Leopard Pictures is to produce a 5×30 adaptation of The Snow Spider, Jenny Nimmo’s bestselling book trilogy, following nine year old Gwyn Griffiths on a mystical journey of discovery.
Adapted for television by BAFTA award-winning writer Owen Sheers (Aberfan: The Green Hollow, To Provide For All People, Resistance),the new fantasy drama will arrive on CBBC and BBC Wales in 2020, blending ancient Welsh folklore, magic and myth with contemporary adventures.
Led by director, Jennifer Sheridan, with Martyna Knitter as Director of Photography, The Snow Spider will have special effects from Liverpool-based vfx company Sparkle VFX.
The series is set in a picturesque Welsh landscape with an all Welsh cast including Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey; High Tide; Submarine) as Gwyn’s grandmother, Nain; Matthew Gravelle (Broadchurch; The Widow; Keeping Faith) and Kezia Burrows (Doctor Foster; Apple Tree Yard) have been cast in the roles of Gwyn’s parents, Ivor and Glenys Griffiths.
The children are played by newcomers Fflyn Edwards as Gwyn Griffiths; Mali Jenkins as Bethan and Gwyn’s mysterious friend, Eirlys; along with Dion Mason-Jones and Eva Ossei-Gerning as Gwyn’s friends Alun and Nia Lloyd.
Also joining the cast will be Carli De La Hughes and Simon Nehan as Alun and Nia’s parents Rhiannon and Richard, plus Jonah Kelly-Fisher and Macsen Forrest as the devious school bullies Dewi and Gary.
Author of the original best-selling book trilogy, Jenny Nimmo says: “Owen Sheers’ adaptation is really wonderful. He has so cleverly brought the story into the present, while enhancing the magic and atmosphere. I am also excited to see such an incredible mixture of established and brand new talent, led by director Jennifer Sheridan, all bringing my book to life on CBBC….Brilliant!”
Owen Sheers said: “It’s been such a pleasure to dive into the world of Jenny Nimmo’s The Snow Spider, and now to have such an exciting cast and creative team to take my adaptation of her book from the page to the screen is very exciting.”
“The whole project holds a special resonance for me as I have fond memories of my parents’ neighbour, Julia Jones, adapting the books for TV back in the 1980s, so to be able to create a new, modern version has been a wonderful opportunity. I’m also hoping I’ve finally written something my five year old daughter will watch!”
Nick Andrews, Commissioning Editor, BBC Wales, said “This series is going to be such a treat. We’re all about to be whisked away to a magical world that’s captured the hearts and minds of a generation of readers. Deep in myth and magic yet rooted in family. This is series is going to be a cracker.”
Kristian Smith, Managing Director at Leopard Pictures comments: "Jenny Nimmo’s Snow Spider Trilogy has been adored by generations; The magnificent Owen Sheers has adapted the first book in this timeless series, bringing the messages of hope, magic and understanding to modern audiences on CBBC and BBC Wales.”
Executive produced by Kristian Smith and produced by Lindsay Hughes from Leopard Pictures with Amy Buscombe as Commissioning Editor for BBC, The Snow Spider was commissioned by CBBC and BBC Wales and received investment from the Liverpool City Region Production Fund as well as additional support through the Liverpool Film Office.
Filming will take place on location in and around the Wirral with additional filming in Wales throughout October. The Snow Spider will be shown on CBBC and BBC Wales in early 2020
Staff Reporter
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