In March of this year, BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, and ITV, the UK’s biggest commercial broadcaster, launched BritBox, a new subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) streaming service for USA audiences, with the most comprehensive collection of British television, across all genres, available across several platforms.
The service doesn’t exactly carry very much content with black leads (this blog’s focus), but I still wonder how many of you have signed up for it since its launch 4 months ago. And if you have, what’s your experience been like? Are you satisfied with your investment so far ($6.99 per month)? Do share in the comments section below.
If you haven’t signed up yet, maybe this will entice you to do so, given that it’s a film with a black lead – one that, as I recall, many of you were excited about when it was first announced by the BBC last fall. It’s now set to premiere for USA audiences on BritBox.
Nikki Amuka-Bird (“Luther”) and Phoebe Fox (“Hollow Crown”) star in the BBC adaptation of Zadie Smith’s novel “NW,” which I just learned will begin streaming on BritBox starting Thursday, July 13.
“NW” tells the story of Natalie and Leah, friends who grew up together in North West London, whose lives have taken them in different directions. Natalie’s wealth and ambition have set her apart from the friends and family she grew up with – and she finds herself asking not only who she really is, but where she belongs. In an area where wealth and poverty are only streets apart, life is fragile – as Natalie and Leah are about to find out.
Nikki Amuka-Bird, best known for playing DC Erin Gray opposite Idris Elba in BBC1 drama “Luther,” plays Natalie, while Phoebe Fox is her Leah.
The 90-minute drama was adapted to teleplay by Rachel Bennette. Saul Dibb is director.
It was co-produced by BBC2 and Mammoth Screen.
BBC Two premiered the telepic in November of 2016, and, per IMDB, it hasn’t aired outside the UK. It doesn’t appear that it was even picked up by BBC America, so this premiere on BritBox will be its first official availability for USA audiences.
For her performance, Amuka-Bird was nominated for a BAFTA TV Award (the UK’s Emmy equivalent) for Best Leading Actress, and the drama was also nominated for Best Single Drama.
So it’s heading west to BritBox for USA audiences, beginning July 13. BritBox does offer a 7-day FREE trial for those who are curious, so sign up and give it a spin.
Teaser-trailer for “NW” below:
