Literary adaptations Trespasses, Summerwater greenlit by UK’s Channel 4

UK commercially funded pubcaster Channel 4 has announced two new literary adaptation commissions, Trespasses and Summerwater.

Lola Petticrew

Based on Louise Kennedy’s debut novel, Trespasses (4×60’) is a forbidden love story set in Northern Ireland against the backdrop of the Troubles.

Produced by London-based indie Wildgaze Films (Brooklyn), it stars Lola Petticrew (Bloodlands) as Cushla, a spirited young woman who falls for married Protestant barrister Michael (Tom Cullen). Gillian Anderson (The Fall) plays Cushla’s combative mother, Gina.

Executive producers are Anderson, Amanda Posey, Dawn Shadforth, Louise Kennedy and Finola Dwyer. Filming is scheduled to begin in Belfast this autumn.

Summerwater, meanwhile, is based on Sarah Moss’s book and will be produced by Glasgow-based prodco Freedom Scripted.

The 6×60’ series tells the story of a group of diverse holidaymakers staying at a remote loch-side Scottish cabin park. Over the course of one single rainy summer’s day, simmering tensions between the vacationers erupt into a devastating climax. Cast and transmission details have not yet been announced.

International distribution for both shows is to be handled by All3Media International.

Ollie Madden, director of Film4 and head of Channel 4 drama, who commissioned both series, said: “Trespasses is a beautifully observed, tense and deeply romantic love story that we were all captivated by. Summerwater is both a subversive, compulsive, brilliantly characterised thriller, and a witty, dark exploration of modern British life.”