The London TV Screenings have seen a flurry of deal-making activity, with several major announcements made in the past 24 hours. One of the most significant deals involves BritBox, which has acquired the upcoming psychological thriller series 'Gone' from George Kay, the creator and writer behind 'Hijack', 'The Long Shadow', and 'Lupin'.
The six-part series, which stars David Morrissey and Eve Myles, is set to premiere in the UK on ITV this spring and follows the disappearance of Sarah Polly, with suspicion quickly falling on her husband, local headmaster Michael, played by Morrissey. As Detective Annie Cassidy, portrayed by Myles, investigates the case, a tense game of cat and mouse ensues, threatening to expose the secrets that lie beneath Michael's composed exterior.
According to All3Media International, which unveiled the deal on Wednesday, 'Gone' has also been pre-sold to several other territories, including Australia's Stan, Sky in New Zealand, and the BBC in Asia. This robust set of pre-sales is a testament to the show's international appeal and the strength of its concept.
Meanwhile, Federation Studios has announced multiple pre-sales for its upcoming adaptation of Charles Dickens' 'A Tale of Two Cities', starring Kit Harington. The French major has sold the series to Canada's CBC and Belgium's RTBF, in addition to Nordic broadcasters YLE, SVT, NRK, DR, and RUV. This news comes on the heels of a previously announced deal with the BBC.
In other news, Andrew Lincoln is set to voice the ITV series 'Force of Nature', a wildlife documentary that promises to capture the trials and tribulations of the animal world as it faces unprecedented challenges from weather and climate change. Produced by Plimsoll Productions and distributed by ITV Studios, the series is being touted as a fresh take on the natural history genre.
Lincoln, who is known for his work on 'The Walking Dead', said of the series: "Force of Nature is unlike any series I have ever worked on before. The team have done an excellent job at capturing the breathtaking wildlife in all its glory. To see these animals up close and personal is a privilege, and a real insight into the battles nature endures every day."
Finally, in a separate development, Paramount Skydance boss David Ellison is set to attend Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday night, just hours after his studio upped its bid for the entirety of Warner Bros. Discovery to $31 per share. The news was announced by Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who posted on X that Ellison would be his guest at the address.
As the London TV Screenings continue, it remains to be seen what other major deals will be announced. One thing is certain, however: the global television industry is as vibrant and dynamic as ever, with a wide range of exciting new projects in the works.