The UK’s hit Sky comedy Brassic begins international journey with ITV Studios Global Entertainment

9 October, 2019 – Sky’s biggest original comedy launch in seven years, Brassic, has been sold to five new territories in the lead up to MIPCOM 2019 by ITV Studios Global Entertainment. Created by Joe Gilgun (Misfits, Preacher) and BAFTA and International Emmy®-winning writer Danny Brocklehurst (Shameless, Safe), and produced by Calamity Films (Judy, Pride), Brassic has been the subject of critical acclaim (see notes to editors) and universal adoration in the UK, having received its second season commission before the first had even premiered. The first episode of series one launched with a 7-day cumulative audience of 1.65 million, making it Sky’s biggest original comedy series launch since 2012.

Brassic will air on CBC in Canada, ABC in Australia, Rialto in New Zealand, Canal+ in France and Comunidad Film in Spain, with several more major territories sales likely to close in the coming months.

Ruth Berry, Managing Director, Global Distribution at ITV Studios, said:

“From Joe Gilgun to Dominic West, its desperately funny stories and the totally universal theme of friendships, Brassic is charming it’s way around the world and we are all rooting for it.”

Writer Danny Brocklehurst said:

"The incredible UK success of Brassic proves there is a desire right now for big hearted comedy drama that speaks of friendship, community and love. The themes are universal, and I'm thrilled the show is being seen far and wide.”

David Livingstone, Brassic Executive Producer and CEO of Calamity Films, added:

"It’s so thrilling to be getting this passionate viewership for Brassic in the UK. For it to continue into the International marketplace in this way is amazing. With Danny’s brilliant writing and Joe Gilgun’s passionate ideas I am sure this will connect with everyone Internationally in exactly the same way it has at home. Go Brassic."

Written by BAFTA® winner Danny Brocklehurst, Brassic is an edgy and authentic original comedy which follows a group of working-class friends who find unconventional ways to win at life. Vinnie (Joseph Gilgun), a Lancashire lad with bipolar disorder, and Dylan (Damien Molony), his razor smart best mate, are inseparable and utterly co-dependent. Alongside Cardi, Ash, Tommo and JJ, the lads have dealt, scammed, bribed and conned their way through adolescence. But now, on the brink of adulthood, their dealing and stealing is catching up with them. Like a carefully stacked tower of cards, what happens if one of them is knocked down or, worse, removed from the pack entirely? Veering between hilarious comedy and raw, heartfelt emotion, this outrageous, funny and bold show is about irreplaceable lifelong friends, loyalty and the things that come between them. Co-created by Danny Brocklehurst and This is England star Joseph Gilgun, Brassic also stars Michelle Keegan, Ruth Sheen and Tim Key.

Writers: Danny Brocklehurst (Shameless, Safe, Ordinary Lies) and Alex Ganley (Shameless, Safe)

Creators: Joseph Gilgun (Misfits, Preacher), Danny Brocklehurst

Directors: Daniel O’Hara (Being Human, Silent Witness), Jon Wright (Our Girl, Ordinary Lies)

Executive Producers: David Livingstone (Pride), Joseph Gilgun, Danny Brocklehurst, Jon Mountague (Mount Pleasant, Stella)

Producer: Juliet Charlesworth (Happy Valley, Scott & Bailey)

Calamity Films for Sky
Series 2: 6 x 60 mins Coming Soon Series 1: 6 x 60 mins

Visit ITV Studios House, R7.N3, Riviera 7, Palais Des Festivals, Cannes MIPCOM 14 – 17 October 2019

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About ITV Studios Global Entertainment

ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) is the world-leading multi-genre, multi-disciplinary, multi-platform distribution arm of ITV Studios. It distributes programming which is ‘More Than TV’; programming that truly moves people, grips the nation, starts conversations, entertains millions and shapes culture.

ITVS GE represents in excess of 45,000 hours of brand-defining content from the 55+ award-winning production labels in the ITV family which produce 8,900 hours of programming per year, as well as selected programming from leading producers from around the world. Through its global network which includes offices in London, Hong Kong, Paris, Germany, the Nordics, Los Angeles, Mumbai and Sydney, it distributes critically acclaimed and universally adored titles such as Bodyguard; Victoria; Poldark; Good Witch; Vera; 63 Up; 24 Hours in Police Custody; The Graham Norton Show and Magical Land of Oz internationally; as well the highly anticipated Snowpiercer, World on Fire and Gold Digger, supplying more than 3000 broadcasters and platforms worldwide.

ITV Studios is part of the ITV PLC, which includes the UK’s largest commercial broadcaster.

About Calamity Films

Calamity Films is an independent film and television production company set up by David Livingstone in 2013. Their first feature was the BAFTA-winning PRIDE (2014), directed by Matthew Warchus and written by Stephen Beresford.

More recently Calamity has produced JUDY starring Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland, written by Tom Edge and directed by Rupert Goold, which is in cinemas now, and the forthcoming festive feature LAST CHRISTMAS, for Universal Pictures written by Emma Thompson and Bryony Kimmings and directed by Paul Feig. The film stars Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh and Emma Thompson.

Calamity’s first television series is BRASSIC, a six-part comedy drama for Sky and ITV Global, co-created by BAFTA-winning writer Danny Brocklehurst and actor Joseph Gilgun. Series One aired on Sky One in August 2019 and is available to stream on Now TV. The second series of BRASSIC is currently shooting in Manchester.