Scripted

All3Media International has closed a raft of international sales for BAFTA-nominated Gaelic crime drama “An t-Eilean" ("The Island)” as a second season is officially commissioned and moves into development. Originally commissioned by BBC ALBA, the 4 x 1-hour series — produced by Black Camel Pictures — marked the UK’s first high-end Gaelic drama and became the biggest and most high-profile drama in BBC ALBA’s history.

Following a previously announced UK presale to BBC Four, All3Media International has now secured an extensive slate of international agreements. In North America, a pan-territory deal has been signed with Acorn Media covering the US, English-speaking Canada and the Caribbean. A second multi-territory agreement with Canal+ includes France, Africa and French-speaking Europe.

Additional European acquisitions include: Antena TV (Romania); DR (Denmark); EITB (Basque Spain); Hellenic Telecommunications (Greece); RTBF (French-speaking Belgium and Luxembourg) and SVT (Sweden).

The drama will also air on SBS in Australia and Rialto Channel in New Zealand. Dazzler Media has secured UK and Eire DVD rights, while Virgin Atlantic has acquired inflight rights.

Season Two In Development

Series two introduces a new chapter for Detective Sergeant Kat Crichton, played by Sorcha Groundsell, as she investigates a killer targeting the islands. As the case deepens, it exposes hidden lives and devastating secrets among the community’s young people, forcing Kat to confront her own complex ties to the Western Isles. Sam James Smith returns as Ruraidh Maclean, while the elemental landscape of Scotland’s Western Isles once again plays a central role in the storytelling.

“An t-Eilean" ("The Island)” continues Black Camel Pictures’ first-look partnership with All3Media International signed in 2023, following the global success of “Annika,” also produced by Black Camel.

Arabella Page Croft, CEO of Black Camel Pictures, said: “It’s an honour to create the first high-end Gaelic drama, and we’re delighted that All3Media International is now introducing even more viewers to the exceptional talent, breathtaking landscapes and wonderful language of this part of the world. It is always our ambition here at Black Camel in Scotland to make premium drama that appeals to a local, network and global audience, and following the success of 'An t-Eilean (The Island)' both at home and on the international stage, we look forward to returning another gripping instalment of our series”

Maartje Horchner, EVP at All3Media International, added: “We’re very pleased to announce this extensive line-up of new deals for 'An t-Eilean (The Island)'. Delivering the perfect combination of tense crime story and enthralling family drama, all brought to screen by the talented team at Black Camel Pictures, this ambitious thriller has attracted a lot of attention among buyers, proving the strength in demand for premium minority-language drama in the global market. We’re looking forward to speaking to buyers about the second series at the upcoming London TV Screenings and hope this will be just the start of this incredible drama’s ongoing success story.”

Bill MacLeod, Commissioning Editor at BBC ALBA, commented: “We’re delighted to have recommissioned this international award-winning show. 'An t-Eilean' will once again transport viewers to one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world with a taut and twisty story that will keep them on the edge of their seats until the final few frames.”

David Smith, Director of Screen Scotland, added: “'An t-Eilean' delivered Gaelic drama to the world for the first time and has reached further than we could ever have anticipated. Series two will be another step forward, and while Screen Scotland rarely funds second or subsequent series 'An t-Eilean' has such cultural significance that we have been able to support it.”