BBC Children’s commissions TV drama based on Marilyn Kaye’s Gifted novels

BBC Children’s and Education has commissioned Gifted from Black Camel and Media Valley

CONTENT LONDON: BBC Children’s and Education has commissioned Gifted, a new action-adventure series adapted from Marilyn Kaye’s novels by award-winning screenwriter Emma Reeves (The Worst Witch, Eve).

This 10×30’ drama is an international coproduction between Glasgow-based producer Black Camel Pictures and Paris-based French producer Media Valley.

The show has been commissioned by CBBC in association with NDR/ARD via One Gate Media in Germany, with additional support from Screen Scotland. Studio 100 International will handle global distribution.

Set in modern-day Edinburgh, Gifted tells the story of a diverse group of young Scottish teens who discover they each have unique superpowers, from telekinesis to invisibility and mind reading.

Sarah Muller

Filming in Glasgow and Edinburgh, the series is currently in production and is set to premiere on BBC iPlayer in the UK at the end of 2025, with an international rollout planned for Spring 2026.

Black Camel Pictures previously created Annika for UKTV and PBS, as well as BBC series Float and The Island. Co-producers Media Valley are known for animated series such as Zoom The White Dolphin.

The series, unveiled on day one of Content London, is adapted by Emma Reeves, with Matthias Hoene (Theodosia) directing. Executive producers include Arabella Page Croft (Annika), Luke Fresle (Silent Witness, We Hunt Together) and Natalie Altmann (Asterix, Zoom The White Dolphin).

Sarah Muller, senior head of commissioning for 7+ at BBC Children’s and Education said: “Gifted will bring audiences high quality action-filled adventures from the book series, brought to life in Scotland. We’re working with Screen Scotland to represent their vibrant creative industry with an exciting young Scottish cast and brilliant talent behind and in front of the camera.”