New Pictures dives into The Blue for Paramount+

Paramount+ has ordered original UK drama series The Blue (7 x 55”), from New Pictures (Des, White House Farm, The Missing), part of All3Media, adapted from Lucy Clarke’s best-selling novel “No Escape,” ahead of the launch of the global streaming service in the UK this summer.

The series was commissioned by Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer UK, at Paramount.

The Blue will be co-produced for Paramount+ by VIS – the international studio division of Paramount – as part of the streamer’s wider strategy to greenlight 50 new international scripted series in 2022.

The Blue follows two deeply bonded best friends, Lana and Kitty, on the run from the UK police. Together they find refuge on a romantic yacht called The Blue, crewed by a group of enigmatic, beautiful people who sail through South East Asia living a life of endless beaches, ocean and parties. But The Blue harbours dark secrets and when greed and lust drive the crew to make some terrible moral compromises, it leads to the death of one of their own. The paradise and escape the girls thought they had found turns into a nightmare as Lana and Kitty find themselves far from home and in terrible danger.

BAFTA Scotland award winner Abigail Lawrie (Tin Star) and Rhianne Barreto (The Outlaws) are Lana and Kitty respectively. Jay Ryan (It Chapter Two) joins the cast as Captain of The Blue, Aaron Winbourne, whilst Sean Keenan (The Power of the Dog) is Aaron’s younger, charming brother Denny. Jake Macapagal (Metro Manila) is Captain Rhys from the local Filipino Police force, investigating the mysteries onboard The Blue.

Additional casting for the series will be announced over the coming months.

The lead writer for the series is Kris Mrksa (White House Farm) and Hans Herbots (The Serpent, Cobra) is the lead director. Executive Producers for New Pictures are Elaine Pyke and Willow Grylls with Kris Mrksa.

The Blue will be available exclusively on Paramount+ in the UK and internationally.

Sebastian Cardwell said: “The Blue promises viewers a heady mix of intrigue and escapism, delivered by an ensemble cast of UK and international talent.

“We have worked hard to develop a UK drama slate for Paramount+ which is distinct in its variety, with options for standalone hits as well as returning series. The Blue, together with the titles we have already announced and those on the way, will showcase the creative excellence of our local production community.”

Elaine Pyke, Executive Producer for New Pictures, added: “Set against the wide-open waters of the Philippines, Australia and the UK, The Blue is the perfect antidote for a world ready to escape the confines of lockdown. An ambitious, puzzle box of a series set across three timelines, The Blue has scale, beauty, action and a gripping dark thriller storyline. Murder, money, treachery, loyalty and love – this is a show that twists and turns to keep everyone hooked.”

The Blue is the latest original drama to be greenlit from the UK to join the growing roster of international series destined for Paramount+ services around the world. During February, A Gentleman in Moscow, Sexy Beast and Flatshare were revealed as the first UK commissions for Paramount+.

Filming for The Blue will commence later this Spring on location in Thailand.