LONDON SCREENINGS: Some of the UK’s biggest distributors are unveiling new slates as part of a number of screenings taking place this week, either in-person or virtual. Here C21 picks out some Hot Properties from the new programming on offer.

SCRIPTED

After the Trial (6×60’)
Producers: Subtext Pictures, Screen Australia, Screen NSW
Distributor: Entertainment One (eOne)
They say: “A gripping crime drama about four very different people who meet on jury duty as part of a murder trial. As they return to their normal lives, they wonder if the young woman they’ve declared ‘not guilty’ is actually a killer…”
We say: As well as having what looks like a great storyline, this show has good auspices too. It was created, written and executive produced by Subtext Pictures’ Ellie Beaumont and Drew Proffitt (House Husbands, Dead Lucky), and directed by Ben C Lucas (The Wilds, Fighting Season) and Fadia Abboud. This marks the first time eOne has partnered with Subtext Pictures to distribute one of its titles internationally. Currently in production, it will premiere as part of Nine Network’s 2022 slate.

Marie Antoinette (8×60’)
Producers: Capa Drama, Banijay Studios France, Les Gens
Distributor: Banijay Rights
They say: “Tells the story of the incredibly modern and avant-garde young queen… a true fashion icon, with her natural charisma, free, independent and feminist ahead of time.”
We say: Created and written by Deborah Davis (The Favourite), with Louise Ironside (The Split), Avril E Russell (All on a Summer’s Day) and Chloë Moss (Run Sister Run) also writing, this Canal+ original has good auspices. And good locations too: the French châteaux of Versailles, Vaux-le-Vicomte, Lésigny, Champs and Voisins and the studios at Bry-sur-Marne. Continuing demand for historical pieces offering new takes on the past will make this a hot ticket for London Screenings buyers.

Infiniti (6×60’)
Producers: Empreinte Digitale, Federation Entertainment Belgique
Distributor: StudioCanal
They say: “Blends together a sci-fi crime thriller with political intrigue and a classic love story woven through, that echoes the current global space race.”
We say: Directed by Theirry Poiraud (Black Spot) and produced by Raphaël Rocher, Eric Laroche and Lionel Uzan, this Canal+ original is visually stunning, featuring VFX from the studio behind Blade Runner 2049 and HBO’s Watchmen. Céline Sallette, Vlad Ivanov, Lex Schrapnel, Samal Yeslyamova, Ellora Torchia, Karina Arutyunyan and Laurent Capelluto star in a show that promises more than the usual sci-fi genre beats.

Last King of the Cross (10×60’)
Producers: Helium
Distributor: Cineflix Rights
They say: “A truly authentic depiction of gangster life, set against the backdrop of one of the most iconic locations on the planet.”
We say: One of the first productions of noted Aussie prodco Helium, the series tells the story of how a poverty-stricken immigrant rose to become Australia’s most infamous nightclub mogul in Sydney’s Kings Cross. The show is inspired by John Ibrahim’s bestselling autobiography, written and directed by Kieran Darcy-Smith (Wolf Creek). Paramount+ is onboard for Australian rights.

The Twelve (10×60’)
Producers: Warner Bros International Television Production Australia, Easy Tiger
Distributor: Endeavor Content
They say: “A gripping returnable courtroom drama series that tells the story of 12 ordinary people who are selected for jury duty in a murder trial as traumatising as it is controversial.”
We say: This is the English-language remake of 2019 Belgian drama De Twaalf and is being produced for Foxtel in Australia, marking the first scripted copro between the broadcaster and Warner Bros. With Hollywood major Sam Neill (Jurassic Park) leading an ensemble cast, the show offers a new take on the courtroom drama genre by focusing on the jurors as much as those in the dock.

UNSCRIPTED

Top Takeout (8×60’, format)
Producers: Ricochet
Distributor: Warner Bros International Television Production
They say: “Sees some of the UK’s best takeaway restaurants battle it out for supremacy in a competition judged by families at home.”
We say: From WarnerMedia-owned Ricochet, creators of factual entertainment hit The Repair Shop, comes this series that pitches takeaway versus takeway in a BBC Two show celebrating the cultural diversity, flair and quality seen in the country’s much-loved takeaways. Yes, there are plenty of food formats out there but the twist with this one is that it switches the usual panel of TV judges for a returning cast of real-life families, bringing a touch of relatable real life into the mix.

Hindenburg: The Cover-Up (1×90’)
Producer: AMS Pictures
Distributor: BossaNova Media
They say: “Reveals new theories and documents that shed light on a possible cover-up that spans two continents.”
We say: Everyone knows that shocking image of the Hindenburg fireball, and the emotional commentary that went alongside it, but 85 years later there are still no definitive answers. This film claims to reveal secrets that cast new light on the 1937 tragedy and even links it to the Nazi party across the Atlantic. Broadcasters or streaming partners have yet to be announced.

The Travelling Auctioneers (15×60’)
Producers: STV Studios
Distributor: DCD Rights
They say: “Auctioneer Christina Trevanion and craftsman Will Kirk take their travelling auction house on the road to help families cash in on their unknown treasures via thrilling remote auctions.”
We say: The ‘hidden treasure’ genre is always big in factual entertainment so combine it with the ‘make good and mend’ vibe that was hot during lockdown and this new BBC One daytime series might appeal to buyers looking to tap into that trend. Produced by John Redshaw, whose credits include Antiques Road Trip.

Ancient Earth: Dinosaurs of the Frozen Continent (2×60’)
Producers: NHNZ Worldwide in coproduction with Giant Screen Films
Distributor: Blue Ant International
They say: “Follows paleontologists on a journey of exploration to uncover fossil evidence of ancient animals and plants that once thrived on Antarctica.”
We say: You can never have enough dinosaurs on television, as parents and children the world over will testify, and this show has an added twist as it peeps under the Antarctic ice cap to see what gigantic Titanosaurs once roamed the now frozen land – and finds an Antarctic T-Rex. Produced for CuriosityStream.

Killing in Paradise (1×60’)
Producers: SPA Media, Passion Distribution
Distributor: Passion Distribution
They say: “A glamorous high society figure in the dock… a police chief shot dead at midnight… a British billionaire’s family mired in scandal.”
We say: This show provides a new take on television’s always-buzzy true crime genre by following a live case that is ongoing. The doc follows the case of socialite Jasmine Hartin, who is accused of killing a high-ranking police officer in Belize – “the real Death in Paradise,” according to Passion. It already has a major streaming partner onboard for the UK rights.