Fox Networks Group (FNG) Europe and Africa has commissioned Endor Productions to make its first scripted show for the region, as part of the group’s strategy to produce original productions at a regional level.
 
The Nine (working title) is a new 8 x 60 drama created by Matthew Parkhill (Rogue) and Simon Maxwell (American Odyssey) and will air on Fox in over 50 European and African countries.

Produced by Hilary Bevan Jones (Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot, State of Play, The Escape Artist) and Tom Nash (Restless, Esio Trot, Partners in Crime) for Endor Productions, part of the Red Arrow Group, The Nine billed as an intense, character-driven espionage thriller.

The commission comes amid growing demand for drama from UK indies from international buyers.

Written by Matthew Parkhill, Simon Maxwell and Stephen Thompson (Jericho, Sherlock, Doctor Who) the new drama is set in Britain, The U.S., Iran, Lebanon and France; and centres on Max Easton, an ex-spy, who is brought back into the game to avenge the death of his son, only to find himself at the heart of a covert intelligence war and a conspiracy to profit from spreading chaos throughout the Middle East.
 
This first scripted project has been commissioned by Jeff Ford, SVP Content Development and Sara Johnson, VP Scripted Drama for FNG, Europe & Africa and will go into pre-production in the new year.
 
Jeff Ford, SVP Content Development, FNG Europe & Africa said, “Following the huge success we’ve had with our FOX global content, we made a commitment to develop drama for this region specifically, that has the potential to be a success worldwide.”
 
Sara Johnson, VP, Scripted Drama said, “Matthew and Simon have created a smart, modern, thrilling and mainstream new drama, and The Nine (working title) is the perfect example of quality drama being created in Europe.”.
 
Hilary Bevan Jones, Executive Producer, Endor Productions commented: “Fox Networks Group, with their ambitious global reach, is the perfect partner for this drama. We will be filming on location in Morocco, using the expertise of producer Khadija Alami (The Night Manager, Tyrant) to bring this visceral story to the screen”.
 
Matthew Parkhill wrote the pilot and will serve as showrunner.  He will also direct four of the eight episodes and executive produce.

Co-creator Simon Maxwell will write and executive produce.

Hilary Bevan Jones, Alan Greenspan of 6 Degree Media (Donnie Brasco, High Fidelity) and Helen Flint of Little Island Productions (Close to the Enemy) serve as executive producers and Tom Nash will produce for Endor Productions. Jeff Ford and Sara Johnson will be executive producers for Fox Networks Group, Europe & Africa. Fox Networks Group Content & Distribution will hold the global distribution rights for the series.
 
This is the first regional drama to be developed by FNG Europe & Africa following Sara Johnson joining the organisation in September. In this newly created role, Johnson is focused on creating new projects to combine European industry talent with FOX’s expertise in  TV production.

FNG Europe & Africa operates 151 channels, from 28 offices, broadcasting in 52 countries.

Its channel brands include Fox, Fox Sports and National Geographic.
 

Staff Reporter

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