Monday 7 June 2010

BBC Press Release: International Partnership secures new series of Torchwood

The BBC and Starz Entertainment announce a new series of Torchwood to be produced, with the return of John Barrowman and Eve Myles.

BBC Torchwood Site: INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP SECURES NEW SERIES OF TORCHWOOD
Monday 7th June 2010

BBC Cymru Wales, BBC Worldwide and US premium entertainment network, Starz Entertainment, have today announced a three way co-production partnership that will develop a new series of the hit BBC sci-fi drama Torchwood. BBC Worldwide will also distribute the series to broadcasters globally.

The 10-episode instalment will be written by a team led by Torchwood creator, Russell T Davies, and produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Davies and BBC Worldwide Productions’ SVP Scripted, Julie Gardner, return as executive producers with BBC Worldwide Productions EVP Jane Tranter. The series has been commissioned by Controller BBC ONE, Jay Hunt, Controller BBC Drama, Ben Stephenson, and Starz President and CEO, Chris Albrecht.

While previous series were based on location in Cardiff, Wales, this new instalment will see storylines widen to include locations in the U.S. and around the world. John Barrowman and Eve Myles will return in their roles as Captain Jack and Gwen respectively, along with new faces.

Announcing the commission, Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning said: "We have a long history of working with many U.S. networks but it is incredibly exciting to be working with Starz for the first time, as well as to be reunited with the best of British in Russell, Jane and Julie. Torchwood will burst back onto the screen with a shocking and moving story with global stakes and locations that will make it feel bigger and bolder than ever"

Jane Tranter, EVP, BBC Worldwide Productions, added: "Torchwood has attracted remarkable attention and loyalty in both the UK and U.S., and in this new partnership with Starz, the next chapter will not only reward our current fans, but also introduce new viewers to the most impressive instalment yet."

"We're committed to programming exceptional television that is entertaining, imaginative and provides a premium TV experience, and by any measure the new concept for Torchwood fits that mandate," Starz, LLC, President and CEO Chris Albrecht said. "I've been part of successful partnerships with Jane Tranter and the BBC previously, and I'm very much looking forward to working with them again."

Torchwood is a drama that puts extraterrestrial threats into a very real world, and asks how humanity deals with the danger - while fighting human's darkest instincts. The series was originally commissioned and produced in 2006 by BBC Cymru Wales, with the latest high octane series capturing UK audiences of more than 6 million.

BBC Worldwide has distributed previous Torchwood series around the world to territories such as Korea, Japan, Italy, Spain, Israel, Russia and across Latin America.

BBC Worldwide Release: Starz fired up for a new series of the BBC's hit franchise 'Torchwood'

Starz Entertainment has acquired U.S. television rights to the next installment of the BBC's audience sensation Torchwood, developed and produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Starz will debut the 10-episode series exclusively in the U.S., and BBC One will debut it in the U.K., both in summer, 2011. This is a co-production between Starz, BBC Cymru Wales and BBC Worldwide, and BBC Worldwide will distribute the show outside the U.S. The deal was jointly announced today by Starz, LLC, President and CEO Chris Albrecht and BBC Worldwide Productions EVP Jane Tranter.

The stars of the previous versions of "Torchwood," notably John Barrowman (Capt. Jack Harkness) and Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper), will return for the new version. Additional key cast, reflecting the more international scope of the series, will be announced soon.

Torchwood is a drama that puts extraterrestrial threats into a very real world, and asks how humanity deals with the danger - while fighting mankind’s darkest instincts. The series' previous three seasons aired on BBC America in the U.S. and garnered record-breaking ratings for the network. Created by visionary writer/producer Russell T Davies, Torchwood has to date been located primarily in Cardiff, Wales. The new series will allow Davies and his writing team to tell a more explosive and global story, one that takes advantage of the unlimited narrative opportunities of a premium television service like Starz. Davies and BBC Worldwide Productions' SVP Scripted Julie Gardner return as executive producers, with Davies also serving as show-runner for the new Torchwood.

"We're committed to programming exceptional television that is entertaining, imaginative and provides a premium TV experience, and by any measure the new concept for Torchwood fits that mandate," Starz, LLC, President and CEO Chris Albrecht said. "I've been part of successful partnerships with Jane Tranter and the BBC previously, and I'm very much looking forward to working with them again."

"Torchwood has attracted remarkable attention and loyalty in both the UK and U.S., and in this new partnership with Starz, the next chapter will not only reward our current fans, but also introduce new viewers to the most impressive installment yet," said Jane Tranter, EVP, BBC Worldwide Productions. "Chris Albrecht and his team are committed to delivering quality premium programming to their subscribers, also a core attribute of the BBC, and we are excited to be working with them as the ‘Torchwood’ adventure continues."

"Russell, Jane and Julie came to us with a compelling vision for the evolution of the Torchwood saga that really takes the story into whole new areas," added Carmi Zlotnik, Managing Director of Starz Media – the production and development division of Starz. "The compelling story and characters this trio created provide a strong template for driving this narrative in exciting ways."

Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning said: "We have a long history of working with many U.S. networks, but it is incredibly exciting to be working with Starz for the first time, as well as to be reunited with the best of British in Russell, Jane and Julie. Torchwood will burst back onto the screen with a shocking and moving story with global stakes and locations that will make it feel bigger and bolder than ever."

Torchwood is the latest piece of notable programming from Starz. It follows on the heels of the recently concluded first season of the epic "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," this summer's highly anticipated event series "The Pillars of the Earth," based on author Ken Follett's international bestseller, and the recently announced series "Camelot," which Starz is co-producing with GK-TV and will air early in 2011.

Torchwood originally debuted in the UK on BBC One in 2006. All five episodes of "Torchwood: Children of Earth" reached the Top 10 list in TV Episodes across the entire iTunes TV Store, with episode 1 of the series reaching the top spot the week of launch in August, 2009.

Starz Press Release: STARZ FIRED UP FOR A NEW SERIES OF 
THE BBC’S HIT FRANCHISE ‘TORCHWOOD’

New Installment From BBC Worldwide Productions to Add 
To Starz’ Premium Programming Lineup in Summer of 2011

Key Cast – John Barrowman (Capt. Jack), Eve Myles (Gwen) – 
To Return for the Next Installment, Along With New Faces

Los Angeles, CA – June 7, 2010 – Starz Entertainment has acquired U.S. television rights to the next installment of the BBC’s audience sensation “Torchwood,” developed and produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Starz will debut the 10-episode series exclusively in the U.S., and BBC One will debut it in the U.K., both in summer, 2011. This is a co-production between Starz, BBC Cymru Wales and BBC Worldwide, and BBC Worldwide will distribute the show outside the U.S. The deal was jointly announced today by Starz, LLC, President and CEO Chris Albrecht and BBC Worldwide Productions EVP Jane Tranter.

The stars of the previous versions of “Torchwood,” notably John Barrowman (Capt. Jack Harkness) and Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper), will return for the new version. Additional key cast, reflecting the more international scope of the series, will be announced soon.

“’Torchwood” is a drama that puts extraterrestrial threats into a very real world, and asks how humanity deals with the danger – while fighting mankind’s darkest instincts. The series’ previous three seasons aired on BBC America in the U.S. and garnered record-breaking ratings for the network. Created by visionary writer/producer Russell T Davies, “Torchwood” has to date been located primarily in Cardiff, Wales. The new series will allow Davies and his writing team to tell a more explosive and global story, one that takes advantage of the unlimited narrative opportunities of a premium television service like Starz.

Davies and BBC Worldwide Productions’ SVP Scripted Julie Gardner return as executive producers, with Davies also serving as show-runner for the new “Torchwood.”

“We’re committed to programming exceptional television that is entertaining, imaginative and provides a premium TV experience, and by any measure the new concept for ‘Torchwood’ fits that mandate,” Starz, LLC, President and CEO Chris Albrecht said. “I’ve been part of successful partnerships with Jane Tranter and the BBC previously, and I’m very much looking forward to working with them again.”

“‘Torchwood’ has attracted remarkable attention and loyalty in both the UK and U.S., and in this new partnership with Starz, the next chapter will not only reward our current fans, but also introduce new viewers to the most impressive installment yet,” said Jane Tranter, EVP, BBC Worldwide Productions. “Chris Albrecht and his team are committed to delivering quality premium programming to their subscribers, also a core attribute of the BBC, and we are excited to be working with them as the ‘Torchwood’ adventure continues.”

“Russell, Jane and Julie came to us with a compelling vision for the evolution of the ‘Torchwood’ saga that really takes the story into whole new areas,” added Carmi Zlotnik, Managing Director of Starz Media – the production and development division of Starz. “The compelling story and characters this trio created provide a strong template for driving this narrative in exciting ways.”

Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning said: “We have a long history of working with many U.S. networks, but it is incredibly exciting to be working with Starz for the first time, as well as to be reunited with the best of British in Russell, Jane and Julie. ‘Torchwood’ will burst back onto the screen with a shocking and moving story with global stakes and locations that will make it feel bigger and bolder than ever.”

“Torchwood” is the latest piece of notable programming from Starz. It follows on the heels of the recently concluded first season of the epic “Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” this summer’s highly anticipated event series “The Pillars of the Earth,” based on author Ken Follett’s international bestseller, and the recently announced series “Camelot,” which Starz is co-producing with GK-TV and will air early in 2011.

“Torchwood” originally debuted in the UK on BBC One in 2006. All five episodes of “Torchwood: Children of Earth” reached the Top 10 list in TV Episodes across the entire iTunes TV Store, with episode 1 of the series reaching the top spot the week of launch in August, 2009.


Russell T Davies talks to BBC News on the developments:

This video may not play outside of the United Kingdom

Media Coverage (added 10th June):
Alibi(10th) - “Torchwood” Still Burning
South Wales Echo(9th) - Torchwood is on its way back and it’s going global
Digital Spy(9th) - Russell T. Davies teases new 'Torchwood'
Digital Spy(9th) - Starz promises bigger 'Torchwood' budget
Crave(9th) - Season 4 of Torchwood will be more 'international'
Airlock Alpha(9th) - Two Strips Of Latinum: Starz's Gain Is Fox's Loss
Techwatch(9th) - Torchwood to make a return
Daemons TV(9th) - TORCHWOOD Season 4 To Premiere on BBC One and Starz in Summer 2011
BSC Review(8th) - Torchwood to Starz Next Summer
Den of Geek(8th) - Torchwood returns for fourth series
Variety [registration](7th) - Starz keeps 'Torchwood' ablaze
TV Overmind(7th) - Americanized "Torchwood" Not So American After-All

Media Coverage:
Guardian(8th) - Torchwood: who should join the team?
Film School Rejects(8th) - Never Fear, ‘Torchwood’ is in Good Hands at Starz
Variety(8th) - Starz keeps 'Torchwood' burning
Los Angeles Times(8th) - Starz sets 'Pillars' debut, adds 'Torchwood'
Paste Magazine(8th) - Torchwood Picked Up By Starz
Anglotopia(8th) - Torchwood Will Return Summer 2011 To Starz – Torchwood Series 4
C21Media(8th) - Torchwood reaches for Starz
Big Shiny Robot(7th) - New series of Torchwood goes International
Techno Finger(8th) - Torchwood Series 4 – Confirmed!
BBC News(8th) - Torchwood returns with international flavour
ATV Network(8th) - The New Torchwood: What You Want To See
Toronto Star(8th) - TV news and listings for Tuesday
UPI(7th) - 'Torchwood' to return for fourth season
News OK(7th) - Starz obtains U.S. rights to BBC series “Torchwood”
Playbill(7th) - Barrowman to Appear in New "Torchwood" Season on Starz
Radio Free Skaro(7th) - STARZ, BBC AMERICA TEAM UP FOR NEW TORCHWOOD SERIES
Crave(7th) - Starz and BBC To Co-Produce New Season of 'Torchwood'
Zap2It(7th) - 'Torchwood' moves to Starz in 2011
Hit Fix(7th) - BBC & Starz team up for more 'Torchwood'
Reuters(7th) - Starz picks up British show "Torchwood"
The HD Room(7th) - Fourth Season of Torchwood to Air on Starz
The Wrap(7th) - Starz Brings 'Torchwood' Across the Pond
Television Without Pity(7th) - Today's TWOP News
East Valley Tribune(7th) - 'Torchwood' gets new U.S. home, global vibe
MTV(7th) - New 'Torchwood' TV Series To Debut In U.S., John Barrowman Will Return
UGO(7th) - Torchwood Seeing Starz in 2011
TV.com(7th) - Starz Acquires Torchwood
New York Times(7th) - New Season of ‘Torchwood’ Is Coming to Starz
Newsday [subscription](7th) - "Torchwood" to Starz
New York Magazine(7th) - Starz Brings Torchwood Back From the Dead
Hollywood Reporter(7th) - Starz picks up 'Torchwood'
Hollywood Reporter(7th) - 'Torchwood' interviews with Starz chief Chris Albrecht, creator Russell T. Davies
Seattle Post Intelligencer(7th) - Starz Acquires Torchwood
ATV Network(7th) - More details on new Torchwood
Entertainment Weekly(7th) - Breaking: Starz acquires Torchwood
The Stage(7th) - Torchwood to return for fourth series in US co-production deal
Sign On San-Diego(7th) - TV News: "Torchwood" returns
Theater Mania(7th) - Torchwood, Starring John Barrowman, to Return to TV in Summer 2011
The Guardian(7th) - Torchwood to return for fourth series
World Screen(7th) - Starz On Board New Torchwood Installment
Monsters & Critics(7th) - BBC's Torchwood to Starz in 2011
Earth Times(7th) - Starz Fired Up for a New Series of the BBC's Hit Franchise 'Torchwood'
Chicago Tribune(7th) - New season of 'Torchwood' to air on Starz and have 'international' vibe
Yahoo Finance(7th) - Starz Fired Up for a New Series of the BBC's Hit Franchise 'Torchwood'
Futon Critic(7th) - STARZ FIRED UP FOR A NEW SERIES OF THE BBC'S HIT FRANCHISE 'TORCHWOOD'