Production will get underway on Friday, November 15th on the set of Parallel Films’ latest co-production for Sky 1 HD. The two part drama, ‘Treasure Island’ will star Emmy award winning comedian Eddie Izzard (Eddie Izzard: Dress to Kill) as Long John Silver and will shoot in Dublin and Cork for five weeks before moving production to Puerto Rico after Christmas.
Sky 1’s Head of Drama, Elaine Pyke commissioned the two x 120 minute drama which will shoot in Ireland and Puerto Rico. Written by Stewart Harcourt (Poirot, Marple) and helmed by Irish director Steve Barron (Merlin, Mike Bassett: England Manager), the new adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story will look to take a fresh and bold approach to the tale. Alongside director Steve Barron, ‘Treasure Island’ will boast the input of Irish talent in the shape of costume designer Lorna Marie Mugan (Killing Bono) and line producer Des Martin (Tara Road).
The two part drama will follow the story of Jim Hawkins who's unexpectedly drawn into the world of piracy when he discovers a treasure map. However, Eddie Izzard’s Long John Silver will stop at nothing to get hold of the gold for himself. As they set sail for Treasure Island, Jim embarks on an action adventure that will change his life forever. ‘Treasure Island’s director of photography is Ulf Brantas (Show Me Love) and the production designer is Rob Harris (Auf Wiedersehen, Pet). The drama’s shooting format is TBC, and further cast details and budget information about the project are currently unavailable.
Elaine Pyke commented on the commission, saying: “I am thrilled that Sky drama is going on this extraordinary adventure to reinvigorate this classic story. With the unique and multi talented Eddie Izzard in the iconic role of Long John Silver, we’re set to deliver a hugely exciting, morally complex and compelling story of pirates, heroes, friendship and treachery. We’re delighted to be working with renowned producer Robert Halmi Sr. of RHI Entertainment in addition to, MNG Films, Parallel Films and Kindle Entertainment in what promises to be a stunning new production of a timeless family favourite."
Following on from ‘Neverland’ which is still shooting in Dublin and Wicklow, ‘Treasure Island’ is part of Sky's multi-million pound HD drama investment fund. The drama’s Executive Producers are Annie Harrison-Baxter (The Second Coming) for Sky, Robert Halmi Sr (Tin Man) for RHI Entertainment, Alan Moloney (Triage) for Parallel Films, Mark Grenside (Adventures of William Tell) for MNG Films, Melanie Stokes (Dustbin Baby) and Anne Brogan (My Parents are Aliens) for Kindle Entertainment. The producer is Laurie Borg (Made in Dagenham, Sense and Sensibility). ‘Treasure Island’ is planned for release for Christmas 2012.
