Channel 5 has unveiled a slate of new British drama for transmission from late this year onwards – representing its first big investment in scripted content under Viacom’s ownership.
The broadcaster has also signed a partnership deal with Kew Media Group for a range of drama projects over the next 3 years.
One of the first projects resulting from this deal is Clink (working title), a 10-part drama series set in a female prison, which is intended to appeal to a young adult audience and will premiere on 5STAR. The series has been commissioned from LA Productions and will be executive produced by Colin McKeown. The drama is currently in pre-production.
Also for transmission in 2019 is 15 Days, “a gripping 4-part original crime thriller with a unique format that turns the traditional investigative narrative inside out.” The storyline begins with a brutal murder before rewinding back 15 days to embark on a countdown to find out why, how and who is responsible for the crime. The series is being produced by Wales-based Boom and is a Channel 5 commission based on the original Welsh-language production 35 Diwrnod (35 Days) which was first commissioned and broadcast by S4C in 2017. It will be shot on location in Wales and is co-funded by Channel 5, ITV Studios Global Entertainment and Welsh Government.
Channel 5 has also greenlit a new feature length murder mystery from Darlow Smithson Productions (DSP) – currently untitled – which is inspired by a high profile, real life 1920s murder.
An additional drama commission,
Cold Call, a 4-part cuckoo-in-the-nest revenge thriller starring Sally Lindsay and produced by Chalkboard TV, has also been confirmed for Channel 5’s schedule next year, having previously been announced.
As part of its push to introduce more scripted content to its schedules, Channel 5 has also acquired UK broadcast rights to Blood, a 6-part psychological crime thriller starring Adrian Dunbar and produced by Company Pictures in association with Element Pictures and all3media international for Virgin Media Television in Ireland.
Ben Frow, Director of Programmes, Channel 5 said: “Home grown drama is the missing ingredient from Channel 5’s schedules, so its genuinely exciting to be able to unveil a range of new projects from such an array of talented producers. I hope they will give viewers yet another reason to take a fresh look at Channel 5 as we continue to overhaul our schedules from top to bottom.”
Sebastian Cardwell is the Channel 5 commissioner for the dramas.
Jon Creamer
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