Scripted

All3Media International has finalised deals in the Americas, Europe and Australasia for The Drowning, it announced today. From Noel Clarke and Jason Maza’s All3Media-backed Unstoppable Film & Television, the ratings-winning thriller was produced in association with All3Media International for the UK’s Channel 5.

Starring Jill Halfpenny, Jonas Armstrong and Rupert Penry-Jones, four-part identity thriller The Drowning premiered to 2.8 million viewers on Channel 5 earlier this year, exceeding the channel’s slot average by 144%. All3Media International has now signed a new deal with AMC Networks’ Sundance Now and Acorn TV which will see the drama broadcasting simultaneously on both platforms across the US and South America beginning Thursday, May 6. Acorn TV will offer the series in the US, Canada and Latin America, while Sundance Now is available in the US and Canada.

The Drowning features in a new All3Media International drama package acquisition by C More Entertainment. Rights to the thriller have been secured by C More for Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, in a deal that also includes The Deceived, Blood, Mrs Wilson, Strangers and The Sounds. Further signings include a digital rights acquisition by Sky Network Television for New Zealand and a TV/SVOD acquisition by Hellenic Telecommunications for Greece. Dazzler Media has also secured DVD rights for UK and Eire.

Sally Habbershaw, EVP, Americas at All3Media International, commented, “The Drowning is attracting keen interest on the global stage with its combination of renowned talent on- and off-screen and gripping storyline. We’re delighted to see this buzz result in an initial round of deals in key territories, including a simultaneous Sundance Now/Acorn broadcast that will ensure the drama reaches the maximum number of viewers across their broad audience space. Channel 5 achieved impressive ratings when The Drowning made its debut earlier this year and we’re looking forward to similar success as this intriguing thriller rolls out worldwide.”

Matthew Graham, General Manager for Acorn TV and Sundance Now, said, “We’re excited to partner with frequent collaborator all3media international to bring both Acorn TV and Sundance Now subscribers another popular British drama. With a riveting script and top-notch ensemble, our subscribers across the US, Canada and Latin America are sure to be sucked into this addictive new thriller.”

The Drowning was stripped across four nights on Channel 5 in the UK in February. More than doubling the audience of its lead-in, the premiere episode ranked first in its timeslot against all rivals in the UK for Adults 16-24.

Written by Tim Dynevor (Emmerdale), The Drowning is directed by Carolina Giammetta (Vera) and produced by Mary McCarthy. Executive producers are Noel Clarke (Bulletproof), Jason Maza (Bulletproof), Alexandra Stone and Catriona McKenzie. It is created by Francesca Brill (Cuckoo, The Bait) and Luke Watson (Britannia, Ripper Street). Sebastian Cardwell serves as the Commissioning Editor for Channel 5.

When Jodie catches sight of Daniel, a teenage boy, she is convinced she has found her missing son. Whether she is right or not, in that moment her spark of hope is ignited and she commits to a dangerous and transgressive path that will take her to the edge of reason. How far will she go? How far would any of us go to find a missing child?

Jill Halfpenny (Three Girls, Dark Money, Liar) plays Jodie. Since losing her son eight years ago she has been rebuilding her life, but when she catches sight of Daniel it threatens to up-end the life that she has carefully pieced back together. Jonas Armstrong (The Bay, Ripper Street, Line of Duty) is Jason, Jodie’s only sibling, the only real support she has had in her life. Always in control, he is a practising lawyer, on the cusp of a huge promotion. Deborah Findlay plays Lynn, Jodie's mother, with whom she has a fractious relationship. Cody Molko plays Daniel, the boy Jodie becomes fixated with, and Rupert Penry-Jones (Whitechapel, Silk, Stan Lee's Lucky Man) plays his father Mark, an architect who keeps a tight rein on his emotions and on his son's life.