The award-winning Clerkenwell-based producers of hit E4 sci-fi series Misfits are to develop two new series with BBC America.
The US branch of the BBC approached Clerkenwell Films after watching programmes that the Clerkenwell Road company had produced.
This marks the first time that Clerkenwell Films, who also produced supernatural ITV drama Afterlife, has received a commission outside the UK.
The two science-fiction series, Wired and The Dead Beat, were commissioned alongside news that a US remake of The Misfits is underway.
Wired will explore a world of synthetic organisms known as ‘Syns’ that are exact replicas of humans, and explores the evolving relationship between man and technology.
The Dead Beat is a paranormal crime show following two policemen, one dead and one alive, who work together using leads in the world of the dead to track down killers in the world of the living.
Murray Ferguson, chief executive of Clerkenwell Films, said: “The next few months we will continue to work on the scripts and later in the year, BBC America will decide whether they will use them.
“There’s a great energy behind this partnership. The prospect of reaching a global audience is exciting and we’re eager to bring the worlds of Wired and The Dead Beat to life.”
Clerkenwell Films have sold their programmes to several other countries and are now looking for a British broadcaster to air their new works.
The Misfits series tells the story of a group of teenagers doing community service who develop superpowers after being struck by lightning.
The Bafta award-winning series achieved critical success across the pond and its Islington producers are optimistic about their next American venture.
Mr Ferguson said: “It would be great to make more series in America. The company has to look at all areas of opportunity.”
Perry Simon, General Manager of BBC America, said: “Supernatural Saturday has become a popular fixture on BBC America’s schedule and both these highly creative ideas add a new dimension to our programming.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be developing these British projects with Clerkenwell – our first originals in the sci-fi genre.”
