Series to Also Debut on SundanceTV in 2018
Los Angeles/ New York, July 29, 2017 – Sundance Now, AMC Networks’ premium video streaming service dedicated to bringing members high-quality, acclaimed independent film, documentaries and TV series, announced today a new scripted original co-production, BACK, created and written by Oscar nominee Simon Blackwell (Veep, In the Loop, Peep Show), directed by Ben Palmer (The Inbetweeners) and starring BAFTA winners David Mitchell (Peep Show) and Robert Webb (Peep Show). The six part acerbic comedy, which reunites Blackwell with Mitchell and Webb, follows Stephen (Mitchell) as he tries to follow in his recently deceased father’s footsteps and take over the family business, but his plans are soon foiled by the unexpected return of his estranged foster brother, Andrew (Webb). It premieres on Sundance Now in fall 2017 and will premiere on SundanceTV later in 2018. International sales are being managed by BBC Worldwide.
Jan Diedrichsen, General Manager of SundanceTV and Sundance Now, commented: “Funny and clever with a strong emotional heart, Back is an auteur-driven series that brings together a unique pairing of some of today’s best comedic minds. It is the perfect entrée into comedy for Sundance Now, with its compelling yet relatable characters and hilarious storylines. We are sure that this laugh-out-loud, addictive comedy will have members binge-watching in one sitting.”
Kenton Allen, CEO of Big Talk Productions said ‘Simon, David and Robert are the holy trinity of British Comedy and, in this increasingly dynamic global marketplace, we’re delighted that this wonderful new show will reach US audiences thanks to our friends at Sundance Now’.
After the death of his father, a pub landlord and local legend, Stephen – whose only achievements so far have been marriage, followed by divorce, and a slightly disappointing refurbish of a pub – finally has a chance to shine as he is set to take over the family business. But his plans are interrupted when the charming Andrew (Webb), a former foster child briefly raised by Stephen’s parents, turns up out of the blue at his father’s funeral and is eager to renew his relationship with the closest thing to a family he has ever known. While Andrew quickly charms the rest of Stephen’s dysfunctional family, including his mother Ellen, sister Cass and uncle Geoff, Stephen quickly begins to resent Andrew, who he sees as a glib, dangerous sociopath who’s about to steal his family, his business and his life.
The series is produced by That Mitchell & Webb Company in association with Big Talk Productions for Channel 4 in the UK, commissioned by Fiona Dermott, and will premiere exclusively on Sundance Now in the US. Executive Producers are Kenton Allen, Simon Blackwell, Matthew Justice, David Mitchell, Robert Webb. The deal was negotiated by Aurelie de Troyer, VP of Global Acquisitions and Co-Productions for Sundance Now, and for BBC Worldwide Americas, Jemma Harvey, Executive Vice President, Scripted Sales and Co-Productions.
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About Sundance Now
Sundance Now brings members the best in award-winning films, documentaries & binge-worthy TV series. From exclusive Sundance Now Originals to new releases and hard-to-find classics—Sundance Now has captivating stories for everyone. Available via web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, FireTV and Chromecast, subscribers can easily discover compelling content in the service’s handpicked collections, curated by filmmakers and cultural icons.
Sundance Now is owned and operated by AMC Networks, which has had a long history supporting and cultivating independent film and is the company behind some of the most popular, influential and successful stories ever made for TV and film, including The Walking Dead, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Orphan Black, Portlandia and Boyhood. The company’s portfolio of networks – AMC, BBC AMERICA, IFC, SundanceTV and WE tv – and its film distribution company IFC Films have been recognized with the industry’s most distinguished honors, including multiple Emmy® Awards, Golden Globe® Awards, Oscars® and Peabody Awards.
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About BBC Worldwide North America
BBC Worldwide North America is the main commercial arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) operating in the U.S. and Canada. The company exists to maximize the value of the BBC’s assets for the benefit of the UK license payer and invests in public service programming in return for rights. The company operates four businesses in the territory – linear and digital content sales and co-productions, consumer products, BBC.com, and two studios based in Los Angeles – BBC Worldwide Productions, responsible for the smash hit Dancing with the Stars and the limited series The Night Of; and Adjacent Productions, producers of Life Below Zero and Ladies of London, among others. The company also owns a 50.1% share in cable channel BBC AMERICA through a joint venture with AMC Networks.
About Big Talk Productions
Big Talk Productions is one of the UK’s leading scripted television and film production companies. Over the last twenty years it has enjoyed an exceptional output of outstanding original scripted television comedy and drama and a track record of nurturing talent. Led by Chief Executive Kenton Allen, Managing Director Matthew Justice and Founder Nira Park, the company has expanded significantly over the last eight years. Highlights of Big Talk’s award-winning output include ‘Rev’, ‘Him & Her’, ‘Friday Night Dinner’, ‘Mum’, ‘Raised By Wolves’ and ‘Cold Feet’.
Alongside Big Talk’s re-commissioned successes, 2017 promises brand new comedy and drama including ‘Back’ written by Emmy-award winning Simon Blackwell, starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb. Big Talk is also producing a new 6- part comedy series ‘Bliss’ (Sky Atlantic), and ‘Timewasters’ (ITV2) will also air this Autumn. Single drama ‘Diana & I’, penned by acclaimed writer Jeremy Brock and directed by award-winning Peter Cattaneo, will hit BBC2 screens later this Autumn, as well as ‘Living The Dream’, a comedy drama, written and created by BAFTA nominee Mick Ford, starring Phil Glenister and Lesley Sharp for Sky1. Big Talk was named Production Company of the Year at the 2016 Edinburgh TV Festival Awards.