Killing Eve indie, Sid Gentle Films, is to make new drama Ragdoll for AMC Networks and UKTV crime channel, Alibi.
Ragdoll (6×60), based on the novel by Daniel Cole, is a “pitch black and darkly witty thriller” and will be adapted into six parts, with a writing team led by Freddy Syborn (Ms Marvel, Bad Education).
Six people have been murdered, dismembered and sewn into the shape of one grotesque body — nicknamed the ‘Ragdoll’. Assigned to the shocking case are DS Nathan Rose, recently reinstated to the London Met; his best friend and boss, DI Emily Baxter; and the unit’s new recruit, DC Lake Edmunds. The ‘Ragdoll Killer’ taunts the police by sending them a list of his next victims, with Rose’s name among them. And with those victims to protect, the heroes soon come under intense public scrutiny.
Filming will commence in Spring 2021 around London and air in late 2021. Cast will be announced at a later date.
Freddy Syborn says; “I hope Ragdoll will be a visually exciting, darkly funny thriller in which the personal is the political. Above all, I hope our characters can make you laugh, then break your heart.”
Sally Woodward Gentle, Executive Producer, Sid Gentle Films says; “I am so excited that we are embarking on this twisty and sophisticated piece with Freddy and the team. AMC have already proved themselves to be brilliant partners and we can’t wait to work with Alibi.”
Philippa Collie Cousins, Commissioning Editor, Drama, UKTV says; “Ragdoll is a dystopian, mesmerising, wickedly funny piece of hard-boiled detective screen fiction. It invites the audience into a timeless world of crime thriller, sending us on a rollercoaster ride with flawed, compelling Rose, his best friend/cop partner Baxter and rookie Edmunds. Together, they tread a maverick route to the truth in a broken world, with touches of Raymond Chandler meets Tina Fey in their memorable banter. Beautifully designed, this atmospheric project mirrors the pure evil, suspense and attention to detail of Silence of the Lambs.”
Emma Ayech, channel director for Alibi adds: “I am thrilled to be bringing this exciting series to Alibi and to be working with such great partners in Sid Gentle Films and AMC. Ragdoll is a dark and twisty murder mystery that will hook our viewers with its macabre sense of humour and addictive plot; it will be a great addition to our growing slate of brand-new British crime drama.”
Dan McDermott, AMC Networks’ President, Original Programming and Co-President of AMC Studios says; “We have enjoyed and been impressed with Sid Gentle Films during our partnership on Killing Eve, so we jumped at the opportunity to work with them again on Ragdoll. This dark yet comedic project written by the talented Freddy has the makings of a fast-paced yet cerebral thriller featuring the premium storytelling and compelling characters viewers expect from AMC.”
Ragdoll has been commissioned for Alibi by Philippa Collie Cousins, Commissioning Editor, Drama, with Head of Scripted Pete Thornton and ordered by Emma Ayech, Channel Director for Alibi. At UKTV, Richard Watsham is the Director of Commissioning and Adrian Wills is Genre General Manager for Drama and Lifestyle.
Ragdoll has been commissioned for AMC by Dan McDermott and Kristin Jones.
Ragdoll will be executive produced by Sally Woodward Gentle and Lee Morris for Sid Gentle Films Ltd, one of BBC Studios invested indie production companies. Dan McDermott and Kristin Jones will take the lead for AMC and Philippa Collie Cousins for UKTV’s Alibi. Freddy Syborn is lead writer and executive producer and Lizzie Rusbridger (Save Me, Our Girl) will produce. BBC Studios will distribute the series and introduce it to international buyers at BBC Studios Showcase.
Jon Creamer
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