CBBC, Seven, TVNZ prep eco drama

Mystic has been co-commissioned by CBBC, Seven and TVNZ

The UK’s CBBC, Seven Network in Australia and TVNZ in New Zealand have commissioned a drama from London-based scripted specialist Slim Film and Television.

Mystic will start filming in New Zealand in January and is described as an “environmental thriller.” Based on the Pony Club Secrets books by bestselling author Stacy Gregg, the character-driven drama will target a family audience, focusing on the key issue of climate change.

The plot follows a group of horse-mad teenagers who are regulars at their local stables on the fictional NZ peninsula of Kauri Point. Worrying incidents surrounding a new industrial development prove the catalyst for a series of events that means the group have to risk everything in order to save their horses.

Amy Shindler and Beth Chalmers, the creators of Pat & Cabbage for ITV and Pauline Pepys’ Dowry for Radio 4, will be showrunners.

Writing alongside Shindler and Chalmers will be Scott Payne (The Worst Witch), Yero Timi-Biu (The Dumping Ground), Samuel E Shore (Filthy Rich), author Steph Matuku (Whetū Toa and the Magician), Stacy Gregg (Pony Club Secrets book series) and Kate McDermott (Go Girls).

The 13×30’ series is a co-commission from CBBC, Seven and TVNZ with investment from NZ On Air.

This commission, a coproduction between Slim Film + Television and Libertine Pictures, follows Slim’s announcement in March of an eight-part adaptation of Jules Verne classic Around the World in 80 Days for the European alliance of France Télévisions, ZDF and Rai, as well as the Seven Network.