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Jul 2010 |
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Lewis |
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ITV Commissions more episodes of Lewis |
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ITV’s Drama commissioning team today confirmed a new series of the hit drama Lewis starring Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox.
Following the success of series four of the detective drama this spring, four new episodes will go into production in July. Over nine million viewers watched the most recent series. The new series will once again feature Kevin Whately as Inspector Robbie Lewis with Laurence Fox as his partner DS Hathaway investigating murders against the glorious backdrop of Oxford.
The series, an ITV Studios production, is produced by Chris Burt who has been at the helm of all 16 films since the launch of Lewis in 2006. The executive producers are Mammoth Screen’s Michele Buck and Damien Timmer.
Says Sally Haynes, ITV’s Controller of Drama commissioning: “Lewis is one of our best loved dramas on ITV and viewers have seen the partnership between Lewis and Hathaway grow over the series. I’m thrilled that the duo is returning with some more great plots.”
The last series featured a stellar line up of stars including Sophie Ward, Alan Davies, Rupert Graves, Diana Quick, Robert Hardy, Timothy West, John Sessions and Niamh Cusack joining the regular cast of Rebecca Front and Clare Holman.
Damien Timmer and Michele Buck say: "Lewis attracts the very best writing and acting talent and we’re delighted that the team are back for another series. We'll be presenting Lewis and Hathaway with even more baffling challenges in and around Oxford."
Colin Dexter who created ITV’s Bafta award winning Inspector Morse is once again consultant on Lewis.
Press contact:
Laura Wootton
ITV Press Office: Laura.wootton@itv.com
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Apr 2010 |
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BBC PRESS RELEASE |
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Christopher and His Kind |
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The
90-minute film chronicles the formative years of one of the 20th
century's most celebrated writers, Christopher Isherwood, based on
his 1976 memoir of the same name.
The drama is written by acclaimed playwright Kevin Elyot (My Night
with Reg), directed by Geoffrey Sax (Tipping the Velvet) and
produced by Celia Duval (Margot) for Mammoth Screen, with Michele
Buck, Kevin Elyot and Damien Timmer as executive producers.
Isherwood is played by Matt Smith (Doctor Who), who escapes
repressive English society and his suffocating relationship with his
mother (Lindsay Duncan) for the decadent - and politically unstable
- world of 1930s Berlin. Joining his friend WH Auden he meets a
group of eccentric exiles, incluiding Jean Ross, the inspiration for
Sally Bowles.
Away from home, Isherwood discovers a world in which he can fully
explore his sexuality, and has to question whether to follow his
personal credo of 'observe and report' or take a stand for one of
his kind as the Nazis grow in power.
Ben Stephenson says: "Matt Smith is fast becoming one of the most
talented actors in the country and his versatility and range will
shine through in this new single drama for BBC Two by acclaimed
playwright Kevin Elyot."
Commissioned by Ben Stephenson and Janice Hadlow, Controller BBC Two.
The drama is being made with the assistance of Northern Ireland
Screen.
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Apr 2010 |
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ITV to replace The Bill with medical series |
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30 March, 2010 | By Lisa Campbell
ITV’s promise to invest in more new drama brands with the axing of The Bill includes a dark new medical series from Mammoth Screen penned by Peter Bowker.
The 6 x 60-minute drama, titled Monroe, centres on the intense and often difficult world of a neurosurgeon and the patients he comes into contact with.
It was commissioned by ITV director of television Peter Fincham and head of drama Laura Mackie and will TX in 2011.
Unlike other medical series such as ER and Casualty, it is understood that the drama will focus on one character rather than an ensemble cast and will be
less accident and emergency based. It also aims to reflect the dark humour that enables people to cope in life-threatening situations.
The series will be produced by Mammoth Screen who also produced Bowker’s adaptation of literary classic Wuthering Heights which aired on ITV1 last year.
Bowker, whose BBC Iraq war drama Occupation picked up best drama series at last week’s Broadcasting Press Guild Awards, began his writing career on medical series’
including Casualty, Peak Practice and Medics.
His other credits include Flesh and Blood, which starred Christopher Eccleston, and series including Blackpool and Desperate Romantics.
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Dec 2009 |
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ITV ANNOUNCES CAST AND PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY
FOR AGATHA CHRISTIE’S ICONIC
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS |
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The principal photography has begun for the eagerly anticipated
television adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient
Express.
Acclaimed director, Philip Martin, will bring Agatha Christie’s most
popular novel to life. Philip directed the television drama Hawking
which was nominated for the British Academy Television Award for
best single drama; the final installment of the ITV drama Prime
Suspect: The Final Act, which was nominated for a BAFTA and won him
the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries,
Movie or Drama Special. More recently, Philip was the lead director
on Wallander, which won the BAFTA for Best Drama Series and gave him
another Emmy nomination.
David Suchet returns as the famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot,
to lead a star studded international cast which includes; Dame
Eileen Atkins (BAFTA Best Actress winner for Cranford),
Hugh
Bonneville (Iris, Lost in Austen), Jessica Chastain
(The Tree of Life, Jolene), Sam Crane (Desperate Romantics),
Marie-Josée Croze (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly),
Serge Hazanavicius (I’ve Loved
You So Long), Barbara Hershey (Oscar nominated for The Portrait of a
Lady, Emmy winner for A Killing in a Small Town),Toby Jones
(W,
Frost/Nixon), Susanne Lothar (The Reader, Nemesis),
Joseph Mawle (The Passion, Soundproof), Denis Ménochet (Inglourious Basterds), David Morrissey
(Red Riding, State of Play), Elaina Satine (Melrose
Place, Don’t Look Up), Brian J Smith (Stargate Universe),
Stanley
Weber (Figaro, The Lady of Monsoreau) and Samuel West
(Enron,
Desperate Romantics).
David Suchet says: “It's an honour to have such a wonderful
international cast on board for this world famous murder mystery.
Writer, Stewart Harcourt, has created an exquisite script. His
attention to detail is impeccable.”
Karen Thrussell says: “We’re all incredibly delighted that 21 years
after David Suchet first played Hercule Poirot he is now starring in
arguably the most ingenious and best loved Agatha Christie title of
all time.”
Chairman of Agatha Christie Ltd, Mathew Prichard says: “It’s high
time that Agatha Christie fans had another interpretation of my
grandmother’s wonderful Murder on the Orient Express to enjoy, and
I’m delighted that this one has attracted so many well known names
and starts with such a wonderful script.”
Hercule Poirot is visiting Istanbul, having solved a complex case
for the British Army, when he witnesses an act of brutal justice on
the streets. Relieved when a new case calls him back to London,
Poirot’s old acquaintance Xavier Bouc (Serge Hazanavicius), director
of the Orient Express, secures him a last minute ticket. Among the
eclectic range of passengers are Princess Dragomiroff (Dame Eileen
Atkins) and her nervous maid Hildegard Schmidt (Susanne Lothar),
English Governess Mary Debenham (Jessica Chastain) and Swedish
missionary Greta Ohlsson (Marie-Josée Croze).
During his journey on the Orient Express Poirot is approached by
ruthless American businessman Samuel Ratchett (Toby Jones) who
offers him ten thousand dollars to watch his back, but Poirot
refuses. Could Ratchett be fearful of the Italian Antonio Foscarelli
(Joseph Mawle), English Colonel John Arbuthnot (David Morrissey),
pushy American Mrs Hubbard (Barbara Herhey) or Hungarian diplomat
Count Andrenyi (Stanley Weber) and his wife, Countess Andrenyi
(Elena Satine)? Poirot awakes the following morning to find the
train stuck in a snowdrift and Ratchett dead in his compartment.
Aided by amateur sleuth Dr Constantine (Samuel West), Poirot
examines the murder scene and finds a proliferation of clues
pointing in opposite directions. He interviews those who last saw
Ratchett alive: his manservant Edward Masterman (Hugh Bonneville),
personal assistant, Hector MacQueen (Brian J Smith), and conductor
Pierre Michel (Denis Ménochet), before realising the true identity
of Samuel Ratchett. The evidence seems to point to a mysterious
assassin who got on and off the train but Poirot is not convinced.
Isolated by the snow and with civilisation falling apart Poirot
makes a decision that will change his life forever.
Adapted by Stewart Harcourt (Agatha Christie’s Marple, Dracula)
and
produced by Karen Thrussell (Agatha Christie’s Marple), Murder on
the Orient Express will be filmed on location in Malta and London.
The Poirot films are co-produced by ITV Studios and Agatha Christie
Ltd, a Chorion company, and US network WGBH. Mammoth Screen’s
Michele Buck and Damien Timmer executive produce Poirot
on behalf of
ITV Studios. Rebecca Eaton is executive producer for WGBH, with
David Suchet as associate producer. ITV Global holds international
distribution rights.
Note to editors: Four new Poirot films; Appointment with Death, The
Clocks, Three Act Tragedy and Hallowe’en Party have already been
filmed. For up to date scheduling information please refer to the
ITV press centre website:
www.itv.com/presscentre
PRESS CONTACT:
Natasha Bayford - 0161 952 6209 / natasha.bayford@itv.com
PICTURE CONTACT:
Patrick Smith - 0207 157 3044 / patrick.smith@itv.com |
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Nov 2009 |
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ALAN PLATER PENS NEW PERIOD DRAMA FOR ITV |
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ITV today announced the commissioning of a new period drama, Joe
Maddison’s War, written by multi-awarding winning writer, Alan Plater.
Starring Kevin Whately and Robson Green, Joe Maddison’s War will be
produced by Mammoth Screen and will take the form of a one-off film.
Set in Newcastle in 1939, Joe Maddison’s War features shipyard
worker Joe (Kevin Whately) who feels emasculated and past his prime;
too old to serve in the war, and he’s shocked when his wife leaves
him for a younger naval officer. Needing a new challenge, Joe and
his friend Harry (Robson Green) reluctantly volunteer to join the
Home Guard. A decision which leads Joe on a journey of self
discovery, on which he will learn lessons of heroism and friendship,
and also finds love...
A recipient of the Dennis Potter BAFTA Award in 2005, Alan Plater,
explained why Joe Maddison’s War is a drama project that means so
much to him:
“My family background is strictly Tyneside – the earlier generations
worked in and around the shipyards, my favourite uncle was in the
Home Guard, and my head is still full of family anecdotes from the
period.”
He added: “Joe Maddison’s War splices three elements: solid
historical research (the Home Guard in the North-East was one of the
few to engage in direct contact with the enemy, mainly anti-aircraft
and rocket batteries): half-remembered family folklore and gossip:
and a lot of simple old–fashioned invention. Add them together and
it’s a love letter to a remarkable generation of ordinary folk – the
good, the bad and the gorblimey – who proved their amazing ability
to be extraordinary and heroic. I owe them everything.”
Alan’s credits go back almost half a century and include: "Z Cars",
"The Beiderbecke Affair", “Fortunes of War", “A Very British Coup”
and “The Last of the Blonde Bombshells”.
Joe Maddison’s War has been commissioned for ITV by Drama
Commissioners Laura Mackie and Sally Haynes.
“We’re delighted Alan Plater has written this very personal piece
for ITV,” said Sally. “It’s a poignant and witty script and it’s
fantastic to bring Kevin and Robson together onscreen for the first
time.”
Joe Maddison’s War will be set in Newcastle and executive produced
by Michele Buck and Damien Timmer.
“Joe Maddison's War is a beautiful script, full of comedy, sadness
and joy - it's Alan Plater at the top of his game. We're looking
forward to filming in the North East and using some of the area's
top talent,” added Damien.
Filming is due to begin next March in the North East.
Press contact: Janice Troup Tel: 0161 952 6220 |
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Nov 2009 |
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MARGOT PRESS REVIEWS |
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"Director Otto Bathurst had managed to give the whole thing a sense of great lightness and movement...You will, I venture, have seldom seen a
drama which so touchingly and penetratingly shows someone trying to use art to insulate themselves from life.”
- John Preston’s choice for Drama of the Year, Daily Telegraph
‘Anne-Marie Duff is impeccable’ Daily Mirror
Dame Ninette de Valois... played here with a lovely mix of glamour and mischief by Lindsay Duncan’ Daily Mirror
‘Margot is touchingly human... Anne Marie Duff’s loveable but enigmatic Margot leads a superb cast and haunts the memory’
Martin Hoyle, Financial Times, Pick of the Week
‘a brilliant central performance’ Tim Dowling, The Guardian
‘Anne Marie Duff offers a committed, almost consumed portrayal of the prima ballerina’ Sunday Herald
‘Stellar drama’ Daily Mail
‘captivating’ Sunday Telegraph
‘Enchanting, compelling’ TV Times
‘A searing performance from Anne-Marie Duff” – Radio Times “Otto Bathurst has created a passionately theatrical, stylish film’
Sunday Times
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| Oct 2009 |
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| Mammoth Screen to set up Belfast office |
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London and Belfast, Thursday 22 October 2009:
The indie’s development plans will be supported by Northern Ireland Screen. Mammoth Screen has already been actively recruiting an up and coming script editor to be based at the new office in Belfast.
The office will be headed up by Mammoth Screen existing joint MD, Michele Buck, and the company will exclusively develop a slate of projects in Northern Ireland, overseen by Buck and fellow joint MD, Damien Timmer.
Buck, commented; “;
Timmer added; “We are excited about this new business venture, tapping into Northern Ireland’s rich supply of talent. We hope to capitalise on our strong relationships with all the leading UK broadcasters and together with Northern Ireland Screen, we will continue to broaden our extensive development slate.”
Richard Williams, CEO Northern Ireland Screen states: “Northern Ireland Screen is delighted to have played its part in persuading a company of the calibre of Mammoth Screen to establish a presence in Northern Ireland. Michele and Damien have indicated their commitment and belief that Northern Ireland is a great place to grow their business. We look forward to working with them as we continue to help build a sustainable and dynamic film and television industry in Northern Ireland.”
This new development follows on from Mammoth Screen’s recent successes including Wuthering Heights which was broadcast on ITV1 in August. The company has also recently completed work on Margot, a film about the life of Dame Margot Fonteyn which will transmit on BBC Four later this year. Other recent commissions include Amanda Holden: Fantasy Livess and Bouquet of Barbed Wire both for ITV1.
Buck and Timmer are also executive producers on the hugely anticipated re-make of The Prisoner starring Jim Caviezel and Sir Ian McKellen for ITV Studios and US channel, AMC.
For further information please contact:
Christina Joyce, Premier PR
Elena Kemp, Premier PR
020 7292 8352/ 8331
christina.joyce@premierpr.com/ elena.kemp@premierpr.com
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Oct 20099 |
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AMANDA HOLDEN STEPS INTO FANTASY LIVES FOR NEW ITV1 SERIES |
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Amanda
Holden will take on three iconic show business roles for a brand new
ITV1 factual series.
In Amanda Holden’s Fantasy Lives, the television star will step
outside her own career as an actress and judge on the UK’s biggest
variety show to experience the very different lives of a country
singer, Paris showgirl and stuntwoman.
The 3x60 series is a co-production between ITV Studios and Mammoth
Screen. Each episode sees Amanda plunge herself into a different
fantasy life as she sets out to uncover the hard work, day to day
reality and grit that lies beneath the glamorous public face of each
role.
She will inhabit the culture and lifestyle integral to these
apparently dream jobs and meet real pros and legendary figures. As
she immerses herself, Amanda will work towards meeting the daunting
challenge of performing in each role. And ultimately viewers will
find out whether or not Amanda can cut it as a singer in Nashville,
America’s country music capital, in the heart of Hollywood’s movie
industry as a stuntwoman, or as a high-kicking showgirl in Paris.
Amanda said: “I am thrilled to be taking part in this especially
when I spend a lot of time judging others. I think it’s important to
keep putting myself out there to be judged myself! Each of these
jobs looks impossibly romantic and glamorous from the outside, but
they also look like they require enormous self-belief and passionate
commitment. I’m very excited about this opportunity to experience
them first hand and really gain a privileged insight into the lives
of the people who do these jobs for a living - but I’m very nervous
as well.”
Amanda Holden: Fantasy Lives was commissioned for ITV1 by Jo
Clinton-Davis, Controller of Popular Factual and Alison Sharman,
Director of Factual and Daytime.
Jo said: “Who better than Amanda to take us on an immersive journey
into worlds full of glamour, entertainment, big characters but also
eye-opening realities. She will test not just our preconceptions but
her own courage as she throws herself into nerve-tingling challenges
which promise a dramatic finale.”
Jeremy Phillips is the executive producer for ITV Studios and Damien
Timmer and Michele Buck executive producers for Mammoth Screen.
Amanda Holden and Sue Latimer are executive producers for ARG
Talent.
Michele said: “Mammoth Screen is very excited to be making its first
factual series with the combined talents of Amanda Holden and ITV
Studios.”; |
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| Sep 2009 |
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***Stellar casting for new Marple film***
THE MIRROR CRACK’D FROM SIDE TO SIDE |
The first of another four cases for Miss Marple to solve on ITV1
Julia McKenzie, Agatha Christie’s famous spinster sleuth, Miss Marple, returns to ITV1 joined by an outstanding cast in the first of a series of new Marple films.
The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side stars Samuel Barnett (Desperate Romantics, History Boys), Hugh Bonneville (Lost in Austen), Brennan Brown (Orange cinema commercials), Michele Dotrice (Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em), Lindsay Duncan (Margaret, Criminal Justice), Nigel Harman (Hotel Babylon, EastEnders), Martin Jarvis (Taking the Flack, Numb3rs), Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous), Caroline Quentin (Blue Murder, Life of Riley), Charlotte Riley (Wuthering Heights, The Take), Victoria Smurfit (Trial & Retribution), Neil Stuke (Monday, Monday), Hannah Waddingham (Spamalot) and singer Will Young.
The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side tells the story of Hollywood star Marina Gregg (Lindsay Duncan), who has left the palm trees and bright lights of Los Angeles for the leafy lanes and picturesque countryside of St Mary Mead, England. Having taken up residence at Gossington Hall with her dashing young English husband, film director Jason Rudd (Nigel Harman), his secretary, Ella Blunt (Victoria Smurfit) and Marina’s exclusive personal assistant, Hailey Preston (Brennan Brown), it’s not long before she becomes lady of the manor.
When the glamorous couple decide to throw a benefit for the St John Ambulance, the grounds are abuzz with curious locals including previous owner of Gossington Hall, Dolly Bantry (Joanna Lumley). But when a local fan, Heather Badcock (Caroline Quentin) consumes a poisoned daiquiri, Marina finds herself starring in a real-life mystery - supported by Miss Marple and Inspector Hewitt (Hugh Bonneville), who suspect that the lethal cocktail was intended for someone else. But who? If it was meant for Marina, then why?
Which other characters from the Mary Mead cast will perish before the end credits roll? And will Miss Marple produce yet another stellar performance to steal the show?
The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side has been adapted by Kevin Elyot and directed by Tom Shankland. Karen Thrussell produces both current Marple and Poirot series.
Julia McKenzie said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be returning to the role. I’m very much looking forward to filming with such a wonderful guest cast.”
Renowned for her work with Stephen Sondheim, Julia has starred in The Philadelphia Story at the Old Vic, and has achieved numerous awards, both on Broadway and in the West End. She won an Olivier for her performance as Mrs Lovett in the National Theatre production of Sweeney Todd. Julia has appeared in Cranford as Mrs Forrester and the critically acclaimed Notes on a Scandal. Earlier credits include Fresh Fields, Bright Young Things and Blott on the Landscape.
Julia is the seventh actress to take on the much-loved character on screen, following in the footsteps of Geraldine McEwan, Gracie Fields, Margaret Rutherford, Angela Lansbury, Helen Hayes and Joan Hickson.
The Marple stories are co-produced by ITV Studios and Agatha Christie Ltd, a Chorion company, and US network WGBH. Mammoth Screen’s Michele Buck and Damien Timmer executive produce Marple on behalf of ITV Studios. Rebecca Eaton is Executive Producer for WGBH.
Christie remains the most popular novelist in history, with her work being published in 50 languages in over 70 countries and more than two billion of her books sold to date. As well as the renowned Poirot and Miss Marple series, Christie also wrote the detective series Tommy and Tuppence and a wealth of other murder mysteries and thrillers between 1920 and 1976 including the bestselling And Then There Were None and the record breaking play The Mousetrap.
LWT began broadcasting Agatha Christie's Poirot in 1989 and the BBC was previously the producer of the Miss Marple dramas.
Note to editors: Four new Marple films; A Pocket Full of Rye, Murder is Easy, Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? and They Do It with Mirrors have already been filmed. For up to date scheduling information please refer to the ITV press centre website: www.itv.com/presscentre
The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side is currently filming on location.
Please advise Natasha Bayford if you would like to secure interviews with the cast.
PRESS CONTACT:
Natasha Bayford - 0161 952 6209 / natasha.bayford@itv.com
PICTURE CONTACT:
Patrick Smith - 0207 157 3044 / patrick.smith@itv.com |
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Sep 2009 |
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ITV COMMISSIONS A BOUQUET OF BARBED WIRE
STARRING TREVOR EVE |
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A modern reworking of Andrea Newman’s taboo-busting 1970s
psychological drama, A Bouquet of Barbed Wire, has been
commissioned by ITV.
Adapted by Guy Andrews (Lost In Austen, Prime Suspect), A
Bouquet of Barbed Wire explores the consequences of a
father’s obsessive love for his daughter and how secrets
once buried in the past return to haunt their lives. Trevor
Eve will play Peter Manson, whose apparently successful life
is turned upside down when his beloved teenage daughter Prue
reveals she’s pregnant by her teacher, Gavin Sorenson. The
very heart of the family is threatened as Peter has an
intuitive sense that Gavin’s on a personal quest for
revenge.
Commissioned by ITV’s Controller of Drama Commissioning,
Sally Haynes, A Bouquet of Barbed Wire will be adapted for
ITV by independent production company Mammoth Screen, who
have recently produced Wuthering Heights, and whose joint
managing directors Michele Buck and Damien Timmer are
overseeing ITV1/AMC’s upcoming The Prisoner for ITV Studios.
Mammoth will produce three 60 minutes episodes of A Bouquet
of Barbed Wire.
“We’re delighted Guy Andrews has agreed to adapt A
Bouquet of Barbed Wire for ITV,” said Sally. “It’s a
timeless, multi-layered tale of a family torn apart by
secrets from the past. It created a stir during the 1970’s
when first produced for television, and 30 years on we’re
convinced a modern day audience will be just as intrigued by
its themes of paternal jealousy and incestuous
relationships.”
Executive Producer for Mammoth Screen Damien Timmer said:
“The original TV version of A Bouquet of Barbed Wire was one
of the most controversial dramas of its era, busting taboos
which still have the power to shock decades later. Guy will
bring a thrilling, modern sensibility to the story,” he
added.
Central to the drama are the characters of Peter (Trevor
Eve), his daughter Prue, and his wife Cassie. No further
casting information is available presently and
pre-production has commenced. Filming is scheduled for
November 2009.
As the story unfolds, architect Peter employs mid 20’s
rising star, Sarah Francis. Consequently, Peter and Cassie’s
relationship becomes increasingly distant, as Peter tries to
overcome the aching fear that he’s lost his daughter, and
embarks on an affair with Sarah. With Peter’s marriage at
breaking point, his increased erratic behaviour and facing
financial ruin, it’s only a matter of time before the truth
is revealed.
Press contact: Janice Troup on 0161 952 6210 or email
janice.troup@itv.com
Pictures contact: Patrick Smith on 0207 157 3044 or email
patrick.smith@itv.com |
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Sep 2009 |
Critical Acclaim for Wuthering Heights
Peter Bowker's adaptation of Emily Bronte's Wuthering
Heights, directed by Coky Giedroyc and produced by
Radford Neville, opened the ITV1 autumn season to rave
reviews.
“With actors so perfectly cast they could have been
moulded from the originals, this was The Full Bronte as
Emily intended.” – Richard Arnold, The People
“If the ghost of Emily Bronte had appeared on the
Yorkshire Moors while they were filming this, she might
well have said: ‘Yes, that's exactly what I was trying
to say.'” – Jane Simon, Daily Mirror
“What also makes this version more faithful than some of
its predecessors is its accurate Yorkshire dialect and
moody location filming of the Moors.” - Sunday Mail
"Any adaptation of Wuthering Heights stands or falls on
the chemistry between Heathcliff and Cathy…There was
never any doubt that Tom Hardy would make a memorable
Heathcliff; he’s an actor drenched in dangerous charm
who is forever teetering on the brink of explosive
melodrama. Fortunately, Charlotte Riley’s Cathy is more
than a match for him" - David Chater, The Times
"Hardy and Riley... are a match for any previous screen
pairing." – John Dugdale, Sunday Times
“Having Andrew Lincoln play Edgar is another felicitous
stroke. Normally an insipid character, his Edgar is a
handsome man with charm enough to offer Cathy a genuine
alternative as a bedmate.” – Andrew Billen, The Times
“Bowker and his director Coky Giedroyc had made
masterful sense of the story…The casting is near
perfect.” – Andrew Billen, The Times
“Although Peter Bowker has deviated radically from the
structure of the novel, diehard Brontë fans are more
likely to be fascinated than appalled.”- The Times
“Tom Hardy is brutishly brilliant as Heathcliff.” –
Daily Telegraph
"Burn Gorman stood out among the supporting cast with
his suitably reptilian Hindley, the evil step-brother.”
– Simon Usborne, Daily Telegraph
“Director Coky Giedroyc has already proved… that she’s
unusually good at creating texture. Everything here felt
rich and dark without ever shading into Gothic excess.”
– John Preston, Sunday Telegraph
“I doubt if you’ll see a better, and a more
introspective, Heathcliff than Tom Hardy’s, or indeed a
more affecting Cathy than Charlotte Riley’s.” – John
Preston, Sunday Telegraph
"Tom Hardy, the country’s leading exponent of caged
rage, is an outstanding Heathcliff.” - Sunday Telegraph
“Full marks to the casting agent. Tom Hardy is just
superb as the broody one, all sullen and tormented when
thinking of his lost love, while Charlotte Riley makes a
thoroughly lively Cathy.” - Virginia Blackburn, Daily
Express
"Special mention in despatches, meanwhile, must go to
Sarah Lancashire in the role of Nelly.” – Virginia
Blackburn, Daily Express |
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| Aug 2009 |
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Lewis |
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ITV ORDERS MORE OF ITS TOP RATED DRAMA LEWIS
ITV’s Drama commissioning team today confirmed a new series of the hit drama Lewis starring Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox.
Four new episodes will go into production in July featuring Inspector Robbie Lewis and his partner DS Hathaway investigating murder mysteries against the glorious backdrop of Oxford. The new commission of this quality drama comes hot on the heels of series three which was broadcast this spring to 7 million viewers.
The series, an ITV Studios production, is produced by Chris Burt who has been at the helm of all 12 films since its launch in 2006. The executive producers are Michele Buck and Damien Timmer.
Says Sally Haynes, ITV’s Controller of Drama commissioning: “Lewis is always one of the highlights of the year on ITV1 and features not only a great partnership between Lewis and Hathaway but some great plot lines and twists that keep the audience gripped. I’m thrilled it’s returning and I know our viewers will be too.”
The last series featured a stellar line up of stars including Simon Callow, Joanna Lumley, David Hayman, James Fox and Jenny Seagrove joining the regular cast of Rebecca Front and Clare Holman.
Damien Timmer says: 'Lewis has always attracted the best talent, and this year we're welcoming back Stephen Churchett, Russell Lewis and Alan Plater as writers, with Bille Eltringham as our first director. With Oxford as our backdrop, our aim is to baffle Lewis and Hathaway with their most challenging investigations yet!'
Colin Dexter who created ITV’s Bafta award winning Inspector Morse is once again consultant on Lewis.
Press contact:
Laura Wootton
ITV Press Office
Laura.wootton@itv.com / 020 7157 3029
Note to Editors:
Watched in over 100 countries worldwide, the international television distribution, home entertainment and merchandising for ‘Lewis’ is represented by ITV Global Entertainment. In April 2009 the DVD boxed set for ‘Lewis, Series 3‘ debuted at number 1 in the UK charts. Tobi de Graaff, Director Global Distribution, ITV Global Entertainment said “Lewis is loved by fans in over 100 territories around the world, so we’re thrilled to be announcing that this hugely popular and critically acclaimed ITV Studios drama series will soon be available to the global audience.” |
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| June 2009 |
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David Suchet returns as Poirot in
THE CLOCKS |
David Suchet celebrates 21 years playing the famous Belgian sleuth as he starts filming THE CLOCKS, the first of four new Poirot films.
And he returns to his most famous of roles, Hercule Poirot, alongside an exciting cast including Phil Daniels as Inspector Hardcastle, in his first television role since leaving EastEnders.
Also starring in THE CLOCKS are Jaime Winstone (Dead Set, Kidulthood), Tom Burke (Chéri, Dracula), Lesley Sharp (The Diary of Anne Frank, Afterlife), Anna Massey (Affinity, Lewis) and Geoffrey Palmer (The Pink Panther, As Time Goes By) and Beatie Edney (Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day).
Lieutenant Colin Race (Tom Burke) is investigating the death of two Navy personnel when a distraught Sheila Webb (Jaime Winstone) runs out of 19 Wilbraham Crescent and into his arms. Poirot (David Suchet) arrives in Dover to help Colin determine if Sheila is responsible for the murder of the middle-aged man found stabbed on the sitting room floor.
Sheila claims not to know the murdered man or Miss Pebmarsh (Anna Massey), the blind woman who owns the house. Miss Pebmarsh was not at home when the murdered corpse was found and denies having requested the secretarial services of Sheila by telephone earlier that day.
Poirot observes the mounting complications to the case – the four clocks frozen at the time of 13 minutes past four in the room where the body was found, an unidentified murder victim and a host of neighbours who don’t seem to have seen anything.
Colin is determined to find a connection with the recent death of his fiancée and a German mole from within the Navy but in his state of grief he becomes increasingly involved with Sheila. A wall of evidence begins to build against Sheila and the clock ticks for Poirot when another innocent victim is found brutally murdered.
David Suchet says: “After 21 years filming Poirot I am as excited as ever to be returning to the role and very much looking forward to filming with such a wonderful guest cast.”
THE CLOCKS is currently being filmed in London and Dover. It is adapted by Stewart Harcourt (Dracula), directed by Charles Palmer (Dr Who) and the producer is Karen Thrussell (Agatha Christie’s Marple).
The Poirot stories are co-produced by ITV Studios and Agatha Christie Ltd, a Chorion company, and US network WGBH. Mammoth Screen’s Michele Buck and Damien Timmer executive produce Poirot on behalf of ITV Studios. Rebecca Eaton is executive producer for WGBH, with David Suchet as associate producer. ITV Global holds international distribution rights.
Press contacts:
Lisa Vanoli – lisa.vanoli@itv.com – 020 7157 3033
Picture publicity:
Patrick Smith – Patrick.smith@itv.com – 020 7157 3044 |
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May 2009 |
Mammoth Screen secure commission for Margot
A provocative film for BBC Four about the life of the UK’s
most famous ballet dancer: Dame Margot Fonteyn
London, Friday 22 May 2009: Leading UK Indie Mammoth Screen
has been commissioned by BBC Four to make Margot, a film
partly based on Meredith Daneman's biography of Dame Margot
Fonteyn.
Anne-Marie Duff (Is Anybody There; Born Equal; The Virgin
Queen) will play Margot in the 90 minute drama, part of BBC
Four’s season of one-off films about the artistic careers
of British female icons.
The drama explores Margot’s dancing partnership and
complex relationship with Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev.
When they met, Margot was in her 40s and married to
philandering Panamanian diplomat Roberto ‘Tito’ Arias.
It was widely expected that she would retire from the world
of ballet, but instead her collaboration with Nureyev
propelled them both to international stardom. After Tito was
shot and left paralysed from the waist down Margot continued
to dance, only retiring 17 years after she first met Nureyev.
The screenplay is written by Amanda Coe who wrote BBC Four’s
award winning Filth: The Mary Whitehouse Story, and will be
an executive producer on the project.
Coe says: “To a little girl fascinated by ballet like I
was, Margot Fonteyn seemed more regal than a member of the
royal family; a perfectly graceful icon who personified all
the elegant and remote qualities of the ballet world. It was
a revelation to discover that this persona was every bit as
much a part of her discipline and artistry as the roles she
played on stage.”
Damien Timmer joint MD of mammoth Screen says; “Fonteyn’s
life was filled with drama and passion both on and off the
stage and this is thrillingly captured by writer Amanda Coe.
It's a great coup to have Anne-Marie Duff and Otto Bathurst
on board to realise this brilliant script.
Michele Buck, Joint MD of mammoth Screen added; “Margot is
a fantastic addition to the Mammoth Screen portfolio,
confirming our commitment to making distinctive, highly
authored drama. We look forward to bringing Dame Margot
Fonteyn’s magnificent and moving story to life.”
Filming in and around London in June 2009, Margot has been
commissioned by the Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning, Ben
Stephenson. It will be directed by Otto Bathurst who helmed
the BBC’s BAFTA winning Criminal Justice. Mammoth Screen’s
Creative Director, Rebecca Keane, developed the project and
Mammoth Screen MDs, Michele Buck (Sex Traffic, Ballet Shoes)
and Damien Timmer (Housewife 49, Lost in Austen), will
executive produce. Celia Duval (Red Riding, Margaret
Thatcher: The Long Walk to Finchley) is producing.
The commission for Margot follows Mammoth Screen’s recent
success with Lost in Austen, ITV1’s bold reinvention of
Pride and Prejudice. Mammoth Screen’s version of Emily
Bronte’s classic, Wuthering Heights, will be transmitted
on ITV1 later this year, starring Tom Hardy as Heathcliff.
Buck and Timmer are also executive producing The Prisoner
starring Jim Caviezel and Sir Ian McKellen for ITV Studios
and US channel, AMC.
For further information please contact:
Christina Joyce, Premier PR
020 7292 8352
christina.joyce@premier.com |
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September 2008 |
Lost in Austen
Our new production, ‘Lost in Austen’, began last week with fantastic reviews:
‘Lost in Austen (ITV1) continues, fruity and frothy like a jam omelette. Amazingly good for ITV. Surely some mistake here?’
The Guardian
'Somewhere in his youth or childhood, Michael Grade must have done something good. Lost in Austen is everything ITV needs it to be: entirely delightful nonsense... pert, warm and funny. This is a sweet and foamy guilty pleasure, the advocaat on the TV cocktail list'. The Independent on Sunday
'A funny, clever breeze'. The Times
'Enormously good-natured fun'. The Telegraph
'A dream of a show'. The Mail On Sunday
'Do you need a working knowledge of the novel to enjoy it? No. I knew absolutely bugger all about any of it bar the basics - Darcy, wet nightshirt, um - but soon found myself immersed in the Bennets' world, buoyed along by a script that positively frolics in the glorious fussiness of Georgian mores... I loved it'. The Guardian
Lost in Austen is on ITV1, Wednesdays at 9pm. |
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July 2008 |
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Mammoth Screen develop new adaptation of
Andrea Newman’s provocative and controversial novel; Bouquet of Barbed Wire
London Thursday 24 July: Leading UK Indie, Mammoth Screen has secured the rights to Andrea Newman’s iconic novel, Bouquet of Barbed Wire, it was announced today.
Mammoth Screen is currently developing a contemporary three part adaptation of the 1969 novel for ITV1 with writer Guy Andrews, whose previous credits include Prime Suspect and Lewis as well as Mammoth Screen’s forthcoming drama Lost in Austen.
Bouquet of Barbed Wire is the latest in a diverse drama slate for the production company run by Michele Buck and Damien Timmer which includes the ratings winner Bonekickers, a co-production between Mammoth Screen and Monastic Productions, currently airing on BBC One and Wuthering Heights which is filming in Leeds starring Tom Hardy and newcomer Charlotte Reilly as Heathcliffe and Cathy. Buck and Timmer are also executive producing The Prisoner starring Jim Caviezel and Sir Ian McKellen for ITV Productions and US channel, AMC.
Bouquet of Barbed Wire caused a sensation when it was produced by London Weekend Television in 1976, starring Frank Finley and Susan Penhaligan. Newman's story is a dark and provocative study of love and betrayal, focusing on Peter Manson's complex relationship with his adult daughter Prue. When Prue becomes pregnant by a man Peter despises he finds himself becoming obsessively jealous. Peter's actions turn the lives of everyone around them upside down, and tragedy follows...
Damien Timmer, MD of Mammoth Screen today commented: “The original TV version of Bouquet of Barbed Wire was one of the most talked about and controversial shows of the 70s, busting taboos which still have the power to shock many years later. Guy Andrews will bring a thrilling modern sensibility to Andrea Newman's timeless tale of obsessive love and we hope a modern audience will be as gripped as viewers were 30 years ago."
Michele Buck, MD, Mammoth Screen added; “Bouquet of Barbed Wire is a fantastic addition to the Mammoth Screen portfolio, adding a touch of danger with this dark and provocative narrative. We hope this will enhance our already diverse portfolio, having already taken on Pride and Prejudice with a twist in Lost in Austen through to the action-adventure of Bonekickers.” |
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