BBC ONE ANNOUNCES ADAPTATION OF ICONIC WORZEL GUMMIDGESTARRING MACKENZIE CROOK WITH FIRST LOOK PICTURE26th December 6.20pm, BBC OneOFFICIAL PRESS RELEASENEWS PROVIDED BY Neil Reading PR A dazzling, modern adaptation of Worzel Gummidge comes to BBC One in two hour long films, inspired by the classic books of Barbara Euphan Todd. Mackenzie Crook writes, directs and stars as Worzel Gummidge. Leopard Pictures, part of Argonon Group, are partnering with Treasure Trove Productions and Lola Entertainment to bring these glorious stories to life for an audience of all ages. The films have been commissioned by Shane Allen, Controller Comedy Commissioning for the BBC, and Charlotte Moore, Director of Content for the BBC.
Their worlds should never commune but fate has conspired to create an extraordinary union. The seasons have stopped and the harvest hasn’t arrived. The rhythm of the natural world is out of kilter and this unlikely trio must try to put it right. Magic, mystery and mayhem unfurl.
Shane Allen, Controller Comedy Commissioning at the BBC, said: “Mackenzie’s widely adored and multi-BAFTA award winning Detectorists was a grown up love letter to bucolic England and with Worzel he takes a similar approach to English folklore, rural rites and the magic of childhood. His visionary and fundamental reinterpretation of this classic is that rare and special achievement - a BBC One family friendly comedy.” Kristian Smith, Executive Producer for Leopard Pictures said: “These two specials are real treat pieces for a family audience. There was nobody other than Mackenzie that I wanted to work with on this. The vision and creativity of this man is awesome. He has written two beautiful scripts that are clever, warm and funny. And once again he has attracted a formidable cast of tremendous actors. We are so excited to be able to bring these new Worzel Gummidge stories to everybody.” Worzel Gummidge is written and directed by Mackenzie Crook and is a Leopard Pictures, Treasure Trove Productions and Lola Entertainment production for BBC One. It is Executive Produced by Kristian Smith for Leopard Pictures, Lisa Thomas for Lola Entertainment, Mackenzie Crook for Treasure Trove Productions, with rights holders Patrick D. Pidgeon and Eric S. Rollman executive producers for Pidgeon Entertainment, Inc. It is produced by Georgie Fallon and Alex Moody is the Commissioning Editor for the BBC. Further casting announcements will be made in due course. AboutNotes to editors About Leopard Pictures Leopard Pictures, part of Argonon Group, produces scripted content for U.K and International broadcasters. Headed by Kristian Smith as Chief Creative Officer, Leopard has a diverse range of commissions, and developments spanning drama, comedy and features. Leopard Pictures is committed to working with the best writing and performing talent to bring original stories to screen.
Founded in 2011 by CEO James Burstall, Argonon is an independent production group headquartered in London with offices in Manchester, Glasgow, New York and Vancouver. Argonon is led by a board of creatives and entrepreneurs with James Burstall (CEO), Laura Bessell (COO), David Dugan (Chairman, Windfall Films). The group consists of 12 companies producing multi award-winning programming for a wide range of major broadcasters in the UK, the USA and Canada, and specialises in factual, factual entertainment, entertainment, drama, arts, comedy and children’s programming. Argonon has won Emmys, BAFTAs, RTS Awards and many others – more than 60 in total and over 150 nominations. Argonon is made up of Leopard Pictures, Leopard USA, Remedy Productions, Windfall Films, BriteSpark Films, Transparent Television, Barefaced TV and Bandicoot. Argonon also has its own successful rights and intellectual property distribution company with a catalogue of more than 2,000 hours of content – Argonon International. In 2017 and 2016, the London Stock Exchange cited Argonon as one of 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain. In 2016 Argonon was featured in the Sunday Times HSBC Fast Track 200. Argonon Group brings together exceptional creative and business talent from around the world and is committed to fostering a true spirit of independence and diversity both on and off-screen.
Lola Entertainment is an award-winning television production company owned and run by joint managing directors, John Bishop and Lisa Thomas. Their programme making includes stand-up comedy, scripted comedy, drama, travelogues and factual entertainment.
Source Neil Reading PR
June 13, 2019 12:09pm ET by Neil Reading PR |