BBC sells TV dramas to ABC
BBC Worldwide has sold two of its Television drama’s Luther and Strike Back to ABC TV. The announcement:
Two of the UK’s most action packed contemporary dramas of this year, Luther and Strike Back, will hit Australian screens soon following the recent sale of both programs from BBC Worldwide Australia to ABC TV.
With stellar leads such as Idris Elba (The Wire) and Richard Armitage (Spooks, Robin Hood), dynamic plots and explosive visuals, both Luther (6×50’ BBC/BBC America) and Strike Back (3×90’ Left Bank Pictures) combine the best elements of British drama to weave multifaceted and compelling tales.
“Combining smart storytelling, volatile and complex characters with fast-paced action, both Luther and Strike Back are sure to make a big impact on Australian audiences” says Amber Knight, Head of Television Sales, BBC Worldwide Australia.
“ABC TV is delighted to have acquired these two new contemporary dramas. Our audience will really engage with these stories and having some actors very familiar to our viewers, such as Richard Armitage and Andrew Lincoln, is an extra bonus,” said Marena Manzoufas, ABC TV’s Head of Programming.
Starring Idris Elba in the title role, Luther follows the story of a brilliant detective tormented by the darker side of humanity. This smart and entertaining psychological thriller is driven by the intellectual but emotionally compromised detective as he negotiates the hearts and minds of criminals while struggling with demons of his own.
Strike Back is a story of deception, redemption and revenge, centred around two former soldiers and a past event that will link their future. Based on the international best-seller by ex-SAS soldier Chris Ryan and starring Richard Armitage and Andrew Lincoln (Afterlife, This Life), Strike Back is non-stop action that is unrelenting and powerful in its delivery.
Luther and Strike Back will air later in 2010.
Source: BBC press release
Thanks for that good news. I have been waiting for news of Strike Back and in my search for information on it, I have also heard about Luther so I will be checking that out too.
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Well no surprise! With the money management saved by axing the Broadcast Operations Department (the B in ABC) and cutting the guts out of ABC’s own prodcution staff, they could well afford to buy top flight programs!
Soon there’ll only be managers be left to sack, once they need to buy additional programming for all those extra planned channels! No-one will shed a tear.
Get used to your ABC becoming a copy of Foxtel. Lots of channels and nothing to watch but repeats of repeats and loads of promotions for program merchandise, from your very own ABC shop.
Your ABC? .. not even close!
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I’m very happy to hear that the ABC have bought Strike Back. I’ve already got the DVD and watched it many times, but I’m glad that lots more Aussies will get the chance to see this great series! It’s thrilling, edge-of-the-seat stuff (MUCH better than Chris Ryan’s book), and Richard Armitage is simply magnificent.
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