Following the first 20-part run of hit lifestyle series Escape to Florida, Channel 4 has ordered an extended 30-episode series from Belfast indie Waddell Media.
With year-round sunshine, no state income tax and the promise of bigger opportunities, Florida is proving an irresistible draw for Brits looking to transform their lives. But swapping grey skies for blue horizons doesn’t always mean plain sailing.
From brave career moves and ambitious business ventures to family upheavals and unexpected setbacks, Escape to Florida gets under the skin of what it really takes to start again thousands of miles from home
Against a dazzling backdrop of golden beaches, glamorous coastal cities and world-famous attractions, the series follows the triumphs, tears and everyday realities of building a new life across the Atlantic.
And while the sunshine may be guaranteed, leaving Britain behind doesn’t necessarily mean giving up everything British. Florida’s thriving expat community offers plenty of home comforts, from a proper full English to cricket clubs and familiar accents.
The 30-part series is supported by Northern Ireland Screen.
Richard Williams, Chief Executive at Northern Ireland Screen said: “I’m delighted to see Escape from Florida come back for a well-earned 2nd season. We’re pleased to support Waddell Media in bringing the show back to C4 both because it’s great entertainment but also because returning series remain the bedrock of sustaining our production sector.”
Jo Street, Channel 4’s Director of Nations and Regions and Head of Lifestyle, said: “At a time of seemingly infinite choice it is such a treat for us to find a show that lands so quickly and resonates so well with our audience. Escape the Florida gave viewers sunshine and escapism just when they needed it and I can’t wait to meet the next bunch of eccentric and optimistic ex-pats chasing their dreams in the sunshine state. “
Jannine Waddell MBE, Managing Director of Waddell Media, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be heading back to Florida with Channel 4 for an even bigger second series. Going from 20 to 30 episodes is a fantastic vote of confidence in the programme and our brilliant team in Belfast.
“At a time when the television industry is facing real challenges, returning series like this are incredibly important. They give independent producers the opportunity to grow, invest in local talent and create sustainable jobs.
“Our ambition has always been to build a strong, thriving production business in Northern Ireland, making popular, high-quality programmes for audiences across the UK and beyond. This recommission is a brilliant step forward for Waddell Media and a welcome demonstration of Channel 4’s commitment to independent production in the Nations and Regions.”
Escape to Florida was commissioned by Channel 4’s Director of Nations and Regions and Head of Lifestyle, Jo Street, and Senior Commissioning Editor, Jayne Stanger.
The series will be produced by Belfast-based Waddell Media, with Paul Golding as Series Producer and Jannine Waddell MBE as Executive Producer.
Jon Creamer
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