Smallscreen News
Primeval back for more on BBC America, new episodes
By April MacIntyre Oct 3, 2009, 21:32 GMT
The groundbreaking deal between Impossible Pictures Limited, BBC Worldwide and ITV, will deliver 13 new episodes in 2011.
British Sci-Fi series "Primeval" is back from extinction.
BBC AMERICA announced that they have co-produced thirteen new episodes for 2011 with their unique international collaboration.
The groundbreaking deal between Impossible Pictures Limited, BBC Worldwide and ITV, will deliver 13 new episodes in 2011.
What will be guaranteed are more spectacular special effects that have made "Primeval" such a huge success for the new season.
The new series will be written by showrunner Adrian Hodges and will feature the existing cast of Hannah Spearritt, Andrew Lee Potts and Jason Flemyng, alongside special effects created by the award-winning team at Framestore CFC.
Original co-production partners ITV, ProSieben and BBC Worldwide return to co-fund the new series, with BBC Worldwide becoming the majority funding partner. BBC AMERICA, takes on a full co-production credit for the first time and UKTV becomes a first-time investor.
Jonathan Drake, MD of Impossible Pictures Ltd says: “The dramatic changes in the business of broadcasting in the last 12 months have meant we have had to completely rethink how we put the funding together for a top-end series like Primeval. The fact that the series is so well established and loved both in the UK and overseas has meant that everyone has been willing to do their best to give us the backing we needed. With the continued enthusiasm of co-producers such as ProSieben and the fantastic support of the team at BBC Worldwide we have stitched together a ground-breaking clutch of deals that will guarantee Primeval’s ongoing success.”
Helen Jackson, BBC Worldwide’s Director of Independents added: “There was a real desire between Impossible Pictures, ITV, ProSieben and BBC Worldwide to make this project succeed and to bring Primeval back from the brink of extinction. Our increased investment in the title is a reflection of our belief in the quality of the whole production and its international appeal.”
Richard de Croce, SVP Programming at BBC AMERICA adds: "Primeval is one of BBC AMERICA's all time top ten shows and we're thrilled to be co-producing the new season. It’s an innovative deal securing the future of an innovative show - and we can’t wait to bring it back to U.S. fans.”
"Primeval" is one of BBC Worldwide’s most successful drama exports and has been sold to over 45 countries, including Australia, America, Singapore and South Korea. In the UK the show, which broadcast on ITV1, reached audiences of over 5.5 million every week.
Cast of main characters:
Danny Quinn (Jason Flemyng)
Quinn is a former policeman whose brother was killed by a camouflaging creature. He later becomes the new team leader, appointed by Lester, following Jenny's exit.
Connor Temple (Andrew-Lee Potts)
Temple is a research, equipment and logistics specialist.
Abby Maitland (Hannah Spearritt)
Maitland is a herpetologist and assistant zookeeper.
James Lester (Ben Miller)
Lester is a senior Home Office official and administrator of the team.
Sarah Page (Laila Rouass)
Page is an Egyptologist.
Captain Becker (Ben Mansfield)
Becker is a Special Forces soldier who is assigned to help protect the team from danger.
