Ovation finds Scapegoat

US arts network Ovation is continuing to build its slate of UK drama content after securing rights to period telemovie The Scapegoat.

The Scapegoat

The two-hour film, distributed internationally by Content Television, stars Matthew Rhys (The Americans) as a man who steps into the shoes of his doppelganger and finds himself taking on a new life, with fatal consequences.

It was written and directed by Charles Sturridge (Brideshead Revisited) and is based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier. Island Pictures produces.

“We’ve had our eyes on The Scapegoat for some time,” said Kris Slava, Ovation’s senior VP of programming, who added that the film “is a great fit for Ovation.”

Ovation has built up a substantial portfolio of UK content, most recently completing deals for BBC three-parter Blackout and another one-off, Doors Open.

The Scapegoat will air on Ovation on January 22. The telemovie, which was commissioned by UK commercial broadcaster ITV, was launched to the international market by Content at Mipcom last month.