Category: IN PRODUCTION
Battle for the crown
King & Conqueror star James Norton joins fellow executive producers Kitty Kaletsky and Lindsey Martin to preview the epic historical drama, which explores the friendship and rivalry between Harold of Wessex and William of Normandy that led to the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
A real Eiffel
Cat’s Eyes producers Benjamin Dupont-Jubien and Mehdi Sabbar discuss achieving their dream of bringing the cult Japanese mangas to the screen, relocating the action to Paris and how they utilised the city’s iconic landmarks in this crime heist series.
Bag of tricks
As Filipino drama The Bagman is rebooted for international audiences, DQ hears from Ruel Bayani, head of international productions at ABS-CBN, about championing series from the Philippines and learning lessons about how high-end shows are made around the world.
Jailhouse shock
German drama A Better Place wonders what society would be like if there were no prisons. Producers David Keitsch and Nicolas Loock take DQ into the idea behind the series and explain how they sought to explore the benefits – and consequences – of this revolutionary experiment.
Bad form
As Bad Sisters returns to Apple TV+, Faye Dorn, head of drama at producer Merman, speaks to DQ about the challenge of following up the acclaimed first season of the show and why continuity was key on and off screen.
Into the metaverse
Neal Street Productions execs Pippa Harris, Julie Pastor and Nicolas Brown take DQ inside the making of HBO’s meta comedy The Franchise, reveal why it’s a love letter to filmmaking and offer an update on the latest season of Call the Midwife.
Royal premieres
Three years after its launch, Scandinavian production company Nordic Drama Queens is unveiling its first three projects. Founders Josefine Tengblad, Sandra Harms and Line Winther Skyum Funch speak to DQ about their ambitions and upcoming series Cry Wolf, Blind Spot and The Scarab Flies at Dusk.
History repeating
French thriller Brocéliande sees a biologist return to her former university to uncover the truth behind her friend’s disappearance, when another person goes missing in similar circumstances. Dominique Farrugia, CEO of producer Shine Fiction, tells DQ more.
Off the rails
Nightsleeper executive producer Kate Harwood discusses the BBC drama’s real-time storytelling format and reveals how the train-set thriller was made without leaving its Glasgow studio.
Dressed to impress
Vestidas de Azul (Dressed in Blue) is the sequel to acclaimed Spanish biopic Vereno, about the life of transgender singer and TV star Christina Ortiz Rodríguez. DQ hears from Montse García Alvarez of producer and distributor Atresmedia about continuing the story and the importance of highlighting underrepresented voices.
Dead reckoning
Written by Colin Bateman, Dead & Buried tells the story of a woman who comes face to face with the man who murdered her brother. Ben McGrath, head of drama at producer Three Rivers Fiction, explains how it was brought to the screen.
Faking it
Star Asher Keddie and producer Imogen Banks tell DQ about their partnership behind the scenes of Fake, a stress-inducing, thought-provoking look at one woman’s search for love and the man she falls for, despite her instinct that he’s not everything he seems to be.
Leading the pack
Matilha (Dogpack) creator Edgar Medina and executive producer Sigurjon Sighvatsson discuss the nature of spin-offs through this seven-part series, which follows the events of Portuguese drama Sul (South) but takes the story – and characters – in a new direction.
Tough call
As British drama The Night Caller launches in the US, executive producer Sam Tipper-Hale explains how themes of loneliness and the power of influence are explored in this story of a taxi driver who becomes obsessed with a late-night radio talkshow.
Ska struck
In Steven Knight’s BBC drama This Town, a group of young people are drawn into the explosive new world of ska music in 1980s England. Executive producer Katie McAleese looks back on making the “unconventional” show and creating its original soundtrack.
Making Vox pop
Titmouse founder Chris Prynoski takes DQ inside the animation studio to discuss the evolution of adult animated series and how he partnered with a group of voice actors to bring to life The Legend of Vox Machina.
Leading Lights
Blue Lights co-creators and executive producers Louise Gallagher and Stephen Wright illuminate DQ on the origins of the Northern Ireland-set police series, why it’s actually a workplace drama and what’s in store for season two.
Taking a Shot
Finnish comedy-drama Money Shot sees a former porn star and a budding film director unite to shake up the adult film business. Writer Jemina Jokisalo and executive producer Sasu Norhomaa discuss making the show and why they’re confident it brings the laughs.
No laughing matter
Alex Smith, creative director at Big Boys and Stath Lets Flats producer Roughcut, considers the challenge of moving into drama when you’re known for being funny as the company launches Channel 5 thriller Coma.
Hall of fame
Almost 10 years after BBC historical drama Wolf Hall first aired, its long-anticipated sequel is in production. Playground Entertainment executive producer Colin Callender explains why Wolf Hall: The Mirror & The Light will be worth the wait.