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MAMMOTH SCREEN WINS TOP 100 RANKING |
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Mammoth Screen, the independent television production company founded in 2007 by Michele Buck and Damien Timmer, has been officially ranked as 67th in the UK’s top I00 fastest growing privately owned companies. Mammoth is the only production company to make it onto this prestigious list.
The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 is compiled annually by Fast Track; the Oxford based research company, and is sponsored by Virgin, Barclays, BDO and Microsoft. It is published by the Sunday Times. The league table features a host of well known brands including Cath Kidston, Ella’s Kitchen, Jack Wills, Joules and Patisserie Valerie.
Companies are measured by compound annual sales growth over the latest three financial years. Annualised sales had to exceed £250,000 in the base year and in excess of £5M in the latest year. Companies had to have 10 or more employees, be making an operating profit in their latest available accounts, and be forecasting further sales growth.
In a joint statement Michele and Damien, both MDs of Mammoth said:
‘We are absolutely thrilled to be included in this impressive list. It means a great deal to us to have Mammoth’s success recognised in this way. We started only four years ago in a difficult financial climate and through sheer hard work and dedication we have built the company up to be a major player in the independent production sector. We have a very talented team and everyone here has the shared ambition for Mammoth to carry on growing and making more wonderful shows.’
Mammoth have a number of major dramas currently in production: Parade’s End, a period five part serial for BBC2 adapted by Sir Tom Stoppard from the novels by Ford Madox Ford with an all star cast which includes Benedict Cumberbatch and Rebecca Hall. Endeavour, the eagerly anticipated prequel to Inspector Morse which will air on ITV in the New Year, and a second series of the critically acclaimed Monroe, the hospital drama starring Jimmy Nesbitt as quirky brain surgeon Monroe also for ITV. And Primetime, two single dramas produced under a joint initiative by BBC Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen for new resident writers. And a major new commission for SKY will be announced shortly.
For more information please contact: Sallie Ryle, Communications Consultant, Mammoth Screen Ltd. sallie@mammothscreen.com Tel: 020 7268 0050 Mob: 07768 476 930 |
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| Thursday, 13th October 2011 |
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MAMMOTH SCREEN ANNOUNCE MAJOR NEW APPOINTMENT |
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Mammoth Screen announced today that leading industry lawyer JAMES PENNY is to join the company in the newly created role of Commercial Director. This is the latest in a number of new appointments for Mammoth as the company expands its team.
Mammoth Screen was formed in 2007 by joint Managing Directors Michele Buck and Damien Timmer, who had previously worked together at ITV Productions. Working with Director of Production and Finance Jon Williams and Creative Director Rebecca Keane, they have built Mammoth into one of the UK’s leading independent producers, specialising in high-end prime-time television drama. Credits include Monroe, Christopher and His Kind, Bouquet of Barbed Wire, Margot, Wuthering Heights and Lost in Austen. It was announced this week that Nora Ephron is attached to direct a feature film version of Lost In Austen for Sony, with Sam Mendes and Pippa Harris executive producing for Neal Street and Damien and Michele executive producing for Mammoth.
MICHELE BUCK is thrilled that James is joining: ‘our relationship with James goes back many years, and he was instrumental in setting Mammoth up. His expertise is second to none. This is a hugely exciting time for us and I can’t think of anyone better to help us take Mammoth on to the next level. I’m really looking forward to working with him full time’.
DAMIEN TIMMER rates him as the best in the business: ‘James will be a big asset to us with his wealth of knowledge and understanding of the production business. He's a hugely respected deal maker, understands talent and is a great strategic thinker. He'll provide us with the expertise to grow our slate, especially on the international front.’
James has spent the last five years advising many of the leading production companies including Left Bank, Kudos, Kindle Entertainment, Scott Free Films and ITV Studios. A Law graduate from Durham he was Head of Business Affairs for Drama and Comedy at ITV until 2006. James has worked on many high profile dramas including Parade’s End, Titanic, Treasure Island, Strike Back, Eric and Ernie, Mad Dogs, Zen, The Gruffalo, Law & Order and Wallander, comedies including The Royle Family and feature films including The Queen. James also sits on the Board of Northern Ireland Screen.
JAMES PENNY is delighted to be joining Mammoth at this time: ‘It’s a great opportunity to get further involved with a company which has such potential for future growth. Mammoth has a growing reputation and I hope to help expand the business in the right way to meet the demands of this challenging industry’.
MELANIE MORRIS will also be joining him at Mammoth. An Oxford graduate who previously worked as a lawyer at Avalon Television and Endemol UK, she has worked alongside James advising a number of leading production companies.
James and Melanie will be based in Mammoth’s Belfast office.
Other recent recruits to announce include ADRIAN O’BRIEN, who joined Mammoth in May this year as Head of Programme Finance. Adrian has a wealth of experience working on primetime shows for Granada, Limehouse Television and Left Bank Pictures.
PHIL HUNTER joined in August as Production Executive. He was previously Head of Production at Leeds indie Rollem overseeing Fat Friends. He has also produced Holby City for the BBC and script edited Hustle.
Mammoth’s development team has also been strengthened by the recent recruitment of PREETHI MAVAHALLI as Development Executive. Preethi is an Oxford graduate who won a scholarship to the Film and Business Academy. She has worked across a slate of films at Film London and Film 4 and had developed and produced a number of successful short films. MICHAEL RAY has been promoted to Development Editor in the new restructuring.
LOUISA FRENCH-GREENSLADE also joined Mammoth last month as Production Administrator and Assistant to JON WILLIAMS Director of Production and Finance.
Mammoth is currently in production with Parade’s End, a five part serial adapted by Tom Stoppard from the novels by Ford Madox Ford for the BBC / HBO with an all-star cast headed by Benedict Cumberbatch and Rebecca Hall. Other current shows include Inspector Morse prequel Endeavour, a second series of Monroe for ITV, and two single dramas for BBC Northern Ireland. Other new drama and comedy commissions are in the pipeline and yet to be announced.
For more information please contact: Sallie Ryle, Communications Consultant, Mammoth Screen Ltd. sallie@mammothscreen.com Tel: 020 7268 0050 Mob: 07768 476 930 |
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| 4th August 2011 |
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SHAUN EVANS IS DETECTIVE CONSTABLE ENDEAVOUR MORSE
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Mammoth Screen and ITV are delighted to announce the casting of SHAUN EVANS as the young Endeavour Morse.
Endeavour is written by Russell Lewis (creator of Lewis, Kavanagh QC and Cadfael, and writer of Inspector Morse, Spooks and Murphy’s Law) and is made by Mammoth Screen for ITV1.
The single film will be shot in Oxford this autumn and will air early next year.
Shaun Evans (The Take, Come Rain Come Shine) will step in to John Thaw’s shoes to play the younger version of Colin Dexter’s iconic character, giving the audience the chance to discover the origins of the detective famed for his love of crosswords, classical music, real ale and classic cars.
Set in 1965, the story follows the hunt for a missing schoolgirl which draws Endeavour Morse back to the place which will ultimately shape and define his destiny – Oxford.
Deep in a full-blown murder investigation and led by Detective Inspector Fred Thursday, Endeavour finds himself side-lined, discredited and at a dead end. Facing down the demons of his past, Endeavour begins his own quest in pursuit of justice, risking all in the hunt for a truth that will haunt him for the rest of his days.
Evans commented: “Morse as a young man is a wonderful character that I'm very excited to be playing. My hope is that we can compliment what's come before, by telling a great story, and telling it well.”
This single drama will mark the 25th anniversary of the very first episode of Inspector Morse, which transmitted in 1987. Thirty three Inspector Morse films were made over the next 13 years
Endeavour has been commissioned for ITV by Drama Commissioners Laura Mackie and Sally Haynes.
Laura, Director of ITV Drama, said: “Inspector Morse was a television institution and nearly 14 million people tuned in to watch the final episode in 2000 when Colin Dexter’s eponymous hero died from a heart attack. Endeavour is a beautifully written story that not only provides many nods to Morse’s unique character traits for fans but re-unites many of the team behind the original series.”
Endeavour is executive produced by Mammoth Screen’s Michele Buck and Damien Timmer and is co-produced with Masterpiece. Rebecca Eaton is Executive Producer for Masterpiece.
Endeavour will be distributed internationally by ITV Studios Global Entertainment.
Damien comments: “We’re delighted Russell has written this brilliant one off drama for ITV. It’s a sharp and revealing script which gives us a new perspective on this legendary detective.” Michele adds: “Shaun Evans is a superb casting as the young Endeavour and we hope fans enjoy learning more about the iconic detective’s past.”
Colin Dexter who introduced the world to Inspector Morse added: “Immortal was Endeavour Morse - End-eavour more shall be so!”
The Director is Colm McCarthy (Injustice, The Tudors) Dan McCulloch (10 Minute Tales, Tony) is producing.
Mammoth Screen’s recent credits for ITV include medial drama Monroe, Joe Maddison’s War and Bouquet of Barbed Wire.
Press contact: Tim West Tel: 0207 157 3040 or email tim.west@itv.com
Picture contact: Patrick Smith Tel: 0207 157 3044 or email patrick.smith@itv.com
Pictures are available on the ITV Pictures Website – http://www.itvpictures.co.uk/home/
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| Thursday, 4th August 2011 |
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| **MONROE RECOMMISSIONED** |
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ITV has this week confirmed that Mammoth Screen will go into production with new episodes of acclaimed medical drama Monroe during 2012, with James Nesbitt picking up his scalpel again to play neurosurgeon Gabriel Monroe for this second series.
Created by multi-award winning writer Peter Bowker, the new six episodes will find the newly divorced Monroe coming to terms with his single life and throwing himself with even greater energy into the life of St Matthew's Hospital and the challenges of the operating theatre, with more jeopardy, humour and emotionally charged drama than ever before. Sarah Parish reprises her role as Monroe's sparring partner cardiac surgeon Jenny Bremner.
Alongside the returning ensemble there will be two major new additions to the cast, both of whom will challenge Monroe's world in significant ways.
Monroe averaged 5.7m (22% share) viewers during its six week run and has been recommissioned by Laura Mackie, Director of Drama Commissioning, and Sally Haynes, Controller of Drama Commissioning, and is executive produced by Mammoth Screen's Michele Buck and Damien Timmer for Mammoth Screen and writer Peter Bowker.
The series will again be filmed on location in Leeds.
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| Wednesday, 6th July 2011
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| New writers win Mammoth deals |
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UK drama indie Mammoth Screen will produce two one-hour dramas about family life in Northern Ireland for the BBC.
At Water's Edge, written by husband and wife Dean and Glynis Hagan, and A Year of Great Love, by Patrick Fitzsymons, will go into production this summer.
The two shows will be broadcast on BBC1 Northern Ireland early next year.
The scripts were commissioned as part of Primetime, an initiative launched last November by BBC Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen that puts into production scripts from home-grown writers.
The scheme gives aspiring Northern Ireland-based writers the chance to have a one-hour drama made for TV.
London-based Mammoth opened offices in the province in 2009 to help work with and develop new talent.
Last month, UK broadcaster ITV1 ordered a sixth season of fictional detective series Lewis, which is executive-produced by Mammoth's joint MDs Michele Buck and Damien Timmer.
Michael Pickard
© C21 Media 2011
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| Friday, 18 February 2011 |
| MONROE |
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***The information contained herein is strictly embargoed from all press use, non-commercial publication, or syndication until
Wednesday 23rd February 2011***
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL PRESS PACK [doc]
James Nesbitt stars in ITV1's major new six-part medical drama series, Monroe, created by acclaimed writer Peter Bowker (Eric and Ernie, Occupation, Desperate Romantics, Wuthering Heights) and produced by Mammoth Screen.
Nesbitt plays neurosurgeon Gabriel Monroe and is joined by a strong ensemble cast including Sarah Parish (The Pillars of the Earth, Mistresses, Cutting It) as cardiac surgeon Jenny Bremner with Tom Riley (Bouquet of Barbed Wire, Lost in Austen) as anaesthetist Dr Lawrence Shepherd. Manjinder Virk (Britz, Bradford Riots) as registrar Sally Fortune, Thomas Morrison (Brideshead Revisited, Blackpool) as hospital porter-cum-bookie, Lee Bradley, and Susan Lynch (Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Nora) plays Monroe's wife, Anna. Sarah Smart (Wallander, Funland) and Shaun Evans (Come Rain Come Shine, The Take, The Virgin Queen) will guest star in episode one.
The 6 x 60 minute series explores Monroe's world both inside and outside the hospital, as medical emergencies cut across the lives of everyone involved from staff to patients and relatives.
Whilst Monroe does all he can to encourage his shy and weak-stomached trainee, Wilson (Michelle Asante) and keep the ambitious Springer (Luke Allen-Gale) in check, Bremner's trainees, Andrew Mullery (Andrew Gower) and Sarah Witney (Christina Chong) are left to observe her cardiac operations from the sidelines.
ITV's Director of Drama Commissioning Laura Mackie said: "Monroe will breathe new life into the medical genre; I hope the combination of Pete's sharp and pacy script and Jimmy's performance as the charismatic surgeon will make this one of the most compelling new dramas for 2011."
Peter Bowker said: "I am a huge fan of hospital drama - not least because it provides the chance to tell big emotional stories based on compelling characters.
"Neurosurgeons are the nearest thing we have to real-life miracle workers, yet they share the same human failings as the rest of us. We want them to be brave enough to take the decisions they take, yet they can't always be right. We don't have to like them, but we have to believe in them. Monroe dramatises what it is like to be at the sharp end of those expectations."
Mammoth Screen's Damien Timmer said: "To have Peter Bowker, James Nesbitt and Paul McGuigan working together on a new hospital drama series is a proper coup for us and we're so delighted with the end results."
Producer Jennie Scanlon said: "With Peter Bowker at the helm, Monroe has developed through the synergy of a talented pool of creatives. Paul McGuigan's vision has been a driving force in creating the world of the hospital and James Nesbitt brilliantly inhabits the role of Monroe with verve and intelligence."
Monroe has been commissioned by Laura Mackie, Director of Drama Commissioning, and Sally Haynes, Controller of Drama Commissioning, and is executive produced for ITV by Michele Buck and Damien Timmer from Mammoth Screen (Lost in Austen, Bouquet of Barbed Wire) and writer Peter Bowker. Howard Ella (Joe Maddison's War, Five Days) is co-producer.
The series has been directed by Paul McGuigan (Sherlock, Lucky Number Slevin, Gangster No. 1) and David Moore (Merlin, Sweeney Todd, The Forsythe Saga) and was filmed on location in Leeds across twelve weeks.
Monroe has been produced by Mammoth Screen and co-produced by Ingenious Broadcasting and Capico Productions.
Exclusive content, including behind the scenes footage, interviews with the cast and writer, Peter Bowker, can be found at www.itv.com/monroe
For Press related enquiries, please contact natasha.bayford@itv.com
If you are a viewer, all enquiries and comments to the viewerservices@itv.com team.
Please note that the above press contact will only respond to enquiries from the Press. |
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 September 2010 |
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ITV COMMISSIONS SIX PART DRAMA MONROE
STARRING JAMES NESBITT |
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ITV announces the cast and start of principle photography on MONROE.
Principal photography begins this week for ITV’s new six-part medical drama series, Monroe, starring award winning actor James Nesbitt.
International director, Paul McGuigan, will bring acclaimed writer Peter Bowker’s scripts to life. Paul's feature films include Lucky Number Slevin starring Morgan Freeman, Josh Hartnett and Bruce Willis (Best Film and Audience Award at the Milan International Film Festival) and Gangster No. 1 starring Paul Bettany and David Thewlis. He also launched the BBC's successful television drama Sherlock earlier this year.
James Nesbitt will play neurosurgeon Gabriel Monroe and is joined by a strong ensemble cast including Sarah Parish (Mistresses, Cutting It) as cardiac surgeon Jenny Bremner; Tom Riley (Bouquet of Barbed Wire, Lost in Austen) as anaesthetist Dr Laurence Shepherd; Manjinder Virk (Britz, Bradford Riots) as registrar Sally Fortune, and Susan Lynch (Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Nora) as Anna, Monroe’s wife. Sarah Smart (Wallander, Funland) and Shaun Evans (The Take, The Virgin Queen) will guest star in episode one.
The 6 x 60 minute series examines Monroe's world inside and outside the hospital, with medical emergencies cutting across the lives of everyone involved from staff to patients and relatives. Monroe also has to contend with his two new medical trainees, Daniel Springer (Luke Allen-Gale) and Kitty Wilson (Michelle Asante) who have joined St Matthew’s Hospital under his watchful eye.
Monroe has been commissioned by Laura Mackie, Director of Drama Commissioning, and Sally Haynes, Controller of Drama Commissioning, and is executive produced for ITV by Michele Buck and Damien Timmer from Mammoth Screen (Lost in Austen, Bouquet of Barbed Wire) and writer Peter Bowker (Occupation, Desperate Romantics, Wuthering Heights). Jennie Scanlon (Marple) is the producer, Howard Ella (Joe Maddison’s War, Five Days) is co-producer and David Moore (Merlin, Sweeney Todd, The Forsythe Saga) will direct episodes four, five and six.
The series is filmed on location in Leeds and will be co-produced by Ingenious Broadcasting and Capico Productions.
For Press related enquiries, please contact natasha.bayford@itv.com
If you are a viewer, all enquiries and comments to the viewerservices@itv.com team.
Please note that the above press contact will only respond to enquiries from the Press. |
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| September 2010 |
ITV PRESS RELEASE
JOE MADDISON'S WAR |
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Click here to download the full press pack and interviews [embargoed]
KEVIN WHATELY (Lewis, The Children) leads the cast as shipyard worker Joe Maddison. Written by multi-awarding winning writer Alan Plater (The Last of The British Bombshells, A Very British Coup), produced by Mammoth Screen, and commissioned by ITV, the 1 x 120 min drama was filmed on location in Newcastle.
Whately stars alongside, ROBSON GREEN (Wire In The Blood, Northern Lights), DEREK JACOBI (The Old Curiosity Shop, Cadfael), MELANIE HILL (Stardust, The Street), TREVOR FOX (Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Emmerdale), and JOHN WOODVINE (Vanity Fair, Z Cars).
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, learning lessons of heroism and friendship, and also love. |
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JOE MADDISON’S WAR PRESS REVIEWS
“Had the best of Plater in it, from his dry, humane wit to his willingness to take risks with a swerve into deep emotion” - Tom Sutcliffe, The Independent
“Simple, emotional, and as honest as beef stew… The drama exhibited Plater’s skill for what you might call credible wit: the characters came out with lines that were witty in a quiet rather than smarmy way; it’s the kind of wit you hear in everyday life” - Michael Deacon, The Telegraph Online
“This was a perfect and perfectly simple drama of a shipyard welder on wartime Tyneside whose wife leaves him for a naval officer” - John Lloyd, Financial Times (Life and Arts)
“Plater’s dialogue is a constant joy” - The Guardian Guide
“Beautifully written” - Richard Brooks, The Sunday Times (Culture)
“Every once in a while, a one-off drama or series comes along that restores your faith in Britain’s ability to produce great television. This is one such example” - Eastern Daily Press
“Plater’s eye for the minutiae of ordinary lives was as sharp as ever” - Keith Watson, The Metro
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| August 2010 |
| BOUQUET OF BARBED WIRE |
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from all press use, non commercial publication, or syndication until Wednesday 25th August 2010***
Click here to download the press pack [doc]
A modern reworking of Andrea Newman’s taboo-busting 1970s psychological drama, Bouquet of Barbed Wire, is coming to ITV this autumn.
TREVOR EVE (Waking the Dead, Framed) leads the cast as Peter Manson. Written by acclaimed writer Guy Andrews (Lost In Austen, Prime Suspect), directed by Ashley Pearce (Class of 74) produced by Mammoth Screen, and commissioned by ITV1, the 3 x 60 min drama was filmed on location around London.
Eve stars alongside HERMIONE NORRIS (Spooks, Kingdom), IMOGEN POOTS (Miss Austen Regrets, 28 Weeks Later), TOM RILEY (St. Trinians 2, Lost In Austen) and JEMIMA ROOPER (Lost In Austen, The Black Dahlia).
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 plays 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 is adapted for ITV by independent production company Mammoth Screen, and is executive produced by joint managing directors Michele Buck and Damien Timmer. Kate McKerrell produces the 3 x 30 min drama.
“We’re delighted Guy Andrews 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 intense familial 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 has brought a thrilling, modern sensibility to the story,” he added.
Central to the drama are the characters of Peter (Trevor Eve), his daughter Prue (Imogen Poots), his wife Cassie (Hermione Norris) and Gavin (Tom Riley).
As the story unfolds, architect Peter employs twenty-something Sarah Francis (Jemima Rooper). 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 about his past is revealed. |
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| August 2010 |
| BOUQUET OF BARBED WIRE PRESS REVIEWS |
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“ITV1 scores again with the blistering finale of Bouquet of Barbed Wire... the tension wrought by festering secrets reaches an unbearable climax” - Jazz Jagger, Financial Times (Life & Arts)
“In our house we’re enjoying it hugely, but only once the children have gone to bed… the casting is spot-on and the acting utterly splendid… Guy Andrews has written excellent, and admirably sparse dialogue” - Brian Viner, The Independent
“I’m not ashamed, I watched all three episodes in one sitting. I loved it.” - Alison Graham, TV Editor of Radio Times
“If you want to call it new, Bouquet of Barbed Wire is ITV’s best new drama serial for a while. It has relentless pace, spiky dialogue, dark sexual motivations and heart-felt acting. Its twist shock because they aren’t signposted miles back” - Andrew Billen, The Times
“This superlative ITV drama is not to be missed...it’s weird, worrying and totally absorbing, with excellent performances from Trevor Eve, Tom Riley and newcomer Imogen Poots” - Grazia
“It will wrench your gut, break your heart and damn your eyes” - John Lloyd, Contributing Editor of Financial Times
“It was sharp too on the little duplicities as well as the big ones, the sins of omission between a husband and a wife. At the same time, Ashley Pearce’s direction ensured that a very effective tingle of disquiet ran throughout. The result was infinitely better than I ever imagined it could be” - John Preston, The Sunday Telegraph
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| 29th July 2010 |
| Sir Tom Stoppard returns to British television with Parade's End for BBC Two |
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Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama Commissioning, announced today that BBC Two will bring Ford Madox Ford's masterpiece, Parade's End, to the screen next year. It will be adapted by the highly acclaimed British playwright Sir Tom Stoppard, directed by Bafta-winning Susanna White and made by Mammoth Screen through BBC Wales Drama.
Stoppard returns to British television after 20 years with this five-hour commission considered by many as one of the great undiscovered works of the 20th century.
Sir Tom Stoppard says: "The BBC came to me with the idea of adapting Ford's novel for TV two years ago. I had never read it and I fell in love with it. Parade's End has been my main pre-occupation since then. The title covers a quartet of books set among the upper class in Edwardian England, mostly from 1911 to the end of the Great War. I spent about 18 months on the dramatisation of the novel into five 60-minute episodes, working with the BBC producer Piers Wenger and with Damien Timmer of Mammoth, the independent production company. I confess I feel a bit proud of it, and now that Susanna White has come on board to direct Parade's End I'm thoroughly excited about it."
This announcement further demonstrates BBC Two's commitment to re-establish its reputation as the home of intelligent and ambitious drama reflecting the new strategy and investment for drama on the channel.
Set between the twilight of the Edwardian era and the end of the First World War, Parade's End's biggest pre-occupation is a love triangle between English aristocrat Christopher Tietjens, his beautiful but cruel wife Sylvia and Valentine Wannop, a young suffragette who he falls madly in love with.
Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama Commissioning, says: "Tom Stoppard is without a doubt one of the world's finest writers and we are thrilled to welcome him back to the BBC with his extraordinary and witty take on a complex novel."
Damien Timmer, joint managing director and executive producer, Mammoth Screen, says: "It's a great privilege to work with Tom Stoppard on his dazzling adaptation of Parade's End. It's a hugely ambitious project, and with brilliant director Susanna White at the helm, we're hoping to attract a stellar cast in what will be a unique television event."
Piers Wenger, executive producer, BBC Wales Drama says: "Parade's End is Ford Madox Ford's masterpiece and the BBC is immensely privileged to have a dramatist of Sir Tom Stoppard's extraordinary calibre to bring it to life."
Michele Buck, joint managing director and executive producer, Mammoth Screen, says: "To make such a prestigious project as Parade's End demonstrates the range of Mammoth Screen's drama slate, and our commitment to working with the very best talent."
Executive producers for Mammoth are Damien Timmer and Michele Buck and Piers Wenger for BBC Wales. Parade's End will be directed by award-winning director Susanna White (Nanny McPhee And The Big Bang, Generation Kill, Bleak House) and commissioned by Janice Hadlow, Controller, BBC Two, and Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning.
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| Jul 2010 |
Lewis
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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| 19.05.2010 |
BBC TWO DRAMA
CHRISTOPHER AND HIS KIND |
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Lindsay Duncan, Imogen Poots, Toby Jones and Douglas Booth join Matt Smith in a new BBC Two drama. Written by acclaimed playwright Kevin Elyot (My Night With Reg) and produced by Mammoth Screen through BBC Wales, CHRISTOPHER AND HIS KIND chronicles the formative years of Christopher Isherwood.
Isherwood, played by Matt Smith (Doctor Who), escapes repressive English society and his suffocating relationship with his mother, Kathleen played by Lindsay Duncan (Criminal Justice, Thatcher, Under The Tuscan Sun) for the decadent – and politically unstable – world of Thirties Berlin.
Imogen Poots (28 Weeks Later, Solitary Man) stars as Jean Ross, an aspiring actress and singer who provided Christopher with the inspiration for the Sally Bowles character of Cabaret fame.
Toby Jones (Frost/Nixon, W) plays Gerald Hamilton, a peculiar man who provided the inspiration for the title character in the celebrated Isherwood novel Mr Norris Changes Trains.
Pip Carter (Party Animals) plays Wystan Auden, the famous poet with a droll sense of humour who persuaded Christopher to join him in Berlin.
Douglas Booth (Worried About The Boy) plays Heinz, an unassuming street cleaner who Christopher meets and falls in love with during his time in Berlin.
The hedonistic Berlin cabaret scene is in full swing when a young and wide-eyed Christopher Isherwood arrives in the city, unable to speak a word of German, to stay with his close friend, Auden.
To Isherwood's reserved English sensibility, the city's thriving gay subculture is thrilling and intoxicating. But Christopher soon finds himself heartbroken after the failure of a hopeless love affair, and so sets out on a process of self-discovery.
This 90-minute film is 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.
The drama was commissioned for BBC Two by Janice Hadlow, Controller BBC Two and Ben Stephenson, Controller of Drama commissioning with Eleanor Moran as BBC executive producer and Piers Wenger, Head of Drama, BBC Wales.
Christopher And His Kind is currently filming on location in Belfast and is being made with the assistance of Northern Ireland Screen.
SJP
Information for viewers
More content about Christopher And His Kind will be published, as transmission approaches, on this page:
www.bbc.co.uk/tv/comingup/christopher-and-his-kind |
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| Apr 2010 |
BBC PRESS RELEASE
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 |
| 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 2009 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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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| September 2009 |
ITV PRESS RELEASE
FILMING BEGINS ON A BOUQUET OF BARBED WIRE |
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ITV and Mammoth Screen announces the cast and start of principal photography for A Bouquet of Barbed Wire a 3 x 60 min drama
Six weeks of principal photography began this week on the ITV1 drama, A Bouquet of Barbed Wire.
TREVOR EVE (Waking the Dead, Framed) leads the cast as Peter Manson. Written by acclaimed writer Guy Andrews (Lost In Austen, Prime Suspect), directed by Ashley Pearce (Agatha Christie’s Poirot, The Commander, Afterlife) produced by Mammoth Screen, and commissioned by ITV1, the 3 x 60 min drama will be filmed on location around London.
Eve will star alongside, HERMIONE NORRIS (Spooks, Kingdom), IMOGEN POOTS (Miss Austen Regrets, 28 Weeks Later), TOM RILEY (St. Trinians 2, Lost In Austen), JEMIMA ROOPER (Lost In Austen, The Black Dahlia) and MARK LEWIS JONES (The Passion, The Commander).
A modern reworking of Andrea Newman’s taboo-busting 1970s psychological drama, and adapted by Guy Andrews, 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: tim.west@itv.com |
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| Aug 2009 |
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Lewis
ITV ORDERS MORE OF ITS TOP RATED DRAMA 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.
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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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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