BBCWorldwide has agreed its second co-production deal with TVP and Apple Film Production in Poland for a major new World War One drama The Passing Bells from award-winning writer Tony Jordan (EastEnders, Hustle, Life on Mars) and producer Red Planet Pictures.
Filming in Poland, The Passing Bells tells the moving story of World War One through the eyes of two very ordinary young men who enlist in a war they expect will be over within months. As the conflict unfolds, so do the boys’ stories as they grow up amid the horror of war, and find love.
Tony Jordan, Executive Producer and Managing Director of Red Planet Pictures, said: “This is a hugely important project for British television in this, the centenary of the First World War, a conflict that shaped Europe as we know it today. It was always going to be vital to find a meaningful European partner for this project and working with TVP is something Red Planet is very excited about.”
The deal with TVP has been brokered by BBC Worldwide and Apple Film Production in Poland. Apple Film Production led by Dariusz Jabłoński will act as the Polish co-producer on the series for TVP and BBC Worldwide is the global distributor for the series.
This second collaboration between BBCWorldwide and TVP and Apple Film Production follows their co-production of the critically acclaimed thriller Spies of Warsaw, a tale of intrigue, romance and betrayal set during the years leading up to the Second World War, which captivated audiences throughout the UK and Poland last year.
Talking about this new co-production, Piotr Radziszewski the director of TVP1, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with the BBC again on such a prestigious, large-scale project. We have a shared ambition to create bold, compelling drama that will resonate with audiences not only in the UK and Poland but all around the world.”
Ben Donald, Executive Producer for International Drama at BBC Worldwide said: “We are delighted to be able to build on the relationship with TVP with this second collaboration, and especially to come together on such an important piece of commemorative drama whose emotional impact we are confident will captivate audiences in Poland and indeed globally.“
Dariusz Jabłoński, Founder and President of Apple Film Production said: “Our relationship with BBC Worldwide opens up fantastic opportunities to developco-productions in Poland as this latest collaboration between the BBC and TVP demonstrates. The fantastic script by the one and only Tony Jordan brings aunique opportunity for the Polish film industry to work with Europe's best professionals. We are proud to work on this highly prestigious European project, commemorating the centenary of the Great War, which, above all, brought Poland's independence back.”
The Passing Bells is produced by Jordan’s independent production company Red Planet Pictures through BBC Cymru Wales Drama. The 5 x 30” series will be executively produced by Jordan and the team at Red Planet Pictures and Bethan Jones for the BBC. The series will also be available in two additional formats, 4 x 45’ and 2 x 90’.
Commissioned by Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama and Danny Cohen, Director of Television, BBC The Passing Bells will form a key part of BBC One’s programming to mark the centenary of World War One and will appear on Poland’s national broadcaster (TVP) in November 2014 to coincide with celebrations to mark the rebirth of the Polish nation at the end of World War One.
The deal was announced by BBC Worldwide at its annual TV export market BBC Worldwide Showcase which is taking place this week (23 – 26 February).
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For more information, please contact:
Emma Finlay, Communications Manager for BBC Worldwide Brands & Content at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on mobile 07525 906 962
Emma Hammond, Communications Assistant, Brands, Content and Digital, BBC Worldwide at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on 0208 433 2345
Contact BBC Worldwide Press on Twitter@bbcwpress,and join the Showcase conversation via #bbcshowcase
NOTES TO EDITORS
· BBC Worldwidesells programmes on behalf of the BBC and independent producers
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· There will be 9 premier screenings at BBC Worldwide Showcase covering drama, natural history, music, children’s, comedy, science, history, documentaries and lifestyle
About BBC Worldwide Ltd.
BBC Worldwide Limited is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). BBC Worldwide exists to support the BBC public service mission and to maximise profits on its behalf. It does this through investing in, commercialising and showcasing content from the BBC around the world, in a way that is consistent with BBC standards and values. The business also builds the reach and reputation of the BBC brand overseas and champions British creativity.
In 2012/13, BBC Worldwide generated headline profits of £156m and headline sales of £1,116m and returned £156m to the BBC. For more detailed performance information please see our Annual Review website: http://www.bbcworldwide.com/annualreview
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About TVP
TVP(Telewizja Polska S.A.) is the public broadcaster operating under The Radio and Television Law. TVP's reach encompasses more than 95% of Polish territory. It is the leader on the Polish television market, the strongest broadcaster, producer and distributor in the Central Europe. In its extensive portfolio,there are two stations on a national level, 16 regional channels, satellitechannels - TV Polonia, TV Biełsat, as well as thematic channels - TVP Info, TVP Kultura, TVP Seriale, TVP Rozrywka, TVP Historia, TVP Sport, TVP Parlament, TVP ABC (new channel for children) and TVP HD. TVP viewers can enjoy the culture at the highest level, the greatest excitements and the best sports entertainment.
