Channel 4 has secured the UK premiere broadcast rights to ‘Camelot’. The Irish-Canadian Co-Production is set to air in 2011 on Starz in the U.S and, now, Channel 4 in the UK. The deal was brokered for Channel 4 by Acting Head of Acquisitions, Penny Harris and GK-TV President Craig Cegielski.
‘Camelot’ is based on Thomas Malory’s 15th century book, ‘Le Morte d’Arthur’ and is set to weave authenticity into a modern telling of the Arthur legends that is relatable to contemporary audiences. The series’ starry cast includes Joseph Fiennes (Flash Forwad), Eva Green (Cracks), Jamie Campbell Bower (Sweeney Todd), Tamsin Egerton (St Trinians), Claire Forlani (Meet Joe Black) and Peter Mooney (Summer’s Blood).
The series commenced production in Ireland in June and is set to wrap in early December. Starz holds all U.S. rights – including home entertainment and digital distribution whilst GK-TV will handle the rest of the world. In addition to Channel 4 in the UK, ‘Camelot’ has been sold to RTL (Netherlands), DBS (Israel) and Sony AXN (Pan-Asia). GK-TV has additionally sold all rights in numerous other territories and regions including; France, Germany, Russia & CIS, Pan Eastern Europe, Pan Latin America, and Pan Middle East.
‘Camelot’ is a co-production between the Irish production company Octagon and Take 5 Productions in Canada, and is executive produced by Ecosse Films’ Douglass Rae (Nowhere Boy), Academy Award winning producer Graham King (The Departed,), Tim Headington (The Young Victoria) and Craig Cegielski.
The Irish executive producers on board include Morgan O’Sullivan (The Tudors), Octagon Films’ James Flynn (King Arthur) and the series creator, Michael Hirst (The Tudors). John Webber from Take 5 Productions will serve as the Canadian producer. The series is written by Chris Chibnall (Life on Mars, Torchwood).
