New drama for Zodiak Kids Studios

29/06/2017

Zodiak Kids Studios announces today a brand new commission for CBBC Joe All Alone. The series will consist of 4 x 30 minute episodes filming this summer in Northern Ireland for delivery later this year. Zodiak Kids Studios UK Creative Director Steven Andrew (Secret Life of Boys/CBBC, The Lodge/ Disney) will executive produce.

The series will be adapted for television by Guy Burt (Harriet's Army) from Joanna Nadin's book Joe All Alone, directed by Beryl Richards (Secret Life of Boys) and produced by Nadine Marsh-Edwards (Been so Long). The story is a powerful and moving story of a boy who manages despite the odds to find optimism, adventure and friendship in deprived circumstances. The series will rely on Joe's strong first-person narrative voice, shot through with flights of fantasy, moments of escapism, and wry commentary on his life. Joe shows us that no matter how tough life gets there is always room for hope.

Joe Holt is thirteen. When his mum and her unsavoury boyfriend Dean suddenly announce they're going on holiday, Joe's thrilled at the prospect of a break from trouble at school and tension at home until it becomes clear that while his mum and Dean are heading off for Spain, Joe's being left behind in their Peckham flat. His mum calls it a holiday at home . Dean calls it a secret , and says Joe needs to keep out of sight for a week or face some nasty consequences.

Left all alone' with �10 for the electric meter and a fridge half-full of leftovers, Joe plays X-box, stays up all night (and regrets it), makes a surprise friend in a girl called Asha who also seems to be parentless for the week, counts off the days and discovers a sealed bag lodged in the lavatory cistern. Inside the bag is �20,000 in used cash. However, that's only the start of Joe's troubles. When the week's over, his mum and Dean don't show up and Joe knows life's about to get a whole lot more difficult

The novel Joe All Alone was nominated in 2016 for a CILIP Carnegie Medal, the oldest and most prestigious children's book awards.

Steven Andrew, Executive Producer, said: I am delighted that CBBC have decided to commission this compelling and important story, Joe All Alone. Joe is an engaging and resilient 13 year old boy whom, despite his circumstances never stops believing that life can be better. His story is powerful and moving, but, sadly not unique. This commission allows us to shine a light on those children who really deserve better.

Cheryl Taylor, Commissioning editor CBBC, said: Our ongoing aim at CBBC is to reflect the diverse lives of our audience. We want to open windows on a wider world with content that is brave, innovative, challenging and above all gets everybody talking. I'm delighted that Steven, Nadine, Guy, Beryl and the team are bringing Joanna Nadin's wonderful book to the channel - we have all been fully engaged by Joe's story and feel sure that our audience will be too.

Zodiak Kids owns worldwide distribution rights to Joe All Alone.

LINK:	http://www.banijay.com/news/new-drama-zodiak-kids-studios/...
	See more stories from banijay

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

01/06/2026

Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026

January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026 Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...

02/05/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Search, Faster Editing, and an AI-Ready Foundation for Modern Media

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

01/05/2026

NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to Integrate Dolby's Full Suite of Premium Picture and Sound Innovations

January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...

01/04/2026

DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION

January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...

18/03/2026

Net Insight Names Larissa GrnerMeeus CPO

Newly named chief product officer (CPO), Larissa G rner Meeus will return to Net Insight on May 4. Larissa G rner Meeus will become CPO of Net Insight on May 4...

18/03/2026

SVG Europe's The Football Summit 2026: Select Sessions Now Available to Watch on SVG PLAY

SVG Europe's The Football Summit 2026 explored how the sports broadcasting i...

18/03/2026

SVG's SportsTech@NABShow Blog Goes Live as Countdown to Vegas Heats Up

The 2026 NAB Show kicks off one month from today and SVG is once again set to cover the show from every angle. SVG's SportsTech@NAB Show Blog is now live - ...

18/03/2026

The Premiere of Dead Lover Showcases Grave Robbing and Sex With a Giant Finger

(L-R) The cast and crew of Dead Lover at The Ray Theater for its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. (Photo by Robin Marshall/Shutterstock for Sundan...

18/03/2026

Music Row Piano from Wiltone Productions

Yamaha C7 captured in Nashville Wiltone Productions have announced the release of Music Row Piano, a deeply sampled Yamaha C7 piano library that's been ...

18/03/2026

Techivation introduce T-Warmer Mk2

Bass-enhancement plug-in upgraded Along with a steady stream of new releases, Techivation have recently been revisiting some of the older plug-ins in their ...

18/03/2026

Tonal Balance Control 3 from iZotope

Mix-reference plug-in overhauled iZotope's powerful mix-referencing plug-in has just reached its third major version, and now boasts a new capture proce...

18/03/2026

Toontrack Transistor Organ EKX

Latest EZKeys 2 expansion arrives Toontrack's staggering collection of EZKeys 2 expansions has grown once again, and the latest instalment delivers a on...

18/03/2026

Jess Ho explores the politics of food in new SBS Audio podcast For The Culture

Jess Ho explores the politics of food in new SBS Audio podcast For The Culture 18 March, 2026 Media releases New SBS Audio podcast For The Culture, hosted ...

18/03/2026

Future-ready broadcasts with ATSC 3.0 and enhanced services from Rohde & Schwarz at NAB 2026

Future-ready broadcasts with ATSC 3.0 and enhanced services from Rohde & Schwarz...

18/03/2026

LCTWS 2026

London Calling - When The Industry Convened to Help Streaming Find its MoJo In this blog, Laura Rognoni reflects on key discussions from the Connected TV World...

18/03/2026

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments SMPTE , the home of media professionals, technologists, a...

18/03/2026

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments LED wall virtual production blends 12K open gate acquisition w...

18/03/2026