More Buyers Show Interest in ‘A Tale Of Two Cities’ with Kit Harington

Federation Studios Expands Global Reach with ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ Pre-Sales

Federation Studios has announced significant pre-sales for its upcoming adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities, featuring actor Kit Harington. The Dickens classic has been acquired by Canada’s CBC and Belgium’s RTBF, alongside Nordic broadcasters YLE, SVT, NRK, DR, and RUV.

Directed by Hong Khaou and crafted by Daniel West, known for his work on Top Boy, the adaptation stars Harington alongside François Civil and Mirren Mack. The series centers on the character of Charles Darnay, a French émigré navigating the turmoil between France and Britain during a tumultuous period. Produced by Federation in collaboration with Harington and West’s Thriker Films, the series promises a fresh take on the iconic narrative.

"We understand that entering the period drama space poses some risk for buyers," said Levy of Federation Studios. "However, this adaptation consists of only four episodes, which mitigates that risk for linear channels. The combination of excellent casting, intellectual property, and a robust budget gives us a significant number of first-window territories."

Federation is presenting A Tale of Two Cities at the London TV Screenings, highlighting its strategy for success in the English-language market. The studio has previously produced Around the World in 80 Days and is currently developing an adaptation of Gulliver’s Travels. Last year, Federation executives indicated that the studio was exploring a portfolio of eight to ten substantial English-language co-productions.

Levy noted a shift in market dynamics over the past few years. "We began noticing a change in the reception towards non-English-language shows," he stated. "In contrast, expansive English-language projects with large casts have significantly elevated our standing."

The studio has been engaging in earlier stages of production, including financing projects like A Tale of Two Cities. Pommier emphasized that the market recognizes this approach, allowing Federation to take on more pre-sales and co-productions. "Producers increasingly approach us to bridge financing gaps," he added.

In addition to A Tale of Two Cities, Federation is introducing Dustfall, which features Detective Tig Pollard as she investigates the mysterious case of an 18-year-old found naked in a cane field, lacking any memory of her circumstances. The show has secured pre-sales to the BBC and is set to present its first episode to buyers this morning. It is also the only Australian series slated for the Series Mania international competition next month.

Levy described Dustfall as having a tone reminiscent of Mare of Easttown and True Detective, addressing sexual violence in an accessible way. “It offers a nuanced exploration of sensitive themes,” she remarked.

The season is characterized by both its dramatic content and its unique “Tropic Noir” setting among Australia’s tropical landscapes.

In domestic sales, Federation has secured distribution for Jean-Xavier de Lestrade’s Des Vivants (Those Who Lived) to several international networks including HBO Max in France and Nova in Greece. This mini-series focuses on survivors of the tragic Bataclan terrorist attacks, marking the tenth anniversary of the event. It previously aired on France 2 following de-Lestrade’s successful series, Sambre.

At the London Screenings, Federation is also marketing a range of additional titles, including Disney+’s Lucky Luke about the renowned cowboy character, as well as Israel’s Jaffa and Sky New Zealand’s Anglesea.