Kit Harington is set to star in a fresh adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel, “A Tale of Two Cities,” and the project is rapidly gaining traction in the international market. Federation Studios has announced a wave of pre-sales, expanding the reach of the four-part limited series to broadcasters across Europe and Canada. This comes as the studio highlights a growing appetite for English-language co-productions, even within the traditionally cautious period drama genre.
The latest deals add Canada’s CBC and Belgium’s RTBF to a growing list of broadcasters already on board, including the BBC, MGM+ in the U.S., and Prime Video in France. Nordic broadcasters YLE (Finland), SVT (Sweden), NRK (Norway), DR (Denmark), and RUV (Iceland) have also secured rights to air the series, signaling strong regional interest in the adaptation. According to Federation, a second window deal in France is also in the works, with discussions ongoing for additional territories.
The series, created by Daniel West (“Top Boy”) and directed by Hong Khaou, boasts a compelling cast alongside Harington. François Civil (“Beating Hearts,” “The Three Musketeers”) and Mirren Mack (“Miss Austen,” “Hedda”) will also star, with Civil portraying Charles Darnay. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the escalating tensions between France and Britain, centering on Lucie Manette (Mack) and her search for her father, presumed dead for two decades, aided by the enigmatic lawyer Sydney Carton (Harington).
Strong Sales Despite Period Drama Market Challenges
Federation distribution co-head Guillaume Pommier noted that the series has “surpassed” expectations, particularly given the current market conditions for period dramas. “On the period drama side it is a bit risky for buyers,” Pommier explained, “But this one only has four episodes which limits the risk when you are a linear channel. It has great casting, IP and a healthy budget, and when you bring it together we now have a great number of first window territories.” This streamlined format – just four episodes – appears to be a key factor in attracting broadcasters, mitigating the financial risk associated with longer-form period pieces.
Federation is actively deficit financing “A Tale of Two Cities,” a strategy that reflects a broader trend within the studio towards greater involvement in the early stages of production. The studio is also handling pre-sales and co-productions, a process that now occupies at least half of their time, according to Pommier. This approach allows them to partner with producers and fill financing gaps, fostering a collaborative environment for ambitious projects.
Expanding English-Language Slate
“A Tale of Two Cities” is part of a larger push by Federation into English-language content. The studio has previously produced “Around the World in 80 Days” and is currently developing an adaptation of “Gulliver’s Travels.” Federation executives have indicated they have approximately eight to ten similar large-scale English-language co-productions in development. This shift reflects a broader industry trend, with non-English-language shows gaining prominence and English-language productions with significant casts attracting increased attention.
Alongside “A Tale of Two Cities,” Federation is also promoting “Dustfall,” an Australian “Tropic Noir” series starring Anna Torv. Deadline reports that “Dustfall” has already pre-sold to the BBC and will be screened for buyers this morning, and is the only Australian series competing at Series Mania next month. The series, which explores a harrowing case involving a young woman with amnesia, is being compared in tone to “Mare of Easttown” and “True Detective.”
Federation’s international sales efforts also include Jean-Xavier de Lestrade’s “Des Vivants (Those Who Lived),” a mini-series about the survivors of the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks at the Bataclan concert venue, which has been sold to broadcasters in France, Greece, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal. The studio is shopping Disney+’s “Lucky Luke,” Israel’s “Jaffa,” and Sky New Zealand’s “Anglesea” at the London Screenings.
What’s Next for ‘A Tale of Two Cities’
With pre-production underway and a strong roster of international partners secured, “A Tale of Two Cities” is poised to become a significant period drama offering. Shooting commenced in October, and the series is expected to air on MGM+ in the U.S. And BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK. Further announcements regarding additional territory sales are anticipated as Federation continues to pitch its slate to buyers.
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