also starred in Quiz as a former soldier accused of cheating on popular ITV gameshow Who Wants to be a Millionaire?.
Stonehouse is...
Stan & Ollie director Jon S. Baird is behind Stonehouse from The Dig writer John Preston, in which Succession star Macfadyen will play John Stonehouse and Keeley Hawes his wife Barbara.
Stonehouse was a high-flying politician in the Labour Party in the 1970s but was involved in an extramarital affair, had financial problems and had acted as a spy for the Czech Secret Service, which took its toll and led to him faking his death and fleeing to Australia. He was eventually found and brought back to England by British detectives.
The drama represents a return to ITV for Macfadyen who also starred in Quiz as a former soldier accused of cheating on popular ITV gameshow Who Wants to be a Millionaire?.
Stonehouse is...
- 2/23/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BritBox is ramping up its international manpower with the hire of Diederick Santer as its first Chief Creative Officer.
The streaming service, which is a joint venture globally between the BBC and ITV, has appointed Santer to oversee all aspects of programming on the SVOD service globally, including commissioning and acquisition across all genres and for all markets outside of the UK.
Santer was previously CEO of Endemol Shine/Banijay-owned producer Kudos, where he oversaw shows such as AMC and Channel 4 co-pro Humans, Sky’s Tim Roth-fronted drama Tin Star as well as BBC’s Apple Tree Yard, Gunpowder and The Boy With The Topknot. Before taking charge at Kudos, he ran his own production company Lovely Day, within Kudos, where he produced Grantchester.
Earlier this year, he finished an eight-month stint covering BBC drama commissioning. He also previously ran EastEnders, one of the UK’s largest soaps.
The streaming service, which is a joint venture globally between the BBC and ITV, has appointed Santer to oversee all aspects of programming on the SVOD service globally, including commissioning and acquisition across all genres and for all markets outside of the UK.
Santer was previously CEO of Endemol Shine/Banijay-owned producer Kudos, where he oversaw shows such as AMC and Channel 4 co-pro Humans, Sky’s Tim Roth-fronted drama Tin Star as well as BBC’s Apple Tree Yard, Gunpowder and The Boy With The Topknot. Before taking charge at Kudos, he ran his own production company Lovely Day, within Kudos, where he produced Grantchester.
Earlier this year, he finished an eight-month stint covering BBC drama commissioning. He also previously ran EastEnders, one of the UK’s largest soaps.
- 7/13/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
BritBox International, the ad-free SVOD (subscription video on-demand) service from ITV and BBC Studios, has hired Diederick Santer as its first chief creative officer.
Santer will join the company in September and will manage all aspects of BritBox’s programming, including commissioning and acquisition across all genres and for all markets outside of the UK, according to the job description. His role will include building production and distribution relationships with the UK creative sector to secure a future pipeline of shows to accelerate BritBox’s international growth in the SVOD world as part of its planned rollout to multiple countries worldwide.
He’ll report to BritBox International CEO Reemah Sakaan. Together, the two will lead continued global expansion and beef up the service’s original slate.
Santer was CEO of the TV production company Kudos, where he oversaw “Man in an Orange Shirt,” “Humans,” “Apple Tree Yard,” “Gunpowder,” “The Boy...
Santer will join the company in September and will manage all aspects of BritBox’s programming, including commissioning and acquisition across all genres and for all markets outside of the UK, according to the job description. His role will include building production and distribution relationships with the UK creative sector to secure a future pipeline of shows to accelerate BritBox’s international growth in the SVOD world as part of its planned rollout to multiple countries worldwide.
He’ll report to BritBox International CEO Reemah Sakaan. Together, the two will lead continued global expansion and beef up the service’s original slate.
Santer was CEO of the TV production company Kudos, where he oversaw “Man in an Orange Shirt,” “Humans,” “Apple Tree Yard,” “Gunpowder,” “The Boy...
- 7/13/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Actor John Cusack will star in a series to play Dr. Kevin Christie in the upcoming show Utopia. In the Amazon series Utopia, a group of young adults who meet online are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organisation after they come into possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel. They discover that the conspiracy theories in the comic's pages may actually be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Cusack will play Christie, a charismatic, media-savvy and brilliant biotech mind who wants to change the world through science. He is the latest addition to the cast, after Rainn Wilson joined the project to play Michael Stearns and Sasha Lane is set to portray Jessica Hyde.
Utopia marks Cusack's first starring role in a TV series. He is widely known for his roles in films like Say Anything and High Fidelity.
Cusack will play Christie, a charismatic, media-savvy and brilliant biotech mind who wants to change the world through science. He is the latest addition to the cast, after Rainn Wilson joined the project to play Michael Stearns and Sasha Lane is set to portray Jessica Hyde.
Utopia marks Cusack's first starring role in a TV series. He is widely known for his roles in films like Say Anything and High Fidelity.
- 4/17/2019
- GlamSham
John Cusack will star opposite Rainn Wilson and Sasha Lane on “Sharp Objects” author Gillian Flynn’s upcoming Amazon series “Utopia.”
Cusack will play Dr. Kevin Christie. Charismatic and media-savvy, with a brilliant biotech mind and a philanthropic outlook, Christie altruistically wants to change the world through science.
“Utopia” follows a group of young adults who meet online, and “are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come in to possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel — they discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.”
Also Read: Barry Jenkins Amazon Drama 'Underground Railroad' Casts 3 Leads
Flynn — who has an overall deal at Amazon Studios — is the creator, executive producer and showrunner of “Utopia,” which is based on the British series of the same name written by...
Cusack will play Dr. Kevin Christie. Charismatic and media-savvy, with a brilliant biotech mind and a philanthropic outlook, Christie altruistically wants to change the world through science.
“Utopia” follows a group of young adults who meet online, and “are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come in to possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel — they discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.”
Also Read: Barry Jenkins Amazon Drama 'Underground Railroad' Casts 3 Leads
Flynn — who has an overall deal at Amazon Studios — is the creator, executive producer and showrunner of “Utopia,” which is based on the British series of the same name written by...
- 4/16/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
John Cusack will star in a series regular role as Dr. Kevin Christie in Amazon’s upcoming show “Utopia.”
In “Utopia,” a group of young adults who meet online are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come into possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel. They discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Cusack will play Christie, a charismatic, media-savvy and brilliant biotech mind who wants to change the world through science. He is the latest addition to the cast, after Rainn Wilson joined the project to play Michael Stearns and Sasha Lane is set to portray Jessica Hyde.
“Utopia” marks Cusack’s first starring role in a TV series. He is widely known for his roles in films like 1989’s “Say Anything” and 2000’s “High Fidelity,...
In “Utopia,” a group of young adults who meet online are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come into possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel. They discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Cusack will play Christie, a charismatic, media-savvy and brilliant biotech mind who wants to change the world through science. He is the latest addition to the cast, after Rainn Wilson joined the project to play Michael Stearns and Sasha Lane is set to portray Jessica Hyde.
“Utopia” marks Cusack’s first starring role in a TV series. He is widely known for his roles in films like 1989’s “Say Anything” and 2000’s “High Fidelity,...
- 4/16/2019
- by Rachel Yang
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Javon “Wanna” Walton has been cast as one of the four leads in Utopia, Amazon’s adaptation of the British series, written by Gone Girl author and screenwriter Gillian Flynn.
Utopia follows a group of young adults who meet online — one of them played by Walton — who are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come into possession of Utopia, a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel. Within the comic’s pages, they discover the conspiracy theories that actually might be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Walton plays Grant, who is streetwise beyond his years, independent, fearless, crafty and charming. Raised in the Kansas City projects by an alcoholic single mother, he’s now roaming the streets alone. Grant embarks on a dangerous mission to uncover the secrets from Utopia. The role was played by Oliver Woollford in the original series.
Utopia follows a group of young adults who meet online — one of them played by Walton — who are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come into possession of Utopia, a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel. Within the comic’s pages, they discover the conspiracy theories that actually might be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Walton plays Grant, who is streetwise beyond his years, independent, fearless, crafty and charming. Raised in the Kansas City projects by an alcoholic single mother, he’s now roaming the streets alone. Grant embarks on a dangerous mission to uncover the secrets from Utopia. The role was played by Oliver Woollford in the original series.
- 3/29/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Ashleigh Lathrop (Sirens), Desmin Borges (You’re the Worst), Farrah Mackenzie (Ascension) and Christopher Denham (Billions) have joined the cast of Utopia, Amazon’s straight-to-series adaptation of the British drama, written by Gone Girl author and screenwriter Gillian Flynn.
Utopia follows a group of young adults who meet online that are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come into possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel. Within the comic’s pages, they discover the conspiracy theories that may actually be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Lathrop will play Becky. Bright and big-hearted, she uses her kindness and empathy as a way to get closer to the graphic novel she desperately needs to save her life. Borges is Wilson Wilson, a brilliant, paranoid and eccentric conspiracy theorist who is obsessed with Utopia and convinced that it...
Utopia follows a group of young adults who meet online that are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come into possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel. Within the comic’s pages, they discover the conspiracy theories that may actually be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Lathrop will play Becky. Bright and big-hearted, she uses her kindness and empathy as a way to get closer to the graphic novel she desperately needs to save her life. Borges is Wilson Wilson, a brilliant, paranoid and eccentric conspiracy theorist who is obsessed with Utopia and convinced that it...
- 2/26/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Cougar Town alum Dan Byrd and Gotham‘s Cory Michael Smith have been tapped to co-star opposite Sasha Lane in Utopia, Amazon’s adaptation of the British series, written by Gone Girl author and screenwriter Gillian Flynn.
Utopia follows a group of young adults who meet online that are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come into possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel. Within the comic’s pages, they discover the conspiracy theories that may actually be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Byrd will play Ian. Ian went to an online college, works in a soul-robbing job and lives in a small apartment with his grandma in Canton, Ohio. Craving a more exciting life outside his online/virtual world, he embarks on a mission to uncover the secrets of the graphic novel Utopia,...
Utopia follows a group of young adults who meet online that are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come into possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel. Within the comic’s pages, they discover the conspiracy theories that may actually be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Byrd will play Ian. Ian went to an online college, works in a soul-robbing job and lives in a small apartment with his grandma in Canton, Ohio. Craving a more exciting life outside his online/virtual world, he embarks on a mission to uncover the secrets of the graphic novel Utopia,...
- 2/20/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Rainn Wilson has been cast in a lead role in the upcoming Amazon series “Utopia.”
Based on the British series of the same name created by Dennis Kelly, “Utopia” follows group of young adults who meet online and are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come in to possession of a near mythical cult underground graphic novel. They discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced in to the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Wilson will play Michael Stearns. Once a promising virologist, Michael is now a forgotten scientist who’s lost his edge—under-appreciated and underfunded in his laboratory work. When a nationwide outbreak of a deadly flu arises, Michael offers his expertise, and soon finds he has landed smack in the middle of something much bigger.
Wilson joins previously announced cast member Sasha Lane,...
Based on the British series of the same name created by Dennis Kelly, “Utopia” follows group of young adults who meet online and are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come in to possession of a near mythical cult underground graphic novel. They discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced in to the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Wilson will play Michael Stearns. Once a promising virologist, Michael is now a forgotten scientist who’s lost his edge—under-appreciated and underfunded in his laboratory work. When a nationwide outbreak of a deadly flu arises, Michael offers his expertise, and soon finds he has landed smack in the middle of something much bigger.
Wilson joins previously announced cast member Sasha Lane,...
- 2/20/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Rainn Wilson will star opposite Sasha Lane on “Sharp Objects” author Gillian Flynn’s upcoming Amazon series “Utopia.”
The “Office” alum will play Michael Stearns. Once a promising virologist, Michael is now a forgotten scientist who’s lost his edge–under-appreciated and underfunded in his laboratory work. When a nationwide outbreak of a deadly flu arises, Michael offers his expertise, and soon finds he has landed smack in the middle of something much bigger.
“Utopia” follows a group of young adults, who meet online, and “are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come in to possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel — they discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced in to the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.”...
The “Office” alum will play Michael Stearns. Once a promising virologist, Michael is now a forgotten scientist who’s lost his edge–under-appreciated and underfunded in his laboratory work. When a nationwide outbreak of a deadly flu arises, Michael offers his expertise, and soon finds he has landed smack in the middle of something much bigger.
“Utopia” follows a group of young adults, who meet online, and “are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come in to possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel — they discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced in to the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.”...
- 2/20/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
The Office alum Rainn Wilson is set to co-star opposite Sasha Lane in Utopia, Amazon’s adaptation of the British series, written by Gone Girl author and screenwriter Gillian Flynn.
Amazon Studios
Utopia follows a group of young adults who meet online that are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come into possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel. Within the comic’s pages, they discover the conspiracy theories that may actually be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Wilson will play Michael Stearns. Once a promising virologist, Michael is now a forgotten scientist who’s lost his edge—under-appreciated and underfunded in his laboratory work. When a nationwide outbreak of a deadly flu arises, Michael offers his expertise, and soon finds he has landed smack in the middle of something much bigger.
Lane plays the lead,...
Amazon Studios
Utopia follows a group of young adults who meet online that are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come into possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel. Within the comic’s pages, they discover the conspiracy theories that may actually be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Wilson will play Michael Stearns. Once a promising virologist, Michael is now a forgotten scientist who’s lost his edge—under-appreciated and underfunded in his laboratory work. When a nationwide outbreak of a deadly flu arises, Michael offers his expertise, and soon finds he has landed smack in the middle of something much bigger.
Lane plays the lead,...
- 2/20/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Diederick Santer is to leave as Kudos CEO after four years at the helm of the Humans and Utopia producer.
Santer took the top job at the Endemol Shine owned drama production business in March 2015 following the departure of Jane Featherstone, having previously run Kudos-backed Lovely Day Productions since 2010.
A big running enthusiast and former EastEnders boss, Santer has overseen titles including AMC and Channel 4 sci-fi co-pro Humans, Kit Harington-fronted Gunpowder, Tim Roth-fronted Tin Star, Man in an Orange Shirt, Apple Tree Yard and The Boy With The Topknot. He leaves the company with forthcoming projects including ITV drama Deep Water, Channel 4 crime thriller Deadwater Fell, Sky One cop comedy Code 404 and Amazon’s U.S. remake of Utopia.
Chief Creative Officer, Karen Wilson and Chief Operating Officer, Martin Haines are to step up as joint Managing Directors, taking over the leadership, creative and strategic direction...
Santer took the top job at the Endemol Shine owned drama production business in March 2015 following the departure of Jane Featherstone, having previously run Kudos-backed Lovely Day Productions since 2010.
A big running enthusiast and former EastEnders boss, Santer has overseen titles including AMC and Channel 4 sci-fi co-pro Humans, Kit Harington-fronted Gunpowder, Tim Roth-fronted Tin Star, Man in an Orange Shirt, Apple Tree Yard and The Boy With The Topknot. He leaves the company with forthcoming projects including ITV drama Deep Water, Channel 4 crime thriller Deadwater Fell, Sky One cop comedy Code 404 and Amazon’s U.S. remake of Utopia.
Chief Creative Officer, Karen Wilson and Chief Operating Officer, Martin Haines are to step up as joint Managing Directors, taking over the leadership, creative and strategic direction...
- 2/20/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Broadchurch and Tin Star producer Kudos is making four-part crime drama Deadwater Fell (w/t) for Channel 4. The series marks the debut commission of recently installed Head of Drama Caroline Hollick.
The series, which is written by Grantchester and Humans writer Daisy Coulam, tells the story of a community shattered by a horrifying and seemingly inexplicable crime. It is a forensic examination of a tragedy and its effects on a small Scottish community, an exploration of the evil which can reside behind closed doors.
It follows the story of two families in the aftermath of an unthinkable crime. When a seemingly perfect and happy family is murdered by someone they know and trust, cracks appear on the surface of a supposedly idyllic community. Deadwater Fell (w/t) examines the ripple effect of the crime on each person who knew and loved the family. From the best friends of the victims,...
The series, which is written by Grantchester and Humans writer Daisy Coulam, tells the story of a community shattered by a horrifying and seemingly inexplicable crime. It is a forensic examination of a tragedy and its effects on a small Scottish community, an exploration of the evil which can reside behind closed doors.
It follows the story of two families in the aftermath of an unthinkable crime. When a seemingly perfect and happy family is murdered by someone they know and trust, cracks appear on the surface of a supposedly idyllic community. Deadwater Fell (w/t) examines the ripple effect of the crime on each person who knew and loved the family. From the best friends of the victims,...
- 1/31/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
“American Honey” actress Sasha Lane will star on “Sharp Objects” author Gillian Flynn’s upcoming Amazon series “Utopia,” TheWrap has learned.
“Utopia” follows a group of young adults, who meet online, and “are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come in to possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel — they discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced in to the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.”
Lane has been cast as one of the drama’s leads, Jessica Hyde, who is described as “tough and feral after a life on the run from a mysterious and dangerous group, Jessica believes all the answers about her perplexing life story may be hidden in the graphic novel ‘Utopia’.”
Also Read: Amazon Orders 'Utopia' Series From 'Gone Girl' Writer Gillian Flynn
Flynn...
“Utopia” follows a group of young adults, who meet online, and “are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come in to possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel — they discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced in to the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.”
Lane has been cast as one of the drama’s leads, Jessica Hyde, who is described as “tough and feral after a life on the run from a mysterious and dangerous group, Jessica believes all the answers about her perplexing life story may be hidden in the graphic novel ‘Utopia’.”
Also Read: Amazon Orders 'Utopia' Series From 'Gone Girl' Writer Gillian Flynn
Flynn...
- 1/29/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Sasha Lane (American Honey) is set to lead the cast of Utopia, Amazon’s adaptation of the British series, written by Gone Girl author and screenwriter Gillian Flynn.
Utopia follows a group of young adults who meet online that are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come into possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel. Within the comic’s pages, they discover the conspiracy theories that may actually be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Lane will play Jessica Hyde. Tough and feral after a life on the run from a mysterious and dangerous group, Jessica believes all the answers about her perplexing life story may be hidden in the graphic novel ‘Utopia’.
“As I’ve been writing Utopia and trying to imagine the actor who could possibly embody Jessica Hyde, Sasha Lane has...
Utopia follows a group of young adults who meet online that are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come into possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel. Within the comic’s pages, they discover the conspiracy theories that may actually be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Lane will play Jessica Hyde. Tough and feral after a life on the run from a mysterious and dangerous group, Jessica believes all the answers about her perplexing life story may be hidden in the graphic novel ‘Utopia’.
“As I’ve been writing Utopia and trying to imagine the actor who could possibly embody Jessica Hyde, Sasha Lane has...
- 1/29/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Sasha Lane has been cast in a lead role in the upcoming Amazon series “Utopia,” Variety has learned.
Based on the British series of the same name created by Dennis Kelly, “Utopia” follows group of young adults who meet online and are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come in to possession of a near mythical cult underground graphic novel. They discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced in to the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Lane will play Jessica Hyde. Described as tough and feral after a life on the run from a mysterious and dangerous group, Jessica believes all the answers about her perplexing life story may be hidden in the graphic novel “Utopia.”
“As I’ve been writing ‘Utopia’ and trying to imagine the actor who could possibly embody Jessica Hyde,...
Based on the British series of the same name created by Dennis Kelly, “Utopia” follows group of young adults who meet online and are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come in to possession of a near mythical cult underground graphic novel. They discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced in to the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Lane will play Jessica Hyde. Described as tough and feral after a life on the run from a mysterious and dangerous group, Jessica believes all the answers about her perplexing life story may be hidden in the graphic novel “Utopia.”
“As I’ve been writing ‘Utopia’ and trying to imagine the actor who could possibly embody Jessica Hyde,...
- 1/29/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Sky handed police comedy Code 404, starring Rogue One’s Daniel Mays and Boardwalk Empire’s Stephen Graham, a full series after a successful pilot.
Deadline first revealed the project was in development at the pay-tv broadcaster in October and it has now been ordered for six half-hour episodes.
The series, which is produced by Broadchurch and Tin Star indie Kudos and Water and Power Productions, also stars Against The Law’s Richard Gadd. It was written by Horrible Histories and Not Going Out writer Daniel Peak and directed by Al Campbell. The pilot was directed by Ben Palmer.
Code 404 is set in the near future and will revolve around two Detective Inspectors, Di John Major (Daniel Mays) and Di Roy Carver (Stephen Graham), who are the top crime fighting duo in the Unit. But when an undercover sting goes horribly wrong, Major is gunned down on the job and killed.
Deadline first revealed the project was in development at the pay-tv broadcaster in October and it has now been ordered for six half-hour episodes.
The series, which is produced by Broadchurch and Tin Star indie Kudos and Water and Power Productions, also stars Against The Law’s Richard Gadd. It was written by Horrible Histories and Not Going Out writer Daniel Peak and directed by Al Campbell. The pilot was directed by Ben Palmer.
Code 404 is set in the near future and will revolve around two Detective Inspectors, Di John Major (Daniel Mays) and Di Roy Carver (Stephen Graham), who are the top crime fighting duo in the Unit. But when an undercover sting goes horribly wrong, Major is gunned down on the job and killed.
- 1/11/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
If anyone needs proof that peak TV is a global phenomenon, then a glance at the nominees for the 2018 Intl. Emmy Awards should provide enough evidence.
This year’s nominees come from all five continents — from Amazon Studios’ Indian cricketing drama “Inside Edge” and Spanish hit “La Casa de Papel” (“Money Heist”) through to Netflix’s Mexican comedy “Club de Cuervos” (“Club of Crows”) and BBC Arabic’s Syrian war documentary “Goodbye Aleppo”.
“International television is booming,” says Bruce Paisner, president and CEO of the Intl. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which hosts the Intl. Emmy Awards on Nov. 19.
Paisner says there were 1,400 entries to this year’s awards, a 20% jump over last year. The quality of the entries is rising, too, he believes.
“Great TV is partly a question of enough money, and as more and more money has floated towards these countries, it has floated towards TV and...
This year’s nominees come from all five continents — from Amazon Studios’ Indian cricketing drama “Inside Edge” and Spanish hit “La Casa de Papel” (“Money Heist”) through to Netflix’s Mexican comedy “Club de Cuervos” (“Club of Crows”) and BBC Arabic’s Syrian war documentary “Goodbye Aleppo”.
“International television is booming,” says Bruce Paisner, president and CEO of the Intl. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which hosts the Intl. Emmy Awards on Nov. 19.
Paisner says there were 1,400 entries to this year’s awards, a 20% jump over last year. The quality of the entries is rising, too, he believes.
“Great TV is partly a question of enough money, and as more and more money has floated towards these countries, it has floated towards TV and...
- 11/16/2018
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
In Wednesday’s roundup, Netflix announces family comedy series “Family Reunion,” and the company is also bringing back its Spanish original series “Elite” for a second season.
Development
Netflix has announced “Family Reunion,” a multi-generational live action comedy series. The series, which recently began production, stars Loretta Devine (“The Carmichael Show”) and Tia Mowry. Mowry will play Cocoa McKellan, a free-spirited mother who travels from the big city with her family to a small town for her family reunion and gets to know their extended clan. Devine will portray the loving but strict matriarch of the family, M’Dear, and Anthony Alabi (“Insecure”) plays Cocoa’s husband. Rounding out the cast as the McKellan children are Talia Jackson as 14-year old Jade, Isaiah Russell-Bailey as 12-year old Shaka, Cameron J. “Cj” Wright as 10-year old Mazzi, and Jordyn James as 8-year old Ami. The show is executive produced and created...
Development
Netflix has announced “Family Reunion,” a multi-generational live action comedy series. The series, which recently began production, stars Loretta Devine (“The Carmichael Show”) and Tia Mowry. Mowry will play Cocoa McKellan, a free-spirited mother who travels from the big city with her family to a small town for her family reunion and gets to know their extended clan. Devine will portray the loving but strict matriarch of the family, M’Dear, and Anthony Alabi (“Insecure”) plays Cocoa’s husband. Rounding out the cast as the McKellan children are Talia Jackson as 14-year old Jade, Isaiah Russell-Bailey as 12-year old Shaka, Cameron J. “Cj” Wright as 10-year old Mazzi, and Jordyn James as 8-year old Ami. The show is executive produced and created...
- 10/17/2018
- by Rachel Yang
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Studios has set Toby Haynes (Doctor Who) to direct Utopia, its nine-episode adaptation of the 2013-14 British drama series.
Written by Gone Girl author and screenwriter Gillian Flynn, Utopia follows a group of young adults who meet online that are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come into possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel. Within the comic’s pages, they discover the conspiracy theories that actually might be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world. The cast is Tba.
Haynes’ directing credits include Doctor Who, Sherlock, Being Human, Black Mirror and the BBC One miniseries Johnathan Strange & Mr Norrell, on which he also was an executive producer. Other UK TV credits include The Musketeers, Spooks and Five Days. He won a 2011 Hugo Award for Doctor Who shorts and has been nominated two others time.
Utopia...
Written by Gone Girl author and screenwriter Gillian Flynn, Utopia follows a group of young adults who meet online that are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come into possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel. Within the comic’s pages, they discover the conspiracy theories that actually might be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world. The cast is Tba.
Haynes’ directing credits include Doctor Who, Sherlock, Being Human, Black Mirror and the BBC One miniseries Johnathan Strange & Mr Norrell, on which he also was an executive producer. Other UK TV credits include The Musketeers, Spooks and Five Days. He won a 2011 Hugo Award for Doctor Who shorts and has been nominated two others time.
Utopia...
- 10/17/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Sky is developing a police comedy starring Rogue One’s Daniel Mays from Broadchurch and Tin Star indie Kudos.
I hear the pay-tv giant is making a non-tx pilot, which has the working title of Code 404, written by Horrible Histories and Not Going Out writer Daniel Peak and is being co-produced by Water and Power Productions.
Directed by Ben Palmer, who previously helmed The Inbetweeners and David Mitchell and Robert Webb comedy Back, the broadcaster is currently deciding whether to take the project to full series.
The full details of the police project have been kept under wraps, but I’m told the narrative comedy has a similar tone to Charlie Brooker’s A Touch of Cloth, the spoof cop comedy that ran on Sky One in 2012. Phil Temple and Diederick Santer exec produce for Kudos and Sam Myer exec produces for Water and Power.
It is an interesting role for Mays,...
I hear the pay-tv giant is making a non-tx pilot, which has the working title of Code 404, written by Horrible Histories and Not Going Out writer Daniel Peak and is being co-produced by Water and Power Productions.
Directed by Ben Palmer, who previously helmed The Inbetweeners and David Mitchell and Robert Webb comedy Back, the broadcaster is currently deciding whether to take the project to full series.
The full details of the police project have been kept under wraps, but I’m told the narrative comedy has a similar tone to Charlie Brooker’s A Touch of Cloth, the spoof cop comedy that ran on Sky One in 2012. Phil Temple and Diederick Santer exec produce for Kudos and Sam Myer exec produces for Water and Power.
It is an interesting role for Mays,...
- 10/11/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Marcella’s Anna Friel, Little Boy Blue’s Sinead Keenan and Howards End’s Rosalind Eleazar are to star in ITV drama Deep Water.
The trio are fronting the six-part series, which is an adaptation of Paula Daly’s Windermere novels, which begins filming in the Cumbrian countryside this week.
The series is a female-led relationship drama, produced by Broadchurch indie Kudos and written by Anna Symon (Indian Summers). It focuses on the lives of three women living in the Lake District, a modern look at family and the pressures of juggling busy lives.
Friel plays mother of three Lisa Kallisto, who juggles her hectic family life with running a business. Chaotic and disorganised, Lisa, is married to Joe who works night and day as a taxi driver. Physiotherapist Roz, played by Keenan once had a thriving private practice, but the debts run up by her soulmate Winston leave the family facing financial ruin.
The trio are fronting the six-part series, which is an adaptation of Paula Daly’s Windermere novels, which begins filming in the Cumbrian countryside this week.
The series is a female-led relationship drama, produced by Broadchurch indie Kudos and written by Anna Symon (Indian Summers). It focuses on the lives of three women living in the Lake District, a modern look at family and the pressures of juggling busy lives.
Friel plays mother of three Lisa Kallisto, who juggles her hectic family life with running a business. Chaotic and disorganised, Lisa, is married to Joe who works night and day as a taxi driver. Physiotherapist Roz, played by Keenan once had a thriving private practice, but the debts run up by her soulmate Winston leave the family facing financial ruin.
- 9/3/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Outlander star Tom Brittney is joining PBS and ITV’s religious crime drama Grantchester – effectively replacing James Norton in the fourth season of the show.
Brittney, who recently starred in Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool, will join the show as Reverend Will Davenport, crime-solving partner to Robson Green’s Geordie Keating. It comes as Norton, who plays the charismatic, jazz-loving clergyman Sidney Chambers, will make his final appearance during the forthcoming season, which is set to air next year.
The series, which set in the 1950s in the English hamlet of Grantchester, is produced by Endemol Shine’s Kudos for ITV and PBS’ Masterpiece. It is distributed internationally by Endemol Shine International, which has sold it into 162 territories. It is exec produced by Diederick Santer, Emma Kingsman-Lloyd, Daisy Coulam and Rebecca Eaton and produced by Richard Cookson with Tim Fywell directing the first two episodes of season four.
Brittney, who recently starred in Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool, will join the show as Reverend Will Davenport, crime-solving partner to Robson Green’s Geordie Keating. It comes as Norton, who plays the charismatic, jazz-loving clergyman Sidney Chambers, will make his final appearance during the forthcoming season, which is set to air next year.
The series, which set in the 1950s in the English hamlet of Grantchester, is produced by Endemol Shine’s Kudos for ITV and PBS’ Masterpiece. It is distributed internationally by Endemol Shine International, which has sold it into 162 territories. It is exec produced by Diederick Santer, Emma Kingsman-Lloyd, Daisy Coulam and Rebecca Eaton and produced by Richard Cookson with Tim Fywell directing the first two episodes of season four.
- 6/29/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Tim Roth and Christina Hendricks are set to return for a second season of Sky’s original crime drama “Tin Star,” the satcaster has confirmed. The cast for the 10-part second series, which will air in 2019, will also include Irish actor John Lynch, Romanian actress Anamaria Marinca and Canadian actress Jenessa Grant.
Created by Rowan Joffe, “Tin Star” proved a hit for Sky when it premiered on Sky Atlantic in Britain last September. Amazon has the show in the U.S.
Sky had already announced a second season was planned, but no casting was confirmed. Genevieve O’Reilly and Abigail Lawrie will also return for the second season, which is currently filming in Calgary, Canada.
“The Fall” actor Lynch most recently featured in AMC’s “The Terror.” Marinca saw her breakout out role in Cannes Palme d’Or winner “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days” in 2007 and recently starred...
Created by Rowan Joffe, “Tin Star” proved a hit for Sky when it premiered on Sky Atlantic in Britain last September. Amazon has the show in the U.S.
Sky had already announced a second season was planned, but no casting was confirmed. Genevieve O’Reilly and Abigail Lawrie will also return for the second season, which is currently filming in Calgary, Canada.
“The Fall” actor Lynch most recently featured in AMC’s “The Terror.” Marinca saw her breakout out role in Cannes Palme d’Or winner “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days” in 2007 and recently starred...
- 5/30/2018
- by Robert Mitchell
- Variety Film + TV
We've got some good news for fans of the cancelled Utopia TV show, which ran for two seasons on UK Channel 4. Amazon has issued a straight-to-series order for a nine-episode first season reboot of the Dennis Kelly thriller. Gone Girl author and screenwriter, Gillian Flynn is the creator and showrunner on the new Amazon TV series and is executive producing with Jessica Rhoades, Sharon Hall, Karen Wilson, Dennis Kelly, and Diederick Santer. An Amazon action drama, Utopia is a co-production between Endemol Shine North America; Endemol's UK production studio, Kudos; and Amazon Studios. The action drama centers on a group of online friends who come into possession of "a near mythical cult underground graphic novel." Although they're targets of a "shadowy deep state organization," as they learn more about the comic, they realize they may just have to save the world. Utopia season...
- 4/19/2018
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Amazon has ordered “Utopia” straight-to-series. The nine-episode series hails from “Gone Girl” writer Gillian Flynn, and it marks the first project under her new overall deal at the streaming studio.
Flynn’s “Utopia” has been the works for quite a while and floated around various platforms. The adaptation of Dennis Kelly’s British series of the same name (not to be confused with the Fox reality show disaster) was originally set for HBO, but that plan died in 2015. This one is a co-production between Endemol Shine North America and Kudos — an Endemol Shine Group UK production studio — and Amazon Studios.
“Utopia” follows a group of young adults who meet online and are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come in to possession of a near mythical cult underground graphic novel, per Amazon. With it, they discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced in to the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Also Read: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos Reveals Prime Membership Numbers - at Long Last
“We are huge fans of Gillian Flynn’s electrifying work,” said Nick Hall, head of Alternative Series for Amazon Studios. “She crafts stories that hold her audience in a constant state of suspense and subverts the expectations behind her characters. She will deliver Prime Video members a series they won’t forget, and ‘Utopia’s’ relevance is sure to connect with viewers around the globe.”
“‘Utopia’ is pure creative catnip to me,” added Flynn. “Dennis Kelly’s show blew my mind, and he has been so incredibly generous in letting me crack open his world and play around in it and make it my own weird, wild place. Utopia is all about exploring resonant issues within dark, twisted storytelling — it’s a series that’s urgent and current and a little holy-crap!, but a hell of a lot of a fun.”
Flynn is considered the domestic version’s creator, executive producer and showrunner. Other executive producers include Kelly, Jessica Rhoades, Sharon Hall, Karen Wilson and Diederick Santer. Sharon Levy, president, Unscripted & Scripted Television, Endemol Shine North America, will oversee production for Endemol Shine.
Read original story Amazon Orders ‘Utopia’ Series From ‘Gone Girl’ Writer Gillian Flynn At TheWrap...
Flynn’s “Utopia” has been the works for quite a while and floated around various platforms. The adaptation of Dennis Kelly’s British series of the same name (not to be confused with the Fox reality show disaster) was originally set for HBO, but that plan died in 2015. This one is a co-production between Endemol Shine North America and Kudos — an Endemol Shine Group UK production studio — and Amazon Studios.
“Utopia” follows a group of young adults who meet online and are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come in to possession of a near mythical cult underground graphic novel, per Amazon. With it, they discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced in to the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Also Read: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos Reveals Prime Membership Numbers - at Long Last
“We are huge fans of Gillian Flynn’s electrifying work,” said Nick Hall, head of Alternative Series for Amazon Studios. “She crafts stories that hold her audience in a constant state of suspense and subverts the expectations behind her characters. She will deliver Prime Video members a series they won’t forget, and ‘Utopia’s’ relevance is sure to connect with viewers around the globe.”
“‘Utopia’ is pure creative catnip to me,” added Flynn. “Dennis Kelly’s show blew my mind, and he has been so incredibly generous in letting me crack open his world and play around in it and make it my own weird, wild place. Utopia is all about exploring resonant issues within dark, twisted storytelling — it’s a series that’s urgent and current and a little holy-crap!, but a hell of a lot of a fun.”
Flynn is considered the domestic version’s creator, executive producer and showrunner. Other executive producers include Kelly, Jessica Rhoades, Sharon Hall, Karen Wilson and Diederick Santer. Sharon Levy, president, Unscripted & Scripted Television, Endemol Shine North America, will oversee production for Endemol Shine.
Read original story Amazon Orders ‘Utopia’ Series From ‘Gone Girl’ Writer Gillian Flynn At TheWrap...
- 4/19/2018
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
An U.S. adaptation of Utopia, written by Gone Girl author and screenwriter Gillian Flynn, is back on. Amazon Studios has given a nine-episode straight-to-series order to the project, with Flynn as creator, executive producer and showrunner. It will be the first project under an overall TV deal she has signed with Amazon Studios.
A U.S. version of the 2013-14 British series Utopia, created by Dennis Kelly and produced by Endemol Shine Group’s UK production studio Kudos, was previously in the works at HBO in 2015 with David Fincher and Flynn. The series was in pre-production, and Fincher and Flynn had been rehearsing with the cast that included Rooney Mara, Colm Feore, Eric McCormack, Dallas Roberts and Jason Ritter, when it unraveled after Fincher and HBO could not agree on a budget.
While HBO considered doing Utopia with another director, the project ultimately didn’t go forward at the premium cable network.
A U.S. version of the 2013-14 British series Utopia, created by Dennis Kelly and produced by Endemol Shine Group’s UK production studio Kudos, was previously in the works at HBO in 2015 with David Fincher and Flynn. The series was in pre-production, and Fincher and Flynn had been rehearsing with the cast that included Rooney Mara, Colm Feore, Eric McCormack, Dallas Roberts and Jason Ritter, when it unraveled after Fincher and HBO could not agree on a budget.
While HBO considered doing Utopia with another director, the project ultimately didn’t go forward at the premium cable network.
- 4/19/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The long-gestating American adaptation of “Utopia” has been ordered to series at Amazon, Variety has learned.
In addition, series creator Gillian Flynn has inked an overall deal with Amazon Studios, with “Utopia” being the first project under that deal. Based on the British series of the same name created by Dennis Kelly, “Utopia” follows group of young adults who meet online and are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come in to possession of a near mythical cult underground graphic novel. They discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced in to the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Amazon has ordered a nine-episode first season. The original series aired two six-episode seasons on Britain’s Channel 4 between 2013 and 2014.
“’Utopia’ is pure creative catnip to me,” Flynn said. “Dennis Kelly’s show blew my mind,...
In addition, series creator Gillian Flynn has inked an overall deal with Amazon Studios, with “Utopia” being the first project under that deal. Based on the British series of the same name created by Dennis Kelly, “Utopia” follows group of young adults who meet online and are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come in to possession of a near mythical cult underground graphic novel. They discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced in to the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Amazon has ordered a nine-episode first season. The original series aired two six-episode seasons on Britain’s Channel 4 between 2013 and 2014.
“’Utopia’ is pure creative catnip to me,” Flynn said. “Dennis Kelly’s show blew my mind,...
- 4/19/2018
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
First the good news for Grantchester fans: The ITV & PBS series has been renewed for Season 4. Now the rotten news: They will be the final episodes with star James Norton as the jazz-loving, crime-solving vicar Sidney Chambers as the actor segues to the BBC-AMC drama McMafia.
Norton, whose name has been bandied about as the next James Bond, will return to the Masterpiece series alongside Robson Green, who co-stars as his partner-in-crimefighting Detective Geordie Keating. Al Weaver, Tessa Peake-Jones and Kacey Ainsworth also star. Production begins in June in London for a 2019 premiere.
But Norton’s exit won’t signal the end of the series set in the 1950s in the English hamlet of Grantchester.
“It’s a bittersweet time for Grantchester fans, who will be cheering the return of the series but crushed to say goodbye to James,” said Masterpiece executive producer Rebecca Eaton at Wgbh Boston.
Norton, whose name has been bandied about as the next James Bond, will return to the Masterpiece series alongside Robson Green, who co-stars as his partner-in-crimefighting Detective Geordie Keating. Al Weaver, Tessa Peake-Jones and Kacey Ainsworth also star. Production begins in June in London for a 2019 premiere.
But Norton’s exit won’t signal the end of the series set in the 1950s in the English hamlet of Grantchester.
“It’s a bittersweet time for Grantchester fans, who will be cheering the return of the series but crushed to say goodbye to James,” said Masterpiece executive producer Rebecca Eaton at Wgbh Boston.
- 4/12/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
ITV has ordered female-led relationship drama, Deep Water, to be produced by Kudos. The six-part ensemble is written by Anna Symon (Indian Summers) and adapted from the Windermere novels by author Paula Daly. The series focuses on the lives of three women living in the Lake District. It's a modern look at family and the pressures of juggling busy lives. ITV Drama chief Polly Hill calls it "funny, sexy, truthful and often outrageous." Karen Wilson, Diederick Santer and…...
- 3/14/2018
- Deadline
ITV has ordered female-led relationship drama, Deep Water, to be produced by Kudos. The six-part ensemble is written by Anna Symon (Indian Summers) and adapted from the Windermere novels by author Paula Daly. The series focuses on the lives of three women living in the Lake District. It's a modern look at family and the pressures of juggling busy lives. ITV Drama chief Polly Hill calls it "funny, sexy, truthful and often outrageous." Karen Wilson, Diederick Santer and…...
- 3/14/2018
- Deadline TV
Kudos has preemptively acquired TV adaptation rights to the forthcoming Wuthering Heights companion book, Ill Will. Author Michael Stewart’s story answers the question of what happened to Heathcliff, Emily Brontë’s enigmatic anti-hero who disappears mid-way through her 1847 classic. Kudos is developing a drama series to be executive produced by the company’s Emma Kingsman-Lloyd and Diederick Santer. A neo-gothic novel, Ill Will offers up the missing piece of the puzzle…...
- 2/1/2018
- Deadline TV
If you're a fan of the eerie artificial intelligence featured on the TV series Humans, then you'll be pleased to know that AMC, Channel 4, and Kudos have renewed the series for an eight-episode third season that will premiere in 2018 and begin filming this fall.
Press Release: New York/London – March 28, 2017 – AMC, Channel 4 and Kudos today announced that the critically acclaimed drama series “Humans,” has been picked up for a third season. The series will return with eight new episodes in 2018. Production will begin in fall 2017 with key cast set to return.
“Humans” is written by Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley (Humans S1, Spooks: The Greater Good), and based on the award-winning Swedish sci-fi drama “Real Humans” created by Lars Lundstrom and produced by Svt and Matador Film. The new season is executive produced by Derek Wax, Emma Kingsman-Lloyd, Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley for Kudos in association with Wild Mercury Productions,...
Press Release: New York/London – March 28, 2017 – AMC, Channel 4 and Kudos today announced that the critically acclaimed drama series “Humans,” has been picked up for a third season. The series will return with eight new episodes in 2018. Production will begin in fall 2017 with key cast set to return.
“Humans” is written by Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley (Humans S1, Spooks: The Greater Good), and based on the award-winning Swedish sci-fi drama “Real Humans” created by Lars Lundstrom and produced by Svt and Matador Film. The new season is executive produced by Derek Wax, Emma Kingsman-Lloyd, Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley for Kudos in association with Wild Mercury Productions,...
- 3/28/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
In a bouquet of good news, the Flowers TV series has been renewed for a second season on Seeso and Channel 4 (UK). From Will Sharpe, the dark dysfunctional family dramedy stars Olivia Colman and Julian Barratt as Deborah and Maurice Flowers. Daniel Rigsby and Sophia di Martino also star as their children, Donald and Amy.Flowers, season two, will be executive produced by Naomi de Pear within her new Hootenanny label, being launched at Sister Pictures. Diederick Santer is executive producing for Kudos. The second season will film in 2017. Endemol Shine International is distributing. Get the details from this Seeso press release.Read More…...
- 9/20/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Lovely Day and Shine Pictures are to be absorbed into Kudos following Diederick Santer’s appointment as joint CEO of the UK production company.
Shine Pictures, which is best known for producing feature films including Salmon Fishing in the Yemen and Spooks: The Greater Good, will expand into long-form TV drama following its move under Kudos.
MD llie Madden becomes an executive producer, while Alice Pearse becomes a development executive.
Lovely Day was established by Santer under the Kudos umbrella in 2010 and went on to produce Grantchester, ITV’s drama about an investigative vicar, which has been picked up for a second series.
The show, along with developments including a yet-to-be-announced BBC drama series, will now be produced under the Kudos banner, with Lovely Day’s head of development Richard Cookson becoming a senior development executive.
The two brands will cease to exist and Kudos will now consist of around 40 full-time staff.
Santer said the...
Shine Pictures, which is best known for producing feature films including Salmon Fishing in the Yemen and Spooks: The Greater Good, will expand into long-form TV drama following its move under Kudos.
MD llie Madden becomes an executive producer, while Alice Pearse becomes a development executive.
Lovely Day was established by Santer under the Kudos umbrella in 2010 and went on to produce Grantchester, ITV’s drama about an investigative vicar, which has been picked up for a second series.
The show, along with developments including a yet-to-be-announced BBC drama series, will now be produced under the Kudos banner, with Lovely Day’s head of development Richard Cookson becoming a senior development executive.
The two brands will cease to exist and Kudos will now consist of around 40 full-time staff.
Santer said the...
- 11/11/2015
- ScreenDaily
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