Scripted

All3Media International has concluded a raft of presales for Hera Pictures’ I Fought the Law starring BAFTA winner Sheridan Smith, as numerous broadcasters sign rights to the powerful new factual drama ahead of its UK broadcast.

Launching on ITV in the UK this autumn, the four-part drama has been acquired by POLAR+ for France. Filmin has signed digital rights for Portugal and Spain, while EITB has secured TV rights for Spain’s Basque region.

Further TV rights deals in Europe have been inked with NPO (Netherlands), SVT (Sweden), Virgin Media (Eire), VRT (Flemish Belgium) and Hellenic Telecommunications (Greece). Dazzler Media has also signed DVD and DTO rights for UK and Eire.

Freedom Media in Kazakhstan has acquired digital rights, while TV rights have been signed by TVNZ in New Zealand, Yes TV in Israel and Now TV for Hong Kong and Macau. Stan has secured digital rights for Australia.

I Fought the Law tells the heartbreaking and inspiring real-life story of Ann Ming (Sheridan Smith, Cilla, Accused, Mrs Biggs), a mother who, driven by unimaginable grief, finds strength to challenge the centuries-old Double Jeopardy Law to see her daughter’s murderer finally brought to justice after a 15-year battle.

Produced by Hera Pictures (What It Feels Like For A Girl, Mary & George, Hamnet, Temple, Honour), the series is written by Jamie Crichton (All Creatures Great and Small, The Last Kingdom, Grantchester) and is based on Ann Ming’s book ‘For The Love of Julie’. The series will launch on 31st August on ITV and STV and will be available to stream on ITVX and STV Player.

All3Media International is also handling global sales for MultiStory Media’s accompanying documentary I Fought the Law: The Ann Ming Story, which will debut on ITV and STV following the launch of the drama.

Maartje Horchner, EVP Content at All3Media International, commented, “We’re pleased to see so many broadcasters securing this important drama and are honoured to play our role in bringing Ann Ming’s story to a global audience. I Fought the Law is a moving drama that will shock and inspire in equal measure, turning the spotlight on an extraordinarily courageous mother who, despite enduring an unthinkable tragedy and facing overwhelming challenges, succeeded in changing the law. By putting Ann at the centre of the drama – Ann was a consultant on the series – and telling the story from her perspective, Hera Pictures’ talented team have ensured viewers get an incredible, first-hand insight into her tireless 15-year campaign, all brought to life in a powerhouse performance from Sheridan Smith.”

Liza Marshall, founder of Hera Pictures commented “From the moment we heard Ann Ming’s story, the team at Hera Pictures felt deeply compelled to bring it to the screen. Her extraordinary fight to overturn the double jeopardy law, following the devastating loss of her beloved daughter Julie, is both heartbreaking and profoundly inspiring. We are thrilled that, through All3Media, international audiences will now be able to witness how Ann transformed her grief into determination and drove such historic change.”

I Fought the Law follows the tragic, moving, and deeply inspiring journey of the Ming family after the murder of their beloved 22-year-old daughter, Julie. In the wake of multiple police failings, Ann relentlessly pressures the authorities to uncover the truth and ensure the man responsible is brought to justice – despite initially seeming he will get away with murder.

Driven by love, grief, and extraordinary determination, Ann and her family campaign tirelessly in Julie’s name. In her steadfast and indomitable style, Ann takes on the entire justice system – challenging the Crown Prosecution Service, the Law Commission, prominent defence barristers in television debates, the Government, the Lord Chancellor, the Attorney General, and two Home Secretaries – as she bravely ‘fought the law.’

Commissioned by ITV’s Director of Drama Polly Hill, I Fought the Law also features Daniel York Loh (Scarborough) as Ann’s husband, Charlie Ming, and Enzo Cilenti (The Crown) as DS Mark Braithwaite. The series also features Marlowe Chan-Reeves (Doctor Who), Olivia Ng (Phoenix Rise), Jake Davies (Grace), Victoria Wyant, Kent Riley (Mr Bates vs. The Post Office), Jack James Ryan (Passenger, Vera), Andrew Lancel (Unforgotten) and Rufus Jones (Hijack).

Hera Pictures produced the series in association with All3Media International. The Executive Producers for Hera Pictures are Liza Marshall and Charlotte Webber. The series is directed by Erik Richter Strand (The Crown) and produced by Mark Hedges (Time).

I Fought the Law will air on ITV and STV and be available to stream on ITVX and STV Player this autumn, followed by I Fought the Law: The Ann Ming Story documentary.

Produced by MultiStory Media, the documentary, which is narrated by Sheridan Smith, takes a detailed look at the case from Julie’s disappearance in 1989 until the murderer was retried and jailed for life in 2006, becoming the first person convicted under the changed law. All3Media International has also secured a digital soundtrack release deal for the original score composed by Luke Richards.
Featuring exclusive interviews with Ann, her family and friends, retired police officers, and other key individuals close to the story, the documentary will also include rare archive and images that tell the story of one mother’s unwavering resolve to get justice for her daughter. The documentary shows Ann’s extraordinary campaign, her unshakable determination, and how her fight for justice has since helped secure other landmark convictions, including those of Stephen Lawrence's killers.