Lenny Henry has launched a new production company backed by Banijay U.K.
Titled Esmerelda, the new venture will focus on drama and comedy with an emphasis on under-represented voices.
Henry, an actor, comedian and writer, will take the position of joint co-managing director of the company alongside producer, writer and director Jon Sen.
Henry most recently starred in “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” and is soon set to launch his latest series, “Three Little Birds,” for ITV. Henry wrote the show while “Doctor Who” show runner Russell T Davies and Tiger Aspect’s Lucy Bedford exec produce.
Henry founded production company Douglas Road in 2014 and will stand down as CEO to focus on Esmerelda.
Douglas Road Productions will continue to be run by managing director Angela Ferreira.
Jon recently held a role at BBC Studios as an executive producer and development exec where he also helmed “Casualty” and “EastEnders.
Titled Esmerelda, the new venture will focus on drama and comedy with an emphasis on under-represented voices.
Henry, an actor, comedian and writer, will take the position of joint co-managing director of the company alongside producer, writer and director Jon Sen.
Henry most recently starred in “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” and is soon set to launch his latest series, “Three Little Birds,” for ITV. Henry wrote the show while “Doctor Who” show runner Russell T Davies and Tiger Aspect’s Lucy Bedford exec produce.
Henry founded production company Douglas Road in 2014 and will stand down as CEO to focus on Esmerelda.
Douglas Road Productions will continue to be run by managing director Angela Ferreira.
Jon recently held a role at BBC Studios as an executive producer and development exec where he also helmed “Casualty” and “EastEnders.
- 10/23/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety 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
‘Peaky Blinders’ Firm Tiger Aspect Names Lucy Bedford As MD & Hires Ex-Sky Drama Exec Gabriel Silver
Peaky Blinders co-producer Tiger Aspect has a new managing director in Lucy Bedford, and has hired Gabriel Silver for a senior scripted role.
Bedford, formerly Head of Drama, will lead the Banijay UK indie creatively, working closely with Head of Comedy, David Simpson, and newly appointed Creative Director of Drama Silver.
Besides co-producing BBC crime drama Peaky Blinders with Caryn Mandabach productions, Tiger Aspect is behind Bad Education (BBC Three); Domina (Epix / Sky); Man Like Mobeen (BBC Three); Deep Fake Neighbour Wars (ITV X) and the upcoming Three Little Birds (ITV).
Bedford reports directly in Banijay UK CEO Patrick Holland and takes on her new role with immediate effect. She’ll with on commercial and operational business growth strategy with Chief Commercial Officer Zoe Brown and Chief Operating Officer Helen Wright.
She joined Tiger Aspect in 2014 as Executive Producer, having worked previously at Ecosse Films and Granada TV. Since then,...
Bedford, formerly Head of Drama, will lead the Banijay UK indie creatively, working closely with Head of Comedy, David Simpson, and newly appointed Creative Director of Drama Silver.
Besides co-producing BBC crime drama Peaky Blinders with Caryn Mandabach productions, Tiger Aspect is behind Bad Education (BBC Three); Domina (Epix / Sky); Man Like Mobeen (BBC Three); Deep Fake Neighbour Wars (ITV X) and the upcoming Three Little Birds (ITV).
Bedford reports directly in Banijay UK CEO Patrick Holland and takes on her new role with immediate effect. She’ll with on commercial and operational business growth strategy with Chief Commercial Officer Zoe Brown and Chief Operating Officer Helen Wright.
She joined Tiger Aspect in 2014 as Executive Producer, having worked previously at Ecosse Films and Granada TV. Since then,...
- 2/23/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Banijay company Tiger Aspect has promoted head of drama Lucy Bedford to managing director, reporting into Banijay U.K. CEO Patrick Holland.
Bedford, who takes up her new role immediately, has appointed Gabriel Silver, previously director of commissioning, drama at Sky studios, as creative director, drama.
Bedford will be responsible for the creative leadership of the business, working closely with head of comedy, David Simpson and Silver, to build the slate of the scripted indie whose credits include “Peaky Blinders,” “Bad Education,” “Domina,” “Man Like Mobeen” and the upcoming “Three Little Birds.”
Credits for Bedford, who has been instrumental in building up the drama slate and evolving the company’s drama strategy over the past three years, include “The Good Karma Hospital” and “Litvinenko.”
Working closely with writers and talent to further build the drama pipeline, Silver will help steer the overall strategic direction of Tiger Aspect’s drama slate...
Bedford, who takes up her new role immediately, has appointed Gabriel Silver, previously director of commissioning, drama at Sky studios, as creative director, drama.
Bedford will be responsible for the creative leadership of the business, working closely with head of comedy, David Simpson and Silver, to build the slate of the scripted indie whose credits include “Peaky Blinders,” “Bad Education,” “Domina,” “Man Like Mobeen” and the upcoming “Three Little Birds.”
Credits for Bedford, who has been instrumental in building up the drama slate and evolving the company’s drama strategy over the past three years, include “The Good Karma Hospital” and “Litvinenko.”
Working closely with writers and talent to further build the drama pipeline, Silver will help steer the overall strategic direction of Tiger Aspect’s drama slate...
- 2/23/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The CW announced the ninth and final season of “The Flash” will premiere on Wednesday, February 8. The show’s final season will consist of 13 episodes.
According to the network, the ninth season of “The Flash” picks up one week after Barry Allen’s battle with Reverse Flash, with Allen and Iris West-Allen reconnecting and growing closer than ever before. A deadly group of Rogues descend on Central City led by a powerful new threat, forcing The Flash and his team to come together, defy impossible odds and save the day.
The series, based on the DC Comics superhero and developed by Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg and Geoff Johns, stars Grant Gustin as the titular character. Additional cast includes Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Rick Cosnett, Carlos Valdes, Tom Cavanagh, Jesse L. Martin and more.
“’The Flash’ will be remembered as one of the greatest shows in the history of The CW,...
According to the network, the ninth season of “The Flash” picks up one week after Barry Allen’s battle with Reverse Flash, with Allen and Iris West-Allen reconnecting and growing closer than ever before. A deadly group of Rogues descend on Central City led by a powerful new threat, forcing The Flash and his team to come together, defy impossible odds and save the day.
The series, based on the DC Comics superhero and developed by Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg and Geoff Johns, stars Grant Gustin as the titular character. Additional cast includes Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Rick Cosnett, Carlos Valdes, Tom Cavanagh, Jesse L. Martin and more.
“’The Flash’ will be remembered as one of the greatest shows in the history of The CW,...
- 12/5/2022
- by EJ Panaligan
- Variety Film + TV
Screenwriter and executive producer Muirinn Lane Kelly has died. She was 50.
The exec, who has credits for Waterloo Road and Mistresses in the UK, passed away this week. She was more recently an executive producer on Sky Atlantic and Epic drama Domina.
Kelly began her career working at Roger Corman’s Connemara studio for two years in the late 1990s before moving into development at the BBC, where she was script editor on shows such as Silent Witness and Waking the Dead.
She later moved to Ecosse Films, where she was a writer on BBC One’s Mistresses, which was later remade in the U.S. for ABC. She went on to write for BBC school drama Waterloo Road and Raw for Irish pubcaster RTE1 and then joined Bandit Television, where she became EP on two seasons of Dawn French comedy Delicious.
In 2019, she switched to Banijay-owned Tiger Aspect Productions,...
The exec, who has credits for Waterloo Road and Mistresses in the UK, passed away this week. She was more recently an executive producer on Sky Atlantic and Epic drama Domina.
Kelly began her career working at Roger Corman’s Connemara studio for two years in the late 1990s before moving into development at the BBC, where she was script editor on shows such as Silent Witness and Waking the Dead.
She later moved to Ecosse Films, where she was a writer on BBC One’s Mistresses, which was later remade in the U.S. for ABC. She went on to write for BBC school drama Waterloo Road and Raw for Irish pubcaster RTE1 and then joined Bandit Television, where she became EP on two seasons of Dawn French comedy Delicious.
In 2019, she switched to Banijay-owned Tiger Aspect Productions,...
- 11/11/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
David Tennant has a lot more on his plate than his return to the world of "Doctor Who," as Itvx revealed in the first look at the British actor from the upcoming miniseries, "Litvinenko." The image is a recreation of the internationally famous photo of Russian defector Alexander Litvinenko in a University College Hospital bed shortly before his passing, taken in the midst of one of the most dangerous criminal investigations in the history of London's Metropolitan Police.
For the uninitiated, Litvinenko was a former Russian Federal Security Services and Kgb officer who died of polonium-210 poisoning in November 2006, claiming that he had been poisoned on the direct orders of Vladimir Putin as punishment for his dissident. He was a prominent critic of Putin, advising U.K. intelligence on the Russians, and coining the term "mafia state."
In the days leading up to his death, Litvinenko provided a litany of information...
For the uninitiated, Litvinenko was a former Russian Federal Security Services and Kgb officer who died of polonium-210 poisoning in November 2006, claiming that he had been poisoned on the direct orders of Vladimir Putin as punishment for his dissident. He was a prominent critic of Putin, advising U.K. intelligence on the Russians, and coining the term "mafia state."
In the days leading up to his death, Litvinenko provided a litany of information...
- 11/7/2022
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Itvx and Viaplay four-partner Litvinenko, which will see David Tennant playing the doomed Russian dissident, has sold into 80 territories ahead of its launch. AMC+ and Sundance Now have taken rights in the U.S., while Prime Video bagged Canada from distributor ITV Studios.
Written by acclaimed screenwriter, George Kay, the show has also sold to M6 in France, ProSiebenSat.1 in Germany, Sky Italia, Seven Network in Australia, Tvnz in New Zealand and Now TV in Hong Kong. Viacom18 took Indian sub-continent rights, while BookMyShow will hold TVoD rights in India through its BookMyShow Stream platform. Elsewhere, M-Net has scored a pan-Africa deal.
The original commissioners were upcoming UK streaming service Itvx and Viaplay for the Nordics, Netherlands, Poland and Baltics.
Written by acclaimed screenwriter, George Kay and produced by Patrick Spence, ITV Studios, and Tiger Aspect Productions, Litvinenko tells the story of Alexander Litvinenko, the former...
Written by acclaimed screenwriter, George Kay, the show has also sold to M6 in France, ProSiebenSat.1 in Germany, Sky Italia, Seven Network in Australia, Tvnz in New Zealand and Now TV in Hong Kong. Viacom18 took Indian sub-continent rights, while BookMyShow will hold TVoD rights in India through its BookMyShow Stream platform. Elsewhere, M-Net has scored a pan-Africa deal.
The original commissioners were upcoming UK streaming service Itvx and Viaplay for the Nordics, Netherlands, Poland and Baltics.
Written by acclaimed screenwriter, George Kay and produced by Patrick Spence, ITV Studios, and Tiger Aspect Productions, Litvinenko tells the story of Alexander Litvinenko, the former...
- 10/17/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
The David Tennant-starring “Litvinenko” has sold into AMC+ and Sundance Now in the U.S., along with a host of other buyers in 80 international markets.
The drama has pre-sold ahead of its debut on ITV’s forthcoming U.K. streaming service Itvx, which launches this fall, and Nent Group’s Viaplay streaming service in the Nordics, Netherlands, Poland and Baltics.
Written by George Kay (“Lupin”) and produced by Patrick Spence, ITV Studios and Tiger Aspect Productions, the drama tells the story of Alexander Litvinenko, the former Russian Federal Security Services and Kgb officer, whose death from polonium poisoning in November 2006 triggered one of the most complex and dangerous investigations in the history of the Metropolitan Police.
AMC Networks’ Sundance Now and AMC+ have acquired the exclusive U.S. rights to the drama, while Amazon’s Prime Video has taken the series in Canada.
In Europe “Litvinenko” will air on M6 France,...
The drama has pre-sold ahead of its debut on ITV’s forthcoming U.K. streaming service Itvx, which launches this fall, and Nent Group’s Viaplay streaming service in the Nordics, Netherlands, Poland and Baltics.
Written by George Kay (“Lupin”) and produced by Patrick Spence, ITV Studios and Tiger Aspect Productions, the drama tells the story of Alexander Litvinenko, the former Russian Federal Security Services and Kgb officer, whose death from polonium poisoning in November 2006 triggered one of the most complex and dangerous investigations in the history of the Metropolitan Police.
AMC Networks’ Sundance Now and AMC+ have acquired the exclusive U.S. rights to the drama, while Amazon’s Prime Video has taken the series in Canada.
In Europe “Litvinenko” will air on M6 France,...
- 10/17/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety 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
ABC released key art for the 94th Academy Awards on Friday — and it features the first official shot of this year’s three Oscar hosts.
The 94th Oscars will be held March 27, with an in-person ceremony at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre that will air live on ABC. Last month, the Academy announced that Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes would be hosting the big night.
In Tuesday’s image, Hall, Schumer and Sykes are seen sitting in a movie theater with their hands held high. The words “Movie lovers unite” sit above the Oscars’ logo.
In addition to the Oscars hosts, previously announced awards presenters include Simu Liu, Rami Malek, Zoë Kravitz, Lily James, Lady Gaga, Youn Yuh-jung, Rosie Perez and Chris Rock.
The films leading Oscar nominations are “The Power of the Dog” and “Dune,” with 12 and 10 nods, respectively. “Belfast” and “West Side Story” each received seven nominations.
The 94th Oscars will be held March 27, with an in-person ceremony at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre that will air live on ABC. Last month, the Academy announced that Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes would be hosting the big night.
In Tuesday’s image, Hall, Schumer and Sykes are seen sitting in a movie theater with their hands held high. The words “Movie lovers unite” sit above the Oscars’ logo.
In addition to the Oscars hosts, previously announced awards presenters include Simu Liu, Rami Malek, Zoë Kravitz, Lily James, Lady Gaga, Youn Yuh-jung, Rosie Perez and Chris Rock.
The films leading Oscar nominations are “The Power of the Dog” and “Dune,” with 12 and 10 nods, respectively. “Belfast” and “West Side Story” each received seven nominations.
- 3/12/2022
- by Sasha Urban, Wilson Chapman and Wyatte Grantham-Philips
- Variety Film + TV
Epix has ordered an eight-episode second season of historical drama Domina. The renewal follows a deal between Epix and global distributor Banijay Rights for a second season of the drama produced by Tiger Aspect, in association with Epix Studios.
Created by Simon Burke, Domina takes place during one of the most provocative periods in Roman history, following the extraordinary rise of Gaius, Emperor Augustus Caesar’s third wife, Livia Drusilla, played by Kasia Smutniak. Season 2 of Domina is scheduled to begin production this spring at Cinecittà Studios in Rome and is scheduled to premiere on Epix in the U.S. and Sky across Europe in 2023.
Season 2 chronicles the struggle for control of the Roman Empire, and of Rome’s Imperial Family from a rare female perspective. In its first season, Livia Drusilla, the golden girl of the prominent Claudii family returned to Rome after ten years in exile,...
Created by Simon Burke, Domina takes place during one of the most provocative periods in Roman history, following the extraordinary rise of Gaius, Emperor Augustus Caesar’s third wife, Livia Drusilla, played by Kasia Smutniak. Season 2 of Domina is scheduled to begin production this spring at Cinecittà Studios in Rome and is scheduled to premiere on Epix in the U.S. and Sky across Europe in 2023.
Season 2 chronicles the struggle for control of the Roman Empire, and of Rome’s Imperial Family from a rare female perspective. In its first season, Livia Drusilla, the golden girl of the prominent Claudii family returned to Rome after ten years in exile,...
- 3/10/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Epix announced that its upcoming adventure series “Billy the Kid” will premiere on April 24.
The series follows famous outlaw William H. Bonney, a.k.a. Billy the Kid (Tom Blyth), from his Irish roots to his cowboy days on the American frontier, including his role in the Lincoln County War.
The news came via Epix’s presentation at the Television Critics Association’s 2022 winter press tour, during which they also released a new trailer.
Epix also announced three newly greenlit docuseries: “Women Who Rock,” Season 2 of “NFL Icons” and “The Making of a Haunting: The Amityville Murders.” “Women Who Rock” is a tribute to female pioneers in the music industry and features artists including Nancy Wilson, Chaka Khan, Pat Benatar, Mavis Staples, Sheila E, Macy Gray, Rickie Lee Jones, Norah Jones, Aimee Mann, Tori Amos, Kate Pierson, Tina Weymouth and Nona Hendrix. The four-part series is from Network Entertainment. John Varvatos,...
The series follows famous outlaw William H. Bonney, a.k.a. Billy the Kid (Tom Blyth), from his Irish roots to his cowboy days on the American frontier, including his role in the Lincoln County War.
The news came via Epix’s presentation at the Television Critics Association’s 2022 winter press tour, during which they also released a new trailer.
Epix also announced three newly greenlit docuseries: “Women Who Rock,” Season 2 of “NFL Icons” and “The Making of a Haunting: The Amityville Murders.” “Women Who Rock” is a tribute to female pioneers in the music industry and features artists including Nancy Wilson, Chaka Khan, Pat Benatar, Mavis Staples, Sheila E, Macy Gray, Rickie Lee Jones, Norah Jones, Aimee Mann, Tori Amos, Kate Pierson, Tina Weymouth and Nona Hendrix. The four-part series is from Network Entertainment. John Varvatos,...
- 2/3/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
David Tennant To Star In ‘Litvinenko’ Poison Drama For ITV & Viaplay From ‘Lupin’ Creator George Kay
Exclusive: David Tennant is to play Alexander Litvinenko, who former Russian Federal Security Services and Kgb officer who was poisoned to death, in a drama series for ITV and Nordic Entertainment Group.
The former Doctor Who star, who recently played serial killer Dennis Nilsen in Des, stars alongside The Deuce’s Margarita Levieva, in the four-part series, which comes from Lupin creator George Kay.
It is the story of the determined Scotland Yard Officers who worked for ten years to prove who was responsible, in one of the most complex and dangerous investigations in the history of the Metropolitan Police.
The drama also focuses upon the story of Marina, played by Levieva, who has also recurred on The Blacklist and Revenge, Alexander’s fearless, dignified widow who fought tirelessly to persuade the British Government to publicly name her husband’s killers and acknowledge the role of the Russian State in his murder.
The former Doctor Who star, who recently played serial killer Dennis Nilsen in Des, stars alongside The Deuce’s Margarita Levieva, in the four-part series, which comes from Lupin creator George Kay.
It is the story of the determined Scotland Yard Officers who worked for ten years to prove who was responsible, in one of the most complex and dangerous investigations in the history of the Metropolitan Police.
The drama also focuses upon the story of Marina, played by Levieva, who has also recurred on The Blacklist and Revenge, Alexander’s fearless, dignified widow who fought tirelessly to persuade the British Government to publicly name her husband’s killers and acknowledge the role of the Russian State in his murder.
- 9/30/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
As filming commences on the sixth season of the highly acclaimed BBC series ‘Peaky Blinders’, it has been announced that this season will be it’s last.
Having become one of the BBC’s most successful dramas after starting life on BBC 2 eight years ago after becoming a huge international phenomenon, thrilling millions of viewers worldwide with the story of Tommy Shelby and his notorious family’s rise to prominence and power, against the backdrop of working-class, post-First World War Birmingham.
Creator and writer Steven Knight said: “Peaky is back and with a bang. After the enforced production delay due to the Covid pandemic, we find the family in extreme jeopardy and the stakes have never been higher. We believe this will be the best series of all and are sure that our amazing fans will love it. While the TV series will be coming to an end, the...
Having become one of the BBC’s most successful dramas after starting life on BBC 2 eight years ago after becoming a huge international phenomenon, thrilling millions of viewers worldwide with the story of Tommy Shelby and his notorious family’s rise to prominence and power, against the backdrop of working-class, post-First World War Birmingham.
Creator and writer Steven Knight said: “Peaky is back and with a bang. After the enforced production delay due to the Covid pandemic, we find the family in extreme jeopardy and the stakes have never been higher. We believe this will be the best series of all and are sure that our amazing fans will love it. While the TV series will be coming to an end, the...
- 1/18/2021
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
“Peaky Blinders” will conclude with the British period crime drama’s upcoming sixth season, which has just begun production in the U.K., the BBC announced Monday.
“‘Peaky’ is back and with a bang,” creator and writer Steven Knight said in a statement Monday. “After the enforced production delay due to the Covid pandemic, we find the family in extreme jeopardy and the stakes have never been higher. We believe this will be the best series of all and are sure that our amazing fans will love it. While the TV series will be coming to an end, the story will continue in another form.”
Representatives for BBC did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment on what other “form” Knight was referring to.
Set in Birmingham, England, “Peaky Blinders” takes place after World War I and stars Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, a powerful member of the Shelby crime family.
“‘Peaky’ is back and with a bang,” creator and writer Steven Knight said in a statement Monday. “After the enforced production delay due to the Covid pandemic, we find the family in extreme jeopardy and the stakes have never been higher. We believe this will be the best series of all and are sure that our amazing fans will love it. While the TV series will be coming to an end, the story will continue in another form.”
Representatives for BBC did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment on what other “form” Knight was referring to.
Set in Birmingham, England, “Peaky Blinders” takes place after World War I and stars Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, a powerful member of the Shelby crime family.
- 1/18/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Hit BBC drama “Peaky Blinders” will end after its sixth and final season, but creator and writer Steven Knight has promised the story will “continue in another form.”
Hugely popular overseas, the series follows the story of Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his notorious family’s rise to power against the backdrop of working class, post-wwi Birmingham. BBC confirmed the show’s terminus on Monday, when announcing that it had resumed production in the U.K. under strict Covid guidelines.
The season 6 ending is something of a surprise given Knight previously told Entertainment Weekly in 2019 that “Peaky Blinders” would live to see season 7. However, a year’s delay in production due to the pandemic is likely to have accelerated plans to wrap with season 6, which will likely air in late 2021 or possibly even early 2022 depending on how quickly production can complete filming amid the U.K.’s ongoing virus crisis.
Hugely popular overseas, the series follows the story of Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his notorious family’s rise to power against the backdrop of working class, post-wwi Birmingham. BBC confirmed the show’s terminus on Monday, when announcing that it had resumed production in the U.K. under strict Covid guidelines.
The season 6 ending is something of a surprise given Knight previously told Entertainment Weekly in 2019 that “Peaky Blinders” would live to see season 7. However, a year’s delay in production due to the pandemic is likely to have accelerated plans to wrap with season 6, which will likely air in late 2021 or possibly even early 2022 depending on how quickly production can complete filming amid the U.K.’s ongoing virus crisis.
- 1/18/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Lenny Henry, the British comedian, actor and diversity campaigner, is collaborating with A Very English Scandal scribe Russell T Davies on a deeply personal ITV drama series inspired by his mother’s move from Jamaica to the UK in the 1950s.
Henry’s Douglas Road Productions and Tiger Aspect — both part of the Banijay group — will make Three Little Birds for ITV, with Davies consulting on the script and serving as an executive producer.
The six-part series will narrate a Windrush-era story of two sisters, Leah and Chantrelle, and their Bible-loving acquaintance, Hosanna, as they leave the Caribbean to embark on a new life in Britain.
On arriving in Notting Hill, they quickly realize that London is not for them and flee to the Midlands, overcoming racism and integration issues to make a new home for themselves.
ITV drama head Polly Hill said Henry’s scripts are funny, moving and life-affirming,...
Henry’s Douglas Road Productions and Tiger Aspect — both part of the Banijay group — will make Three Little Birds for ITV, with Davies consulting on the script and serving as an executive producer.
The six-part series will narrate a Windrush-era story of two sisters, Leah and Chantrelle, and their Bible-loving acquaintance, Hosanna, as they leave the Caribbean to embark on a new life in Britain.
On arriving in Notting Hill, they quickly realize that London is not for them and flee to the Midlands, overcoming racism and integration issues to make a new home for themselves.
ITV drama head Polly Hill said Henry’s scripts are funny, moving and life-affirming,...
- 12/10/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Noel Clarke, the Bulletproof and Adulthood writer and actor, is to headline ITV’s Viewpoint, a Rear Window-esque crime drama based on an idea from Emmy-winning Fleabag helmer Harry Bradbeer.
Produced by Peaky Blinders co-producer Tiger Aspect, Clarke plays surveillance detective, DC Martin King, who sets up an observation post in the home of single mum and secret voyeur, Zoe Sterling, played by Alexandra Roach (Black Mirror).
Sterling’s windows command a panoramic view of Westbury Square, Manchester, and provides a direct sightline into the home of beloved missing school teacher, Gemma Hillman (Amy Wren). Hillman shares the home with her boyfriend and prime suspect, Greg Sullivan, played by Fehinti Balogu.
Rounding out the cast are Catherine Tyldesley (Scarborough), Bronagh Waugh (The Fall), Sarah Niles (Trust Me), Shannon Murray (Get Even), Phil Davis (Whitechapel) Ian Puleston-Davies (Tin Star), Dominic Allburn (Jack Irish: Dead Point), Marcus Garvey (Broadchurch), Carlyss Peer...
Produced by Peaky Blinders co-producer Tiger Aspect, Clarke plays surveillance detective, DC Martin King, who sets up an observation post in the home of single mum and secret voyeur, Zoe Sterling, played by Alexandra Roach (Black Mirror).
Sterling’s windows command a panoramic view of Westbury Square, Manchester, and provides a direct sightline into the home of beloved missing school teacher, Gemma Hillman (Amy Wren). Hillman shares the home with her boyfriend and prime suspect, Greg Sullivan, played by Fehinti Balogu.
Rounding out the cast are Catherine Tyldesley (Scarborough), Bronagh Waugh (The Fall), Sarah Niles (Trust Me), Shannon Murray (Get Even), Phil Davis (Whitechapel) Ian Puleston-Davies (Tin Star), Dominic Allburn (Jack Irish: Dead Point), Marcus Garvey (Broadchurch), Carlyss Peer...
- 8/25/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Emmy-winning Fleabag director Harry Bradbeer has co-created a Rear Window-esque crime drama with Manhunt writer Ed Whitmore for ITV.
The pair have devised five-part thriller Viewpoint from Ripper Street producer Tiger Aspect, ordered to series by the British commercial broadcaster.
The drama follows a police surveillance investigation into a tight knit community in Manchester and explores whether it is ever possible observe the lives of others with true objectivity and zero effect.
When beloved primary school teacher Gemma King vanishes into thin air, DC Martin Young decides to set up his observation post in the home of single mum Zoe Sturges. His reasoning is simple – Zoe’s flat commands a panoramic view of all the comings and goings in Westbury Square. More specifically, he can see straight into the flat that Gemma shares with boyfriend Greg Sullivan, the prime suspect in her disappearance. But Martin is a man...
The pair have devised five-part thriller Viewpoint from Ripper Street producer Tiger Aspect, ordered to series by the British commercial broadcaster.
The drama follows a police surveillance investigation into a tight knit community in Manchester and explores whether it is ever possible observe the lives of others with true objectivity and zero effect.
When beloved primary school teacher Gemma King vanishes into thin air, DC Martin Young decides to set up his observation post in the home of single mum Zoe Sturges. His reasoning is simple – Zoe’s flat commands a panoramic view of all the comings and goings in Westbury Square. More specifically, he can see straight into the flat that Gemma shares with boyfriend Greg Sullivan, the prime suspect in her disappearance. But Martin is a man...
- 1/27/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Top screenwriter, Michael Hirst has been appointed to draft the screenplay for “The Ibis Trilogy” a series adaptation that depicts the lives of vividly-drawn characters against the backdrop of the narcotics trade between Britain, India and China and including the “Opium Wars.”
The move reunites Hirst with “Elizabeth” director Shekhar Kapur, who is set to direct the series for Endemol Shine. The announcement was made Wednesday at Content London by Endemol Shine India’s Abhishek Rege.
The series is to be produced by Tiger Aspect with its newly appointed head of drama Lucy Bedford, as executive producer, in partnership with Endemol Shine India and TV packaging consultancy service DoveTale Media.
The books “Sea of Poppies,” “River of Smoke,” and “Flood of Fire,” are set in mid-19th century Asia were written by Amitav Ghosh. Justin Pollard was previously announced as historical consultant and story editor.
“Amitav Ghosh’s books brilliantly...
The move reunites Hirst with “Elizabeth” director Shekhar Kapur, who is set to direct the series for Endemol Shine. The announcement was made Wednesday at Content London by Endemol Shine India’s Abhishek Rege.
The series is to be produced by Tiger Aspect with its newly appointed head of drama Lucy Bedford, as executive producer, in partnership with Endemol Shine India and TV packaging consultancy service DoveTale Media.
The books “Sea of Poppies,” “River of Smoke,” and “Flood of Fire,” are set in mid-19th century Asia were written by Amitav Ghosh. Justin Pollard was previously announced as historical consultant and story editor.
“Amitav Ghosh’s books brilliantly...
- 12/4/2019
- by Patrick Frater and Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Two has announced production on new drama Life In Squares, which focuses on the revolutionary Bloomsbury Group.
The Bloomsbury Group were a collection of artistic friends in the early 1900s who profoundly influenced 20th century culture. The group included sisters Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf.
The cast is led by young stars Phoebe Fox (A Poet in New York) and Lydia Leonard (Wolf Hall) and also features James Norton (Happy Valley), Sam Hoare (An Adventure in Space & Time) and Ben Lloyd-Hughes (Divergent). Edmund Kingsley (The Borgias) and Sherlock actor Ed Birch also star.
Established actors appearing in the series include Eve Best (Nurse Jackie), Catherine McCormack (28 Weeks Later), Silk's Rupert Penry-Jones, The Good Wife's Jack Davenport, Elliot Cowan and Andrew Havill.
The drama documents the fraught relationship between Vanessa and Virginia, and Vanessa's sexual alliance with gay artist Duncan Grant, following them and their group of friends through love,...
The Bloomsbury Group were a collection of artistic friends in the early 1900s who profoundly influenced 20th century culture. The group included sisters Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf.
The cast is led by young stars Phoebe Fox (A Poet in New York) and Lydia Leonard (Wolf Hall) and also features James Norton (Happy Valley), Sam Hoare (An Adventure in Space & Time) and Ben Lloyd-Hughes (Divergent). Edmund Kingsley (The Borgias) and Sherlock actor Ed Birch also star.
Established actors appearing in the series include Eve Best (Nurse Jackie), Catherine McCormack (28 Weeks Later), Silk's Rupert Penry-Jones, The Good Wife's Jack Davenport, Elliot Cowan and Andrew Havill.
The drama documents the fraught relationship between Vanessa and Virginia, and Vanessa's sexual alliance with gay artist Duncan Grant, following them and their group of friends through love,...
- 8/18/2014
- Digital Spy
BBC Two has announced details of a new three-part drama focusing on the relationship between Virginia Woolf and her sister Vanessa Bell.
Life in Squares dramatises the pair's close but complicated relationship, as well as focusing on gay artist Duncan Grant.
The drama has been written by BAFTA-winning Amanda Coe (Room at the Top) and directed by Simon Kaijser, who directed Never Wipe Tears Without Gloves for BBC Four last year.
Life in Squares is set over a period of 40 years, from the death of Queen Victoria right through to the years of the Second World War.
Kim Shillinglaw, Controller of BBC Two, said: "The legacy of the Bloomsbury set resonates to this day and I'm delighted that such an incredibly talented team are bringing them alive for a modern audience on BBC Two."
Lucy Richer, Commissioning Editor and Executive Producer, added: "We are thrilled to be telling the intimate...
Life in Squares dramatises the pair's close but complicated relationship, as well as focusing on gay artist Duncan Grant.
The drama has been written by BAFTA-winning Amanda Coe (Room at the Top) and directed by Simon Kaijser, who directed Never Wipe Tears Without Gloves for BBC Four last year.
Life in Squares is set over a period of 40 years, from the death of Queen Victoria right through to the years of the Second World War.
Kim Shillinglaw, Controller of BBC Two, said: "The legacy of the Bloomsbury set resonates to this day and I'm delighted that such an incredibly talented team are bringing them alive for a modern audience on BBC Two."
Lucy Richer, Commissioning Editor and Executive Producer, added: "We are thrilled to be telling the intimate...
- 6/5/2014
- Digital Spy
ITV Studios To Distribute Miniseries ‘The Great Fire’ ITV Studios Global Entertainment has come aboard to distribute miniseries The Great Fire, with a launch set for next year’s Miptv. The four-part series is produced by Ecosse Films, the company behind biopic Diana with Naomi Watts and the original UK format of Mistresses. Written by Tom Bradby, ITV News Political Editor and author of Shadow Dancer, The Great Fire follows the lives and loves of both historical and fictional characters in a world where, on the surface, the rich have everything and the poor have nothing. Set in 1666, events unfold over four consecutive days as the Great Fire of London indiscriminately engulfs the city. The Great Fire is executive produced by Douglas Rae and Lucy Bedford for Ecosse Films. ‘Young Detective Dee: Rise Of The Sea Dragon’ Opens Big In China Tsui Hark’s Young Detective Dee: Rise Of The...
- 10/2/2013
- by NANCY TARTAGLIONE, International Editor
- Deadline TV
The executive producer of Mistresses has revealed that the new series is more about friendship. Speaking to The Guardian, Lucy Bedford explained that the upcoming episodes are less glamorous than previous editions. "We only have one scene in cocktail dresses in a bar but more sloping around in tracksuit bottoms," she said. "They drink much less and they are a good deal less promiscuous than they have been in the past. The show had become a lot about men and sex. We wanted to bring it back to the friendship." She continued: "This series, we are showing the flipside of the cosy nights around a bottle of wine or cup of coffee. Good friends do fall out and the question (more)...
- 8/2/2010
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
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