Telewizja Polska SA and BBC Worldwide signed on May 25, 2012, a memorandum to celebrate the goodwill and intention of both parties to collaborate in the future. Juliusz Braun, President of TVP SA and John Smith, CEO of BBC Worldwide also summarized the first phase of work on latest project, "Spies of Warsaw".
The declaration signed in Warsaw will contribute to strengthening future cooperation, leading to creating new valuable film projects that are interesting equally for Polish and British audiences. Both, Telewizja Polska SA and BBC Worldwide have years of experience in supporting high-quality film production.
Juliusz Braun, the President of TVP SA: "We are extremely pleased with the cooperation undertaken co-producing the project "Spies of Warsaw". I would like to emphasize that equally the entertainment programs, feature films and TV series fulfill the goal delivering public purpose, provided that they are the highest quality. And such is the guaranteed quality of projects co-produced with the BBC and BBC Worldwide. I am happy that our cooperation will continue and will bring other great projects not just this autumn. I am very pleased that both, Telewizja Polska SA and BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the most recognized public broadcaster in Europe, of the highest standards of quality and ethics will continue to work together."
John Smith, BBC Worldwide Chief Executive Officer: "BBC Worldwide has enjoyed a productive partnership with TVP SA over the years, and Spies of Warsaw takes that relationship into new territory, by bringing the Polish and UK creative industries together on a landmark drama. With such a talented team - and impressive international cast - working on this series, it promises to be a great success. I can't wait to see the results, and I hope it will be the first of many collaborations between our two companies."
The crew of the British-Polish historical espionage series "Spies of Warsaw" has reached the halfway point of filming. One of the main roles of this first BBC-TVP joint production will play alongside David Tennant and Janet Montgomery Polish great actor Martin Dorociński, who will portray a Polish intelligence officer, the legendary, before the war "Dwójka".
Filming "Spies of Warsaw" drama began on April 11 and will run until early June in Warsaw and its outskirts (including Jabłonna, Modlin, Nieborów, Turowa Wola). The crew will also move for a few days to Krakow and it's region.
The screenplay of "Spies of Warsaw" is based on the bestselling spy novel by Alan Furst - a writer specializing in historical spy novels. Furst has written 14 novels, sold millions of copies around the world, where he portrays the history of nations, trying to resist the inevitability of Hitler's regime.
The series "Spies of Warsaw" is set in prewar Europe. World War II is coming. French, German and Polish secret agents are caught up in espionage battle of life and death. New military attache at the French Embassy in Warsaw, Colonel Jean-Francois Mercier, decorated for his heroism in 1920, comes to the Polish capital and delves into the world of abduction, betrayal and intrigue on the diplomatic salons and back alleys of the city.
"Spies of Warsaw" is directing Coky Giedroyc, the author of, among others BAFTA-nominated "The Virgin Queen", the director of TV series "Sherlock," "Oliver Twist" and BAFTA and Golden Globe nominated "Black Pool". The screenplay wrote Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, experienced and award-winning writers who have written i.a. screenplay for the legendary "The Commitments" by Alan Parker, winner of the Golden Globe Award for Best Comedy and four BAFTA Awards.
Starring in "Spies of Warsaw" are: David Tennant in the role of Colonel Mercier ("Doctor Who", "Hamlet," "Casanova," "Fright Night") and Janet Montgomery in the role of Anna Skarbek, a lawyer at the League of Nations (" Black Swan "," Merlin "). Partnered by one of the most famous and talented Polish actors, Martin Dorociński in the role of Pakulski, the Polish intelligence officer, the legendary pre-war "Dwójka". The Polish cast was also include Mirosław Zbrojewicz - a former legionnaire, and the current driver of Colonel Mercier, who plays an important role in the game of espionage, kidnapping and assassination. The cast includes other Polish actors: Joanna Kulig, Magdalena Popławska, Anna Czartoryska, Lech Dyblik, Krystyna Rutkowska-Ulewicz, Radosław Kaim, and Piotr Baumann.
Spies of Warsaw is a Fresh Pictures and Apple Co-Production for BBC Four and TVP in association with ARTE France and BBC Worldwide.
More information
Agnieszka Makowska
Dział Public Relations
Biuro Marketingu
Telewizja Polska S.A.
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00-997 Warszawa
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tel. + 48 (22) 547 54 58
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