Earlier this year, fans of hit ITV series Primeval were both perplexed and dismayed when the channel announced that it had canceled the show and there would not be a fourth series produced. In fact, many others were surprised as well as the program had a loyal following and seemed to be doing well in domestic viewership and and overseas popularity on BBC America. Now, much like the prehistoric monsters on the show, Primeval is refusing extinction as an unprecedented intrenational collaboration has reached a deal to produce thirteen brand new episodes to be broadcast in 2011. This is a very unique deal as, for the first time, BBC America will step in as a co-producing partner. This should probably ensure that Primeval debuts on the US cable channel simultaneously with its first run in the UK. All the details that are known for now are in the below press release and we’ll have more as we get them. For now, be glad that Primeval and hope that this sets a precedent for future popular shows that get abruptly canceled.
International collaboration brings Primeval back from extinction
– BBC AMERICA co-produces 13 new episodes for 2011 –
New York, September 29, 2009 – A unique international collaboration has guaranteed the return of hit series Primeval to BBC AMERICA, and TV screens across the globe.
The groundbreaking deal between Impossible Pictures Limited (IPL), BBC Worldwide (BBCW) and ITV, will deliver 13 new episodes in 2011. It will also ensure that the spectacular special effects that have made Primeval such a huge success will continue throughout the new season.
Original co-production partners ITV, ProSieben and BBC Worldwide return to co-fund the new series, with BBC Worldwide becoming the majority funding partner. BBC AMERICA, takes on a full co-production credit for the first time and UKTV becomes a first-time investor.
Jonathan Drake, MD of Impossible Pictures Ltd says: “The dramatic changes in the business of broadcasting in the last 12 months have meant we have had to completely rethink how we put the funding together for a top-end series like Primeval. The fact that the series is so well established and loved both in the UK and overseas has meant that everyone has been willing to do their best to give us the backing we needed. With the continued enthusiasm of co-producers such as ProSieben and the fantastic support of the team at BBC Worldwide we have stitched together a ground-breaking clutch of deals that will guarantee Primeval’s ongoing success.”
Helen Jackson, BBC Worldwide’s Director of Independents added: “There was a real desire between Impossible Pictures, ITV, ProSieben and BBC Worldwide to make this project succeed and to bring Primeval back from the brink of extinction. Our increased investment in the title is a reflection of our belief in the quality of the whole production and its international appeal.”
Richard de Croce, SVP Programming at BBC AMERICA adds: “Primeval is one of BBC AMERICA’s all time top ten shows and we’re thrilled to be co-producing the new season. It’s an innovative deal securing the future of an innovative show – and we can’t wait to bring it back to U.S. fans.”
The new series will be show run once again by Adrian Hodges and will feature the return of stars from the previous series, including Hannah Spearritt, Andrew Lee Potts and Jason Flemyng, alongside special effects created by the award-winning team at Framestore CFC.
Primeval is one of BBC Worldwide’s most successful drama exports and has been sold to over 45 countries, including Australia, America, Singapore and South Korea. In the UK the show, which broadcast on ITV1, reached audiences of over 5.5 million every week.