Sky announces major new commitment to original British drama

17 January 2013

Sky announces major new commitment to original British drama

Sky today steps up its commitment to original British drama with the announcement of a world-class line up of brand new, original drama, featuring stars including Dominic Cooper, Vanessa Redgrave, David Harewood and Kylie Minogue. The diverse slate - the biggest in Sky's history - includes a drama based on the life of Ian Fleming, a season of films from acclaimed female screenwriters and the directorial debuts of actors Idris Elba, Matt Smith and Marc Warren.

Running across Sky's portfolio of entertainment channels, the raft of new drama commissions, complemented by popular returning series, is part of Sky's drive to bring more high-quality, exclusive programmes to customers. It is supported by Sky's commitment to invest £600 million a year in home-grown programming by 2014, an increase of 50% over three years.

Delivering customers some of the most highly respected drama talent working in television today, both on and off screen, the new commissions include:

Fleming (Sky Atlantic), starring Hollywood actor Dominic Cooper in the lead role in a series based on the life of Bond creator Ian Fleming

The Reckless Season (Sky Living), a season of five original dramas from some of Britain's most renowned and critically-acclaimed female screenwriters, including Sally Wainwright, Gwyneth Hughes and Annie Griffin

The return of Playhouse Presents (Sky Arts) this year features the directorial debuts of Idris Elba, Matt Smith and Marc Warren, with Elba and Warren both also scripting their films. The season of dramas - which will be complemented by a further collection of one-off comedy films - has again attracted high-calibre casts including Kylie Minogue, Mat Horne, David Harewood, Anna Friel and Vanessa Redgrave.

Mad Dogs The Finale (Sky 1), a two-part conclusion to the BAFTA-nominated drama starring Max Beesley, Philip Glenister, John Simm and Marc Warren

In addition, a brand new medical drama from Jed Mercurio, under the working title Critical is currently in development for Sky 1.

These new titles join the previously announced series:

Moonfleet (Sky 1), a two-part family drama adaptation by Ashley Pharaoh (Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes) of the classic John Meade Falkner story

The Smoke (Sky 1), created by Lucy Kirkwood (Skins), following the adrenaline fuelled and gut-wrenchingly emotional stories of the White Watch crew of a London fire station.

Strike Back (Sky 1) starring Philip Winchester and Sullivan Stapleton, returns for a fourth series later this year.

The Tunnel (Sky Atlantic). Ben Richards (Spooks, Party Animals) heads up the writing team based on the format of The Bridge and set against the backdrop of Europe in crisis.

Dracula (Sky Living) based on a script from Cole Haddon, the series stars Jonathan Rhys Myers and begins filming this summer.

The slate was commissioned by Sky's Head of Drama, Anne Mensah. She comments: At Sky we have a strong ambition to deliver modern, original dramas that are both entertaining and intelligent. We seek to bring our customers the most innovative and bold pieces produced by some of the brightest talent in drama programming today. Our broad range of entertainment channels has allowed us to commission this diverse and rich drama slate, providing customers with a wealth of choice and I'm thrilled to be able to unveil this fantastic line up. The most exciting thing is that this is just the part of the growing drama story at Sky.

Stuart Murphy, Director, Entertainment Channels adds: We're absolutely delighted to be announcing such a strong group of dramas for our customers. These new commissions bring together world-class talent, both on and off screen, and are unique pieces of television that exemplify the scale of our ambition. I am excited and fully supportive of Anne Mensah's vision as she drives forward a strategy that will deliver our customers the highest-quality programming.

Sky's drama team consists of Anne Mensah, Head of Drama; Huw Kennair-Jones, Commissioning Editor, Drama; Madonna Baptiste, Commissioning Editor, Drama; Beverly Booker, Head of Development, Drama; Nicola Larder, Drama Development Executive and Daniel Walker, Development Co-Ordinator.

For more information please contact:

Susan Collins

Publicity Manager, Sky 1 HD

T: 020 7032 4243

M: 07736 026074

Susan.collins@bskyb.com

NOTES TO EDITORS:

FULL BREAKDOWN OF DRAMA SLATE ANNOUNCEMENTS

SKY 1 HD

Joining Sky 1's existing dramas such as Strike Back which will return for a fourth series (10 x 60', A Sky and Cinemax/HBO co-production from Left Bank Pictures), and brand new programmes such as MoonFleet (2 x 60', Company Pictures) and The Smoke (8 x 60', Kudos), comes a further series:

*Mad Dogs The Finale (2 x 60', Left Bank Pictures) -written by Cris Cole. Having launched in 2011 and captivated Sky customers ever since, a thrilling two-part conclusion to the story of the four hapless holidaymakers has now been greenlit. Max Beesley, Philip Glenister, John Simm and Marc Warren reunite to film the fourth and final instalment in the story this February and Sky 1 HD viewers can catch the third series of Mad Dogs this Spring.

SKY ATLANTIC HD

Following on from the channel's first original drama successes; Red Productions' Hit & Miss and Mammoth Screen's Falcon and adding to the recently announced The Tunnel (a 10 x 60' co-production with Canal+) Sky is pleased to announce today:

*Fleming (4 x 60', Ecosse Films) -Hollywood actor Dominic Cooper will take up the lead role in this new series based on the life of Bond creator Ian Fleming. Since Casino Royale was published in 1953, the world has been fascinated with James Bond. This four part series will take a no holds barred look at

LINK:	http://corporate.sky.com/media/press_releases/2013/sky_announces_major...
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