UK’s Channel 5 snaps up Aussie drama
The reimagining of the 80s Aussie series Prisoner, Wentworth, has been bought by UK’s Channel 5.
The announcement:
Following an impactful launch at MIPTV 2013, FremantleMedia International’s new premium drama Wentworth, has been acquired by the leading UK network Channel 5 for broadcast later this year.
A hotly anticipated reimagining of the classic Australian drama Prisoner Cell Block H (previously known as Prisoner in Australia), Wentworth (10 x 1 hour) takes viewers to the Wentworth Correctional Centre where they are introduced to the lead characters of Bea Smith (Danielle Cormack, Underbelly: Razor) and Franky Doyle (Nicole da Silva, Rush).
Set in the violent, dangerous environment of a modern prison, with struggles with inmates and insights on their fractious personal lives, Wentworth is set to be a graphic, edgy reboot.
Initial local screenings in Australia have created a ground swell of excitement about the show’s concept, production and cast. A story of survival, rivalry, power struggles and unlikely allegiances, critics claim the threatening and adrenaline-filled drama makes other well-known “gutsy” scripted series “look tame”.
A FremantleMedia Australia (FMA) production, Wentworth will premiere on Australian broadcaster Foxtel’s SoHo channel on Wednesday, May 1 at 8.30pm and was pre-sold to TVNZ in New Zealand prior to its international launch.
Source: AAP
