BETH: CHANNEL 4 ANNOUNCES NEW DIGITAL DRAMA, CAST CONFIRMED

Channel 4 has commissioned its first digital original drama to broadcast on Channel 4’s YouTube, as well as Channel 4 Streaming and linear.

Beth is a three-part science fiction drama written and directed by Uzo Oleh (Edicius), executive produced by Anna Higgs and produced by Dark Pictures and GroupM Motion Entertainment. The series stars Nicholas Pinnock (This Town, The Book of Clarence, For Life) and Abbey Lee (Horizon: An American Saga, Mad Max: Fury Road) as married couple Joe and Molly.

Joe and Molly have it all, they're deeply in love, successful in their careers and living the high life. But one thing is missing – a child. So when Molly falls pregnant after years of false hope, it feels like a miracle.

Months later, when their baby daughter, Imogen, is born, she’s as Caucasian as can be, with no resemblance to Joe, her father. As Joe and Molly’s life is thrown into turmoil, Joe begins to unravel a shocking truth that rocks him, Molly and, potentially, the world to the core. Will Joe be able to keep his discovery a secret in order to protect his family?

Uzo Oleh says: “Bringing Beth to life has been an extraordinary journey, made possible by the support of my producers and commissioners, who championed the vision at every turn. Collaborating with Nicholas and Abbey has been an honour, the depth and nuance they bring to their performances elevates the story beyond what I could have imagined...

"Every department, from design to cinematography, is filled with world-class artists who poured their hearts into crafting something both intimate and universal, all while pretending not to notice when I cried during takes. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created together. Beth is a testament to what’s possible when passionate, talented individuals unite to reimagine one of the oldest stories ever told.”

Nicholas Pinnock said: “Beth was such an intriguing concept it was impossible to turn down. Taking on the role of Joe has been a chance to explore the often-unspoken challenges of parenthood and identity and I’m immensely proud to be a part of this fascinating project. It has been an honour to work with the incredibly talent Uzo Oleh and the team at Dark Pictures to bring his gripping story to life.”

Abbey Lee comments: “Uzo Oleh’s stunning portrayal of love, miracles and heartache had me hooked instantly. He has written the character of Molly with such grace and humour and I knew instantly that I wanted to work with him. His ability to take highly conceptual ideas and base them in the truth of what it is to be human is what astounds me the most. Being on set has been fun, relaxed, inspiring and collaborative.”

Thomas Pullen, Digital Commissioning Executive for Channel 4, said: “From the first moment I read Beth, I had goosebumps at the prospect of commissioning this incredible story built on two amazing characters in Joe and Molly. This project is truly groundbreaking for us - showing that short, episodic drama can attract incredible talent both in front of and behind the camera. It’s been a privilege to work with Uzo Oleh and Dark Pictures to bring this shocking love story to life, which asks difficult questions at the same time as reflecting society right back to us – everything a great science fiction story should do.”

Yaw Basoah, Dark Pictures’ Executive Producer, said: “It’s been a pleasure to produce Uzo Oleh’s television debut, Beth, and partner with Anna Higgs, Channel 4 and GroupM Motion Entertainment to bring his incredible, multilayered vision to life.  We’re immensely proud to have collaborated with our fantastic cast, expertly led by Nicholas and Abbey, and a host of creative talent that have strengthened BETH at every stage.”

Executive Producer Anna Higgs adds: “To work with Uzo, Yaw, Thomas and the whole team on Channel 4’s first original digital drama feels like a full circle moment for me. Having worked at Film4 some 15 years ago, with an innovation remit, I’m glad to see Channel 4 continuing to blaze a trail and support bold emerging storytellers to make work in new ways and I’m so proud to be a part of making this happen.”

Deep Sehgal, Head of Creative Diversity and Executive Producer for GroupM Motion Entertainment, said: “Beth is an intriguing and hugely compelling proposition – a tiny but perfectly formed thriller with a superb cast, made by a visionary writer and director. It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to bring this unique project to the screen through the Diverse Indies Fund.”

Beth is a 3x15’ drama for Channel 4’s YouTube and Channel 4 Streaming and will also have a 1x45’ linear broadcast. It was commissioned for Channel 4 Digital by Thomas Pullen, Digital Commissioning Executive, with Laura Marks, Digital Commissioning Editor, and Sacha Khari, Channel 4’s Head of Digital Commissioning. The series was developed by Danyele Seignoret, Development Executive, Channel 4 Drama.

The series is produced by Dark Pictures and is funded by Channel 4 and GroupM Motion Entertainment’s Diverse Indies Fund. The Diverse Indies Fund was set up to support small and medium-sized ethnically diverse-led independent production companies to produce new projects. The fund is overseen by Vivienne Molokwu, Senior Commissioning Editor at Channel 4 and Deep Sehgal, Head of Creative Diversity at GroupM Motion Entertainment.

The executive producers are Anna Higgs, Dark Pictures’ Yaw Basoah, Uzo Oleh and Deep Sehgal for GroupM Motion Entertainment.