BBC Two and Netflix Commission DSP for a Brand New Factual Entertainment Series "Project Interiors w/t"

BBC Two and Netflix Commission DSP for a Brand New Factual Entertainment Series "Project Interiors w/t"
The unscripted series is an ambitious new prime time show that will take ten fledgling designers, and launch them into the world of interiors, giving them an intense introduction to the world of interior design.

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[via press release from Endemol Shine UK] BBC Two and Netflix Commission DSP for a Brand New Factual Entertainment Series "Project Interiors w/t"

DSP, part of Endemol Shine UK, has been commissioned by BBC TWO and Netflix to make a new factual entertainment series Project Interiors (w/t). A co production, the series will first air in its entirety on the BBC before rolling out globally, to all territories (excluding the UK for first 12 months), on Netflix.

The 8x60' unscripted series is an ambitious new prime time show that will take ten fledgling designers, and launch them into the world of interiors, giving them an intense introduction to the world of interior design.

With eight weeks and eight different challenges to tackle, each episode will see the designers confronted with a new space to transform as they attempt to work their magic and show off their skills. These talented designers will be under pressure to revamp real businesses, reinvent commercial spaces and redesign family homes. They'll have to manage fellow designers, a team of tradesmen and demanding clients, and at the same time work to exacting specifications and testing briefs.

As one designer gets eliminated each week, they'll be fighting it out for a place in the final, where the prize on offer is a life changing design contract with a prestigious commercial client.

DSP Co Managing Director Donna Clark said; "We're delighted to be working with the BBC and Netflix to bring fresh ambition and scale to a the much loved interiors space. This exciting new series will be packed with famous faces for the world of design and give real insight into an industry most of us never get to experience."

The series was commissioned by David Brindley and Catherine Catton for the BBC and Netflix.
The series goes into production in early 2019. 

John Goodman and Michaela Coel to Star in BAFTA-Winner Hugo Blick's Thriller "Black Earth Rising" for BBC Two

John Goodman and Michaela Coel to Star in BAFTA-Winner Hugo Blick's Thriller "Black Earth Rising" for BBC Two
They will be joined by Olivier award-winners Noma Dumezweni and Harriet Walter, alongside Tamara Tunie, Lucian Msamati and Abena Ayivor.

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[via press release from BBC] John Goodman and Michaela Coel to star in BAFTA-winner Hugo Blick's thriller Black Earth Rising for BBC Two

Black Earth Rising is a new BBC Two international thriller about the prosecution of international war crimes and the West's relationship with contemporary Africa written, directed and produced by BAFTA-winner Hugo Blick (The Honourable Woman, The Shadow Line).

The fictional drama series stars Emmy and Golden Globe-winner John Goodman (The Big Lebowski, Roseanne) and BAFTA-winner Michaela Coel (Chewing Gum, London Spy). They will be joined by Olivier award-winners Noma Dumezweni (Harry Potter & the Cursed Child) and Harriet Walter (The Crown, Downton Abbey), alongside Tamara Tunie (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Devil's Advocate), Lucian Msamati (Taboo, Kiri) and Abena Ayivor (A United Kingdom).

Playing out across the UK, Europe, Africa and the USA, Black Earth Rising explores issues of justice, guilt and self-determination. The story centres on Kate Ashby (Coel) who was rescued as a young child during the Rwandan genocide and adopted by Eve Ashby (Walter), a world class British prosecutor in international criminal law. Kate was raised in Britain and, now in her late twenties, she works as a legal investigator in the law chambers of Michael Ennis (Goodman). When Eve takes on a case at the International Criminal Court, prosecuting an African militia leader, the story detonates, pulling Michael and Kate into a journey that will upend their lives forever.

Michaela Coel says, "Kate Ashby's story is inspirational, it was an honour to play a character in possession of so much strength and integrity".

Writer and director, Hugo Blick says, "'The past isn't dead, it isn't even past'. I was never quite sure exactly what this famous quote meant but by following the fictional journey of a young black British woman on an epic and deeply personal quest to bring a Rwandan genocidaire to legal justice - now I do. And now I know just how critical, difficult and terrifying that phrase can seem to anyone in pursuit, and denial, of international criminal justice".

Controller of BBC Drama, Piers Wenger says, "Hugo's writing and direction demand skilled and sophisticated performers and I'm thrilled that he has assembled this extraordinary band of actors, led by Michaela and John, to bring his powerful drama to life".

Patrick Holland, Controller BBC Two says, "We are thrilled to welcome Hugo Blick back to BBC Two. There are few writers in the world who can deliver such compelling drama whilst exploring such powerful, important and challenging issues. With Michaela and John leading a stunning cast, this promises to be unforgettable television".

Executive Producer, Greg Brenman says, "I am delighted to be working once more with the phenomenal Hugo Blick. Black Earth Rising is a towering project that tackles challenging issues on a global scale, and we are honoured to have such a stellar cast bring the story to life".
Black Earth Rising will broadcast on BBC Two later this year.

The eight-part series is made by Forgiving Earth Limited, a co-production company of Eight Rooks Limited (The Honourable Woman, Shadow Line) and Drama Republic Limited (The Honourable Woman, King Charles III). The series is written and directed by Hugo Blick, and produced by Hugo Blick and Abi Bach. Greg Brenman is Executive Producer for Drama Republic and Piers Wenger for the BBC. The series is a co-production with Netflix and will premiere on BBC Two in the UK and Netflix will stream internationally outside the UK. 

Apocalyptic Additions to the Cast of Amazon's "Good Omens"

Apocalyptic Additions to the Cast of Amazon's "Good Omens"
The forthcoming television series for Amazon and BBC Two has cast Anna Maxwell Martin as ultimate demon Beelzebub alongside Mireille Enos, Lourdes Faberes and Yusuf Gatewood as the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

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[via press release from Amazon] Apocalyptic Additions to the cast of Amazon's "Good Omens"
October 31, 2017 - Good Omens, the forthcoming television series for Amazon and BBC Two has cast Anna Maxwell Martin as ultimate demon Beelzebub alongside Mireille Enos, Lourdes Faberes and Yusuf Gatewood as the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Based on the best-selling novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett and produced by BBC Studios, the 6-part series is currently shooting in the UK and stars Michael Sheen and David Tennant as lead characters Arizaphale and Crowley.
Commenting on the casting, showrunner Neil Gaiman says: "We already have a stellar cast, and now Anna Maxwell Martin will be the Beelzebub of our dreams. Well, nightmares."

Mireille Enos has been cast as War and says: "A script this clever, this smart, this current is very rare. How could I turn down playing one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse??? Especially with the incredible group who's come together to make it. It's going to be FUN!"

Lourdes Faberes who will play Pollution comments: "It's a gift for any actor to read such a brilliant story let alone be chosen to play a part in it! I'm thrilled to be working with this incredible cast and crew, our genius director Douglas Mackinnon and showrunner Neil Gaiman, whose writing I have always been moved by."
 
Yusuf Gatewood will be playing Famine and comments: "I'm excited to be playing Famine - one of the Four Horsemen in what promises an apocalyptic adaption of Good Omens!"
As regards the Fourth Horseperson of the Apocalypse, showrunner Neil Gaiman says only, "We are hoping that Death will be played by... DEATH."

Good Omens was commissioned for Amazon Prime Video and for BBC Two by Patrick Holland, Controller, BBC Two; Shane Allen, Controller, BBC Comedy Commissioning and BBC commissioning editor Gregor Sharp. It is being produced by the comedy team at BBC Studios, the BBC's commercial production arm, Narrativia and The Blank Corporation, in association with BBC Worldwide.

Good Omens will launch globally on Prime Video in over 200 countries and territories in 2019 including in the UK, where it will also air on BBC Two at a later date. BBC Worldwide distributes rights for Good Omens internationally, after the series premiere on Prime Video. The series will be brought to the screen by the highly acclaimed director/executive producer Douglas Mackinnon, whose credits include Knightfall, Dirk Gently, Doctor Who, Outlander and the standalone Victorian episode of Sherlock: The Abominable Bride, winner of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie last year. 

"King Lear" Cast Announced for BBC Two - Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson Lead All-Star Ensemble Cast

"King Lear" Cast Announced for BBC Two - Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson Lead All-Star Ensemble Cast
Amazon Studios is co-producing and taking US and German rights.

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[via press release from BBC] King Lear cast announced for BBC Two

Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson lead all-star ensemble cast. Richard Eyre to direct Shakespeare adaptation.

BBC Two, Golden Globe, BAFTA and RTS Award-winning drama producer Playground and Olivier and Tony Award-winning producer Sonia Friedman Productions announced that Anthony Hopkins (The Dresser, Nixon, Silence Of The Lambs) and Emma Thompson (The Children Act, The Remains Of The Day, Sense And Sensibility) reunite in their third collaboration and lead an all-star cast for their upcoming production of Shakespeare's King Lear, adapted and directed by BAFTA and Olivier Award-winning director Richard Eyre (The Dresser, Notes On A Scandal). Principal photography begins this month.

The film for television is commissioned by the BBC and will premiere on BBC Two in the UK in 2018. Amazon Studios is co-producing and taking US and German rights. Amazon Prime Video will also air the drama in the UK, following the BBC's run.

Set in the fictional present, King Lear sees Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins as the eponymous ruler, presiding over a totalitarian military dictatorship in England. Academy Award and BAFTA Award winner Emma Thompson stars as his oldest daughter Goneril. Academy Award nominee and BAFTA Award winner Emily Watson (Theory Of Everything, Genius) stars as his middle daughter Regan, and rising star Florence Pugh (Lady Macbeth, Marcella) as Cordelia, the youngest of Lear's children.

Academy Award and BAFTA Award winner Jim Broadbent (Iris, Game Of Thrones) takes the role of the Earl of Gloucester, BAFTA Award winner Andrew Scott (Sherlock, The Hollow Crown) as his loyal son Edgar and John Macmillan (Hanna, Chewing Gum) as his illegitimate son Edmund.
Emmy Award nominated Jim Carter (Downton Abbey, Cranford) takes the role of the Earl of Kent, Emmy Award winner Christopher Eccleston (The Leftovers, Thor: The Dark World) as Oswald, and Golden Globe nominee Tobias Menzies (Outlander, The Terror), plays the Duke of Cornwall. Anthony Calf (New Tricks, Riviera) plays the Duke of Albany and Karl Johnson (Wittgenstein, Rome) is set to play Lear's loyal jester the Fool.

Colin Callender and Sonia Friedman, Executive Producers, say: "It is a tribute to the great Richard Eyre that we have brought together such a remarkable cast. The film is a testament to the BBC's on-going commitment to the single drama, and we are very appreciative of their continued support."
"We are particularly excited to be working with Amazon and their support for the film reflects their emergence as a leading global brand of top quality drama."

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, says: "Richard Eyre has assembled an unmissable cast to embody his vision for a timeless but deeply resonant screen adaptation of King Lear. We are all looking forward to seeing this landmark production come to life on BBC Two."

Brad Beale, Vice President, Worldwide TV Content Acquisition, Amazon Prime Video, says:"Playground has an incredible track record of producing award-worthy series and films, and we are delighted to work with them and SFP on bringing such a star-studded, exciting adaptation to Prime members."

King Lear has been commissioned by Charlotte Moore at the BBC, and will be produced by Playground (Wolf Hall, Howards End, Little Women) and Sonia Friedman Productions (The Dresser) in association with Lemaise Pictures Limited for BBC Two. The drama is a co-production with Amazon Studios. The producer is No�lette Buckley (The Dresser, Wolf Hall). Executive producers are Colin Callender and Scott Huff for Playground, Sonia Friedman for Sonia Friedman Productions, and Lucy Richer for the BBC. Great Point Media will represent international rights in the project from MIPCOM 2017.