Some UK TV news for next season…
Of note in the below press release is the David Oyelowo MI5/Guantanamo Bay thriller titled Complicit, which centers on the moral dilemmas posed by the war on terror, as an MI5 agent (played by Oyelowo) becomes involved in the torture of a suspected terrorist to prevent an attack in the UK.
We now have an official full synopsis for the drama which reads:
In fighting the War on Terror is torture ever justified? David Oyelowo (Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Red Tail, The Help) stars in a compelling new single drama from acclaimed writer Guy Hibbert (Blood and Oil, Five Minutes of Heaven, Omagh) that explores the murky moral compromises that underpin the hidden intelligence war. Complicit follows the story of Edward (Oyelowo) an MI5 officer who, desperate to foil another 7/7 style atrocity, wrestles with his own conscience and moral code when he finally comes face to face with British terror suspect Waleed (Arsher Ali – Four Lions, Beaver Falls). Convinced that Waleed is plotting an attack, Edward tears up the rule book and makes an irrevocable decision. Informed by extensive research, Hibbert's film is a penetrating insight into the dangerous world of MI5 and counter terrorism.
Principal photography started in May with locations in London and Moroco.
Based on the press release below, we can confirm that Channel 4 has officially added the drama/thriller to its 2012/2013 season. It was previously stated that after the film's premiere in the UK, a worldwide theatrical release would follow; so many of us not in the UK might actually get to see it, assuming those plans are still in play.
The pic above is a still from the film.
Other NEW dramas we'll be paying attention to that are coming next season to Channel 4 include a new political thriller series titled Coup, which co-stars Ruth Negga, and Lennie James in a gritty new drama series Run.
Familiar titles that will be returning next season include a second order of Top Boy (Ashley Walters), Fresh Meat (Zawe Ashton), and a 4th season of Misfits.
And there are still others.
The full press release follows below:
Peter Mullan, Gabriel Byrne, Damian Lewis, John Simm and Olivia Colman head up the Channel 4 Autumn/ Winter line-up, ably supported by a cast packed full of future stars.
From established names such as, Gabriel Byrne, Gina McKee, Peter Mullan Olivia Colman, Shirley Henderson, David Oyelowo and Rupert Friend to brand new and emerging talent such as Monica Dolan, Joseph Gilgun, Katie Leung, Arsher Ali, Karla Crome, Matt Stokoe and newcomer Sharon Rooney, Drama on C4 is in extremely rude health.
And while we've announced a raft of exciting new titles alongside our returning (multi- award winning) series such as Fresh Meat, Top Boy and Misfits, we want to ensure you haven't missed anything. Please find attached an overview of what's coming down the line with casting details and very rough TX months in order to help you plan.
COUP
A roster of Britain's best-known acting talent joins Gabriel Byrne in Channel 4's brand-new serial Coup. They include Douglas Hodge (Robin Hood, Unforgiven), Gina McKee (The Silence, Vera), Charles Dance (Gosford Park, Merlin, Lia Williams (The Last Detective), Rupert Graves(Sherlock), Sylvestra Le Touzel (Case Histories) and Ruth Negga (Love/Hate, Misfits). Gabriel Byrne plays the pivotal role of politician Tom Dawkins, the reluctant hero at the heart of this contemporary conspiracy thriller, who finds himself thrust into the spotlight of front-line politics when he least expects to be, and who risks everything by taking on the might of the establishment. TX SEPT/ OCT tbc
HERE AND THERE
Award-winning director Michael Winterbottom returns to Channel 4 with an ambitious single feature-length drama Here And There (1 x 120'). Starring John Simm (Exile, Mad Dogs) as a prisoner and Shirley Henderson (The Crimson Petal and The White) as his wife, the drama has been filmed over five years and is a tender and unique portrayal of one family living through a prison sentence. A Revolution Films production. TX SEPT/OCT tbc
THE FEAR – (4 X 60 from World Productions)
Stars Peter Mullan (Tyrannosaur, War Horse) as Brighton crime boss turned grandee Richie Becket. Becket's legacy is under threat when the family firm, now run by his two sons, faces ruthless new rivals in the form of a gang of Albanians moving in on their Brighton-based empire. His sons need a peacemaker, but his erratic and increasingly extreme behaviour only inflames the situation. Can Richie and his family survive when his mind and world start imploding? TX NOV/DEC 2012 (FURTHER CASTING TO BE ANNOUNCED)
MY FAT MAD TEENAGE DIARY (W/T)
Sharon Rooney stars as heroine Rae Earl in a brand new series starting on E4 this November. Set in the mid-90s at the height of cool Britannia, My Fat Mad Teenage Diary (working title) takes a hilarious and honest look at teenage life from the perspective of sixteen-year-old Rae – a fat, funny girl who, despite an eccentric mother and her own mental health issues, has a huge lust for life, love and Liam Gallagher.
Sharon, in her first major TV role after an early career of comedy theatre and stand-up, is joined by a raft of fresh young talent, many of them newcomers. Rae's friendship group includes best friend and popular girl Chloe played by Jodie Comer, jack-the-lad and joker Chop played by Jordan Murphy, the sweet and innocent Izzy played by Ciara Baxendale, major lust interest Archie played by Dan Cohen, and fit-but-knows-it Finn played by Nico Mirallegro(Spike Island, Hollyoaks). Claire Rushbrook (Whitechapel, Mutual Friends, Secrets & Lies) plays Rae's mum. Adapted from Rae Earl's real-life diary and book of the same name, the series is written by Tom Bidwell, a previous alumnus of Channel 4's talent scheme Coming Up, and Oscar-nominee for his short film Wish 143 – TX NOVEMBER 2012 – E4
THE SNOWMAN
In 1982, Channel 4 first broadcast an instant classic: The Snowman. C4 will be celebrating its 30 year anniversary and the enduring charm of this all-time family favourite with a brand new sequel to the Christmas classic. TX DEC 2012
COMPLICIT
In fighting the War on Terror is torture ever justified? David Oyelowo (Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Red Tail, The Help) stars in a compelling new single drama from acclaimed writer Guy Hibbert (Blood and Oil, Five Minutes of Heaven, Omagh) that explores the murky moral compromises that underpin the hidden intelligence war. Complicit (1 x 120") follows the story of Edward (Oyelowo) an MI5 officer who, desperate to foil another 7/7 style atrocity, wrestles with his own conscience and moral code when he finally comes face to face with British terror suspect Waleed (Arsher Ali – Four Lions, Beaver Falls). Convinced that Waleed is plotting an attack, Edward tears up the rule book and makes an irrevocable decision. Also starring Monica Dolan (BAFTA winner – Appropriate Adult), Stephen Campbell-Moore (The History Boys, The Bank Job), Paul Ritter (Friday Night Dinner, Great Expectations) and Makram Khoury (House of Saddam, The West Wing). Informed by extensive research, Hibbert's film is a penetrating insight into the dangerous world of MI5 and counter terrorism. TX WINTER 2012/2013
RUN
An original four-part series which reveals the interconnectedness of apparently separate lives through the stories of five people faced with choices in a world where survival is never a given. Olivia Colman (Tyrannosaur, Twenty Twelve) and Katie Leung ( Harry Potter and The Order of the Order of the Phoenix) Lennie James (Line of Duty, The Walking Dead) and Jamie Winstone (True Love,Made in Dagenham) star in the debut drama commission from young indie AcmeTV, owned by Jaimie D'Cruz (Oscar-nominated Exit Through The Gift Shop) and Francesca Newby. Created and written by newcomers Marlon Smith and Daniel Fajemisin-Duncan , Run is set to TX WINTER 2012/2013.
UTOPIA
Dennis Kelly's enigmatic thriller Utopia (6 x 60' – Kudos Film & TV) centres around a mysterious graphic novel and a shadowy unit called The Network who will stop at nothing, to keep its origin and meaning secret. TX 2013 (CASTING TO BE ANNOUNCED)
RETURNING DRAMA
BEAVER FALLS S2
E4 returns to Beaver Falls, hot US summer camp and home to hot girls, fit boys and of course our three British chancers, Best friends Flynn (Sam Robertson), A-Rab (Arsher Ali) and Barry (John Dagleish). The entire original cast return, with a few new faces in the mix – TX AUGUST 2012 – E4
FRESH MEAT S2
The critically acclaimed comedy drama series about the painful truths of being a student returns for a second series. Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong latest creation follows a group of six students, starring Jack Whitehall, Joe Thomas and Zawe Ashton -OCT 2012 C4
HOMELAND S2
Damian Lewis, Claire Danes, David Harewood and Mandy Patenkin all return as Rupert Friendjoins the mulit-award winning, smash hit drama due back on C4 in the Autumn – TX OCT tbc
Misfits S4
Further details to be announced – Filming across the summer for TX OCT/NOV – E4
TOP BOY S2
Ashley Walters (Hustle, Small Island) reprises his acclaimed role in Ronan Bennett ‘s searing thriller about life lived on the edge.. Further details pending. TX 2013