ITV’s Director of Drama Polly Hill has commissioned Code Zero, a new police thriller centred on a heist gone wrong and one officer’s determination to uncover the truth. Created and written by James Hall (Death in Paradise, Return to Paradise), the series marks Hall’s first original television drama. Ashley Way (The Guest, Who Is Erin Carter?) will direct, with Faye Marsay (Andor, Adolescence) leading the cast.
Code Zero is produced by Two Brothers Pictures, the acclaimed independent production company behind The Assassin, The Tourist and Fleabag, in association with All3Media International. James Hall also serves as executive producer alongside Jack and Harry Williams, Sarah Hammond, Daisy Mount and Alex Mercer.Polly Hill commented:“I'm delighted to commission Code Zero, an original drama from the hugely talented writer James Hall, and the brilliant team at Two Brothers Pictures. This is a story that unfolds at breathtaking pace, as a police drama, and a robbery that doesn't quite go to plan. As a young officer on the first day of the job fears for his life and presses his code zero button, it's a race to find him and the money that is stolen in a way that is both thrilling and surprising right to the end, and which will keep viewers gripped.”
Further cast of the series includes Sion Daniel Young (Lost Boys and Fairies) as Darrell Haiton, Brendan Coyle (Toxic Town) as Phil Baynes, Rachel Shenton (All Creatures Great and Small) as Gemma Chapman, Sekou Diaby (Animol) as Cal Walters, Aneurin Barnard (Dunkirk) as Ferdie Kestevan, Anthony Welsh (The Flatshare) as Ed Collier, Steven Cree (Down Cemetery Road) as Doyle, Libby Mai (Youth) as Twitch, Adam Fidusiewicz (Vigil) as Ivan, Pooky Quesnel (Tip Toe) as Leanne Baynes, Kerim Hassan (My Fault) as Charlie Briggs, Christine Adams (Hijack) as Commander Harker, Vikash Bhai (Virdee) as DI Anderson, Kevin Eldon (Rings of Power) as Terry Underwood, Martin Trenaman (The Inbetweeners) as Roy Prescott, Steven Meo (Waiting for the Out) as Simon Peters, Lorraine Burroughs (Sweetpea) as Trisha Walters, and more.
Code Zero introduces Police Sergeant Laura Collier, played by Faye Marsay, who is pragmatic, funny and no-nonsense, the kind of officer you’d want to turn up if you dialled 999. Laura is assigned fresh-faced new recruit Cal, played by Sekou Diaby, to take under her wing on his first day – a day which quickly takes a dark turn as they’re ensnared in a meticulously crafted bank heist. As Laura and her team are pulled into a fast-paced cat-and-mouse investigation, the consequences of the heist begin to impact her life in ways she never could have imagined.
A ‘Code Zero’ is the most urgent call an officer can make, signalling that they are in immediate danger and need emergency assistance. The series hinges on a Code Zero called in episode one, setting in motion a race against time that will have profound consequences for every officer who answers it.
Two Brothers Pictures commented:“We're delighted to be bringing Code Zero to ITV. James Hall has created a brilliant, original show and it's been a complete pleasure working with him to bring a series with such ambition, authenticity and tension to the screen. Combining a high-stakes heist with a deeply personal investigation, Code Zero is a thrilling, character-driven drama that will keep audiences guessing. With Faye Marsay leading a fantastic cast, we're excited for audiences to discover this distinctive and suspenseful police drama.”
James Hall commented:“It’s been such a delight developing this show with the brilliant team at Two Brothers Pictures. With their expertise and experience making so many fantastic and gripping tv thrillers, I can’t think of a better company to be working with on it. I’ve always had a real passion for the crime thriller genre, and it’s been a joy getting to write the kind of action packed, rollercoaster ride of a show I’ve always dreamed of making. I can’t wait for us to share it with the ITV audience.”
Filming for Code Zero is taking place in Cardiff and South Wales, and the drama has been supported by the Welsh Government via Creative Wales.
All3Media International, part of media and entertainment group, Banijay Entertainment, will be responsible for the international distribution of Code Zero.
