eOne Hires Universal International Studios’ Christopher Kennedy For Development Post
Entertainment One has hired Christopher Kennedy from Universal International Studios as Development Executive – UK, Television. In the new role, Kennedy will oversee development for the studio’s original scripted drama slate, with a focus on relationships with top-tier UK talent. He’ll be based in London and report to Sharon Hughff, eOne’s Creative Director, Scripted Television – UK, who joined in February from Left Bank Pictures to expand the producer-distributor’s slate of scripted content for buyers in Europe and Asia. At Universal International Studios, Kennedy oversaw development of series such as Everyone Else Burns for Channel 4 and the BBC’s Dodger and worked on Peter Kosminsky’s Channel 4 and Peacock co-pro Darkness Rising.
Networks Hook Sinking Ship’s ‘Odd Squad’ And ‘Annedroids’
Exclusive: Canadian kids series Odd Squad and Annedroids have secured new sales. Comedic maths series Odd Squad...
Entertainment One has hired Christopher Kennedy from Universal International Studios as Development Executive – UK, Television. In the new role, Kennedy will oversee development for the studio’s original scripted drama slate, with a focus on relationships with top-tier UK talent. He’ll be based in London and report to Sharon Hughff, eOne’s Creative Director, Scripted Television – UK, who joined in February from Left Bank Pictures to expand the producer-distributor’s slate of scripted content for buyers in Europe and Asia. At Universal International Studios, Kennedy oversaw development of series such as Everyone Else Burns for Channel 4 and the BBC’s Dodger and worked on Peter Kosminsky’s Channel 4 and Peacock co-pro Darkness Rising.
Networks Hook Sinking Ship’s ‘Odd Squad’ And ‘Annedroids’
Exclusive: Canadian kids series Odd Squad and Annedroids have secured new sales. Comedic maths series Odd Squad...
- 7/28/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
The adaptation of T.M. Logan’s novel “The Holiday” has an exclusive trailer and a U.S. release date as it announces a raft of sales.
The four-part limited drama – about “a dream family vacation that quickly turns into a nightmare” – will bow on Spectrum in the U.S. on June 20.
It stars Jill Halfpenny (“Humans”), Owen McDonnell (“Killing Eve”), Lara McDonnel (“Belfast”), and Aidan McArdle (“The Trial of Christine Keeler”). Rounding out the cast are Siobhan Hewlett (“Sherlock”), Liv Mjönes (“Hostage”), Andrew Macklin (“Doctor Who”), Cat Simmons (“Killing Eve”), Milly McCann (“Herself”), Aidan McCann (“Red Rock”) and newcomer Shaun O’Callaghan Wade.
“The Holiday,” which was shot in Malta, tells the story of a family who set off on an idyllic break, joined by some old friends. Things quickly begin to unravel, however, when Kate (Halfpenny) realizes her husband is having an affair with one of the them. “Tensions run...
The four-part limited drama – about “a dream family vacation that quickly turns into a nightmare” – will bow on Spectrum in the U.S. on June 20.
It stars Jill Halfpenny (“Humans”), Owen McDonnell (“Killing Eve”), Lara McDonnel (“Belfast”), and Aidan McArdle (“The Trial of Christine Keeler”). Rounding out the cast are Siobhan Hewlett (“Sherlock”), Liv Mjönes (“Hostage”), Andrew Macklin (“Doctor Who”), Cat Simmons (“Killing Eve”), Milly McCann (“Herself”), Aidan McCann (“Red Rock”) and newcomer Shaun O’Callaghan Wade.
“The Holiday,” which was shot in Malta, tells the story of a family who set off on an idyllic break, joined by some old friends. Things quickly begin to unravel, however, when Kate (Halfpenny) realizes her husband is having an affair with one of the them. “Tensions run...
- 6/6/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s Global Bulletin, Discovery Plus U.K. commissions Diego Maradona doc; BBC One marks 80th anniversary of the Blitz with a new TV special; Channel 5 orders “The Holiday” series; The TV Collective (Tvc), Fremantle and Indigo Talent Breakthrough Leaders team on Breakthrough Leaders initiative; Viasat and Zdfe deal on a raft of programming and InWild will broadcast the #terramatters Festival this holiday season.
Commissions
Following the death of Argentine soccer superstar Diego Maradona, Discovery U.K. has commissioned ITN Productions to produce the fast-turnaround documentary “What Killed Maradona?”
After his Nov. 25 death, the official cause was given as a heart attack. Discovery’s new special will examine the accumulating circumstances of the player’s life which may have contributed to his untimely end. It will feature interviews with sports scientists, doctors and people close to Maradona who discuss how his career and off-field habits likely impacted his health and personal life.
Commissions
Following the death of Argentine soccer superstar Diego Maradona, Discovery U.K. has commissioned ITN Productions to produce the fast-turnaround documentary “What Killed Maradona?”
After his Nov. 25 death, the official cause was given as a heart attack. Discovery’s new special will examine the accumulating circumstances of the player’s life which may have contributed to his untimely end. It will feature interviews with sports scientists, doctors and people close to Maradona who discuss how his career and off-field habits likely impacted his health and personal life.
- 12/16/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Fremantle Backs Diversity Leadership Scheme
Fremantle has teamed with The TV Collective, Indigo Talent, and former ITV Studios executive Remy Blumenfeld to launch a scheme that will work with 50 middle-to-senior Bame professionals to help them break into industry leadership roles. Under the Breakthrough Leaders initiative, those chosen will be mentored by a top industry figure, have access to coaching, and be part of a cohort of fellow executives. Nominations can be submitted here, with a deadline for entries being set for January 15. The scheme is designed to address industry concerns that there are plenty of entry-level initiatives for people from diverse backgrounds, but Bame professionals are hitting a glass ceiling when it comes to breaking into top roles. Fremantle’s own global leadership team is made up entirely of white executives, while in the UK, Fatima Salaria and Athena Witter are part of the top team.
Discovery Orders Maradona Doc...
Fremantle has teamed with The TV Collective, Indigo Talent, and former ITV Studios executive Remy Blumenfeld to launch a scheme that will work with 50 middle-to-senior Bame professionals to help them break into industry leadership roles. Under the Breakthrough Leaders initiative, those chosen will be mentored by a top industry figure, have access to coaching, and be part of a cohort of fellow executives. Nominations can be submitted here, with a deadline for entries being set for January 15. The scheme is designed to address industry concerns that there are plenty of entry-level initiatives for people from diverse backgrounds, but Bame professionals are hitting a glass ceiling when it comes to breaking into top roles. Fremantle’s own global leadership team is made up entirely of white executives, while in the UK, Fatima Salaria and Athena Witter are part of the top team.
Discovery Orders Maradona Doc...
- 12/16/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Underneath Safe House's over-reliance on flashback and cheap tricks lies a beautifully directed, strongly performed drama...
This review contains spoilers.
We’ve reached the halfway point in this new ITV drama starring former Doctor Who, Christopher Eccleston, and the dramatic moments of the previous instalment hang heavy throughout Safe House episode three.
During part two’s denouement, we were introduced to new character Gemma Underwood. And then we were quickly unintroduced to her as she was murdered by the villain of the piece, Michael Collersdale (played very devilishly by Peter Ferdinando). Her link to the ongoing events with the Blackwood family (who have been stashed away in the lake district in the titular safe house along with Eccleston’s Robert after an attack by Collersdale) is revealed - she’s the sister of mother Ali (Holby City’s Nicola Stephenson).
As we discover over the course of the proceedings,...
This review contains spoilers.
We’ve reached the halfway point in this new ITV drama starring former Doctor Who, Christopher Eccleston, and the dramatic moments of the previous instalment hang heavy throughout Safe House episode three.
During part two’s denouement, we were introduced to new character Gemma Underwood. And then we were quickly unintroduced to her as she was murdered by the villain of the piece, Michael Collersdale (played very devilishly by Peter Ferdinando). Her link to the ongoing events with the Blackwood family (who have been stashed away in the lake district in the titular safe house along with Eccleston’s Robert after an attack by Collersdale) is revealed - she’s the sister of mother Ali (Holby City’s Nicola Stephenson).
As we discover over the course of the proceedings,...
- 5/4/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Misdirection is a hand played throughout Safe House, which is elevated by a fascinating cast and strong direction...
This review contains spoilers.
From ITV comes yet another Monday night drama to add to their roster of impressive output in recent times.
Safe House, from writer Michael Crompton (who recently penned ITV’s excellent Code of A Killer), sees Christopher Eccleston play ex-policeman Robert who has left the force behind him with his wife Katy, played by Marsha Thomason, for a quiet life in the beauty and tranquility, not to mention solitude, of the Lake District.
We quickly discover Robert left the police due to the the execution of a witness he was protecting, an event which continues to haunt him. He’s visited by his former colleague and friend Dci Mark Maxwell, Paterson Joseph, with a proposition for the couple.
Keen to “rehabilitate” his friend Robert, Mark suggests that the...
This review contains spoilers.
From ITV comes yet another Monday night drama to add to their roster of impressive output in recent times.
Safe House, from writer Michael Crompton (who recently penned ITV’s excellent Code of A Killer), sees Christopher Eccleston play ex-policeman Robert who has left the force behind him with his wife Katy, played by Marsha Thomason, for a quiet life in the beauty and tranquility, not to mention solitude, of the Lake District.
We quickly discover Robert left the police due to the the execution of a witness he was protecting, an event which continues to haunt him. He’s visited by his former colleague and friend Dci Mark Maxwell, Paterson Joseph, with a proposition for the couple.
Keen to “rehabilitate” his friend Robert, Mark suggests that the...
- 4/20/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
ITV's Safe House could become a returning series, writer Michael Crompton has confirmed.
Christopher Eccleston stars in the four-parter as a retired detective who turns his home into a 'safe house' for strangers at risk.
"The idea was actually given to me by Paula Cuddy [of producers Eleventh Hour Films]," Crompton revealed at a recent press launch. "But it always intrigued me - the sort of people who do run a safe house and why, and just that whole world.
"You're under incredible pressure, and there's a vacuum in which anything can happen - so it was a really exciting premise and one that hopefully we can return to over the next 2-3-4-5 series."
Cuddy added that there are "most definitely" plans for more Safe House, with each potential new series following the plight of a new series of guests.
Jason Merrells, Nicola Stephenson and Paterson Joseph also appear in the first series,...
Christopher Eccleston stars in the four-parter as a retired detective who turns his home into a 'safe house' for strangers at risk.
"The idea was actually given to me by Paula Cuddy [of producers Eleventh Hour Films]," Crompton revealed at a recent press launch. "But it always intrigued me - the sort of people who do run a safe house and why, and just that whole world.
"You're under incredible pressure, and there's a vacuum in which anything can happen - so it was a really exciting premise and one that hopefully we can return to over the next 2-3-4-5 series."
Cuddy added that there are "most definitely" plans for more Safe House, with each potential new series following the plight of a new series of guests.
Jason Merrells, Nicola Stephenson and Paterson Joseph also appear in the first series,...
- 4/13/2015
- Digital Spy
Across the pond... Marsha Thomason ("White Collar") and Paterson Joseph ("The Leftovers," "Law & Order: UK") will join Christopher Eccleston ("The Leftovers," "Thor: The Dark World") in a new ITV network 4-part drama series titled "Safe House" from Eleventh Hour Films, which is described as "a tense thriller set in the beautiful wilderness of the Lake District." The cast will also include Jason Merrells, Nicola Stephenson, and Peter Ferdinando, and is set to premiere on Monday April 20th at 9pm, it has been announced. Created and written by Michael Crompton, and directed by Marc Evans, the 4-part drama...
- 4/13/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Across the pond... Marsha Thomason ("White Collar") and Paterson Joseph ("The Leftovers," "Law & Order: UK") will join Christopher Eccleston ("The Leftovers," "Thor: The Dark World") in a new ITV network 4-part drama series titled "Safe House" from Eleventh Hour Films, which is described as "a tense thriller set in the beautiful wilderness of the Lake District." The cast will also include Jason Merrells, Nicola Stephenson, and Peter Ferdinando, and is set to premiere on Monday April 20th at 9pm, it has been announced. Created and written by Michael Crompton, and directed by Marc Evans, the 4-part drama...
- 4/10/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Christopher Eccleston has been cast with Marsha Thomason (White Collar) and Paterson Joseph (The Leftovers) in ITV’s new four-part drama series Safe House. Produced by Eleventh Hour Films, Safe House is a thriller set in the wilderness of England’s Lake District. Eccleston plays Robert, a former detective who is asked by a close friend and police officer to turn his family’s remote guest house into a safe house. Their first ‘guests’ are a family in fear of their lives after they are violently attacked. For Robert, protecting them resurrects fears and anxieties bound up in a terrifying night gone wrong with a star witness. As a consequence of running the safe house, Robert begins to questions the incident and uncovers a web of lies. Inspired by a real couple, Safe House is written by Michael Crompton (Kidnap & Ransom, Carrie’s War), and directed by Marc Evans (Hinterland,...
- 10/7/2014
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline
Christopher Eccleston is to the lead the cast of ITV's new drama series Safe House.
The Leftovers actor will play a retired detective in the four-part series, also starring White Collar's Marsha Thomason.
Safe House follows Robert (Eccleston) and Katy (Thomason) - a married couple asked by close friend and police officer Mark (Paterson Joseph) to turn their remote guest house into a safe house.
The first 'guests' are a family in fear for their lives, after being violently attacked by a stranger who claims to know them.
18 months previous, Robert was shot trying to protect a star witness due to testify against her gangster husband. Protecting this new family causes the ex-cop to re-examine that terrifying night and soon he uncovers a web of lies.
Jason Merrells (Emmerdale), Nicola Stephenson (Holby City) and Peter Ferdinando (Doctor Who) will also star in the drama, set in the Lake District and inspired by true events.
The Leftovers actor will play a retired detective in the four-part series, also starring White Collar's Marsha Thomason.
Safe House follows Robert (Eccleston) and Katy (Thomason) - a married couple asked by close friend and police officer Mark (Paterson Joseph) to turn their remote guest house into a safe house.
The first 'guests' are a family in fear for their lives, after being violently attacked by a stranger who claims to know them.
18 months previous, Robert was shot trying to protect a star witness due to testify against her gangster husband. Protecting this new family causes the ex-cop to re-examine that terrifying night and soon he uncovers a web of lies.
Jason Merrells (Emmerdale), Nicola Stephenson (Holby City) and Peter Ferdinando (Doctor Who) will also star in the drama, set in the Lake District and inspired by true events.
- 10/6/2014
- Digital Spy
John Simm and David Threlfall will lead the cast of ITV drama Code of a Killer.
The crime drama is based on the true story of Alec Jeffreys' discovery of DNA fingerprinting and its use by Detective Chief Superintendent David Baker in bringing a double murderer to justice.
Simm stars as Dr Alec Jeffreys who discovered the DNA fingerprinting technique while working at Leicester University in 1984.
Threlfall plays David Baker, who headed up a brutal double murder investigation in the mid 1980s with the help of Jeffreys' discovery.
James Strong (Broadchurch, United) will direct, while the screenplay is written by Michael Crompton with input from Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys and former Detective Chief Superintendent David Baker.
Filming for Code Of A Killer is due to begin at the end of September.
The crime drama is based on the true story of Alec Jeffreys' discovery of DNA fingerprinting and its use by Detective Chief Superintendent David Baker in bringing a double murderer to justice.
Simm stars as Dr Alec Jeffreys who discovered the DNA fingerprinting technique while working at Leicester University in 1984.
Threlfall plays David Baker, who headed up a brutal double murder investigation in the mid 1980s with the help of Jeffreys' discovery.
James Strong (Broadchurch, United) will direct, while the screenplay is written by Michael Crompton with input from Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys and former Detective Chief Superintendent David Baker.
Filming for Code Of A Killer is due to begin at the end of September.
- 9/29/2014
- Digital Spy
David Threlfall is to star in a new two-part ITV drama.
Code of a Killer will be based on the true story of Alec Jeffreys's discovery of DNA fingerprinting, and its first use by detective David Baker.
It will be centred around Jeffreys's findings and Baker's investigation into catching a double murderer using the new science.
Shameless star Threlfall will play Baker, who led the 1984 investigation into the murders of Leicestershire schoolgirls Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth.
In real life, Baker approached Jeffreys to use his new technique of reading people's DNA fingerprints in order to solve the murders.
Michael Crompton has written the drama, which will be directed by James Strong (Broadchurch).
The series has been developed with input from Sir Alec Jeffreys and former Detective Chief Superintendent David Baker.
Executive Producer Simon Heath said: "Code of a Killer will be a testament to the pioneering science of Alec Jeffreys and how,...
Code of a Killer will be based on the true story of Alec Jeffreys's discovery of DNA fingerprinting, and its first use by detective David Baker.
It will be centred around Jeffreys's findings and Baker's investigation into catching a double murderer using the new science.
Shameless star Threlfall will play Baker, who led the 1984 investigation into the murders of Leicestershire schoolgirls Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth.
In real life, Baker approached Jeffreys to use his new technique of reading people's DNA fingerprints in order to solve the murders.
Michael Crompton has written the drama, which will be directed by James Strong (Broadchurch).
The series has been developed with input from Sir Alec Jeffreys and former Detective Chief Superintendent David Baker.
Executive Producer Simon Heath said: "Code of a Killer will be a testament to the pioneering science of Alec Jeffreys and how,...
- 5/16/2014
- Digital Spy
Martin Clunes is to play Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in an ITV drama.
The high-profile series will be based on the novel Arthur & George by Julian Barnes.
The three-parter will be written by Silent Witness and Waking the Dead scribe Ed Whitmore.
ITV has also commissioned Line of Duty producer World Productions to make Code of a Killer, a two-part DNA-based crime thriller which tells the story of the first major UK case that was solved using DNA profiling.
Written by Michael Crompton, Code of a Killer will be directed by James Strong (Broadchurch). David Threlfall will star as Dcs David Barker, following his recent outing for ITV as Tommy Cooper in Not Like That, Like This.
ITV's director of television, channels and online Peter Fincham spoke about the channel's recent successful dramas, citing Tommy Cooper biopic Not Like That, Like This, The Widower and Prey. He...
The high-profile series will be based on the novel Arthur & George by Julian Barnes.
The three-parter will be written by Silent Witness and Waking the Dead scribe Ed Whitmore.
ITV has also commissioned Line of Duty producer World Productions to make Code of a Killer, a two-part DNA-based crime thriller which tells the story of the first major UK case that was solved using DNA profiling.
Written by Michael Crompton, Code of a Killer will be directed by James Strong (Broadchurch). David Threlfall will star as Dcs David Barker, following his recent outing for ITV as Tommy Cooper in Not Like That, Like This.
ITV's director of television, channels and online Peter Fincham spoke about the channel's recent successful dramas, citing Tommy Cooper biopic Not Like That, Like This, The Widower and Prey. He...
- 5/13/2014
- Digital Spy
ITV has commissioned a new four-part drama from Foyle's War producers Eleventh Hour Films.
Safe House will be an atmospheric thriller set in the Lake District, and is the first to come from Jill Green's indie since it expanded its senior creative team.
The drama follows a married couple who turn their remote guest house into a safe house.
It is inspired by a true story, and it is planned to form part of an ongoing event drama.
The series was created and written by Michael Crompton (Kidnap & Ransom, Carrie's War).
Jill Green said of the drama: "Safe House is a quality drama with intelligently crafted characters delivering a complex and engaging story that will keep the viewer gripped.
"We have a slate of exciting projects, all equally ambitious and which set the bar for the kind of content we will continue to create."
Eleventh Hour Films is currently...
Safe House will be an atmospheric thriller set in the Lake District, and is the first to come from Jill Green's indie since it expanded its senior creative team.
The drama follows a married couple who turn their remote guest house into a safe house.
It is inspired by a true story, and it is planned to form part of an ongoing event drama.
The series was created and written by Michael Crompton (Kidnap & Ransom, Carrie's War).
Jill Green said of the drama: "Safe House is a quality drama with intelligently crafted characters delivering a complex and engaging story that will keep the viewer gripped.
"We have a slate of exciting projects, all equally ambitious and which set the bar for the kind of content we will continue to create."
Eleventh Hour Films is currently...
- 5/1/2014
- Digital Spy
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