Channel 4 has commissioned a six-part drama series, Army of Shadows, written by Ronan Bennett (The Day of the Jackal, MobLand, Top Boy) and co-produced by StudioCanal (Families Like Ours, Playing Nice) and Two Cities Television (Blue Lights, Patrick Melrose).
Inspired by Jean Pierre Melville’s 1969 film and Joseph Kessel’s book of the same name, Army of Shadows, is developed and produced with the support of the Melville family, and the Kessel estate which is controlled by the Irish Red Cross.
The film and novel famously dramatised the emergence of the French Resistance to the Nazi occupation of France during World War 2. Bennett has created a new story from the underlying works that tells the story of how resistance takes shape in a near-future authoritarian Britain. Under de facto American occupation, a former British army officer builds a covert resistance cell from scratch – navigating betrayal, moral compromise and the tension between patience and action – as young recruits fight to reclaim their country and their futures.
Across six episodes, the series chronicles the early days of the British Resistance. From first kills and internal betrayals to propaganda campaigns, internment camps, and a climactic political assassination.
Ronan Bennett says, “I’m thrilled to be working with the teams at Channel 4, Studio Canal, Two Cities and CANAL+ on such great source material, and I’m delighted to have such strong support from the Melville family. Democracy is once again in clear and present danger. Resistance to fascism is – and must always be – a permanent struggle. This is a story about commitment, resistance and defiance in the coming age.”
Gemma Boswell, Commissioning Editor, Drama at Channel 4 said, “Army of Shadows is a gripping and provocative drama that speaks directly to our times. Ronan Bennett’s vision is bold and uncompromising, reimagining a classic story with thrilling and emotional depth. We’re proud to be working with StudioCanal, Two Cities Television and Canal+ to bring this powerful series to Channel 4.”
M-K Kennedy, Managing Director of StudioCanal Television confirms “Army of Shadows represents an historic moment in the evolution of our TV business at StudioCanal. It is not only the inaugural series of our internal TV producing arm, but also the adaptation of a treasured film from our iconic library; one that Ron Halpern and Joe Naftalin have been passionately developing for many years. It’s been a privilege to reimagine the power and tension of the original film and the book that inspired it for a new generation. We’re excited to be working with Two Cities, as well as Channel 4 and Canal+ as co-commissioners, on Ronan’s powerful drama – a story for our times, rich with moral complexity and contemporary resonance. We hope it will spark a provocative conversation with audiences around the world.”
Stephen Wright, Joint CEO with Michael Jackson and Creative Director of Two Cities Television expand: “Michael and I were inspired to produce a TV version of the Army of Shadows original masterpiece novel and film for the 21st century, where the themes and political tensions are as fascinating as ever but will be delivered through a new lens. We’re thrilled to be working with Ronan Bennett as writer and creator of this show, whose work we’ve long admired and with whom we look forward to working with closely. This is a hugely exciting commission for us, and we’re delighted to be joining forces with Studiocanal, Channel 4 & Canal+ to bring this project to life.”
Laurent Grousset, Jean-Pierre Melville’s nephew & President of the Jean-Pierre Melville Foundation closes “An enormous thank you to StudioCanal for the great work and enthusiasm they showed in putting together the series based on the Army of Shadows of Jean-Pierre Melville and Joseph Kessel. The new approach made by Ronan Bennett is outstanding and brings a complete and surprising new life to the original, without losing its quality.”
Army of Shadows is a Channel 4 and Canal+ commission with StudioCanal handling international sales and worldwide distribution. StudioCanal developed the series from inception with Two Cities Television.
Canal+ commissioned the series for their global footprint in over 50 countries across France, Europe, Africa and Asia.
Ron Halpern, Joe Naftalin and Paul Gilbert of StudioCanal are executive producing the series with Stephen Wright and Michael Jackson of Two Cities Television (Blue Lights, Patrick Melrose). Ronan Bennett is EP.
Pippa Considine
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