Amazon Prime video and BBC Worldwide green light Lookout Point’s new fashion drama.
BBC Worldwide and Amazon Prime Video have greenlit Lookout Point’s period fashion drama, THE COLLECTION – an eight part series, set in the world of French haute couture just after the Second World War – which will launch exclusively in 2016 for Amazon Prime members in the UK. The series is created, written and executive produced by award-winning showrunner Oliver Goldstick (Ugly Betty, Lipstick Jungle, Pretty Little Liars).
The series is also Executive Produced by Anne Thomopoulos (Rome, Borgia, Versailles), Kate Croft (Murderland), whilst Federation Entertainment’s Pascal Breton (Marseille) has signed as French co-production partner and Executive Producer.
THE COLLECTION is the story of an illustrious Paris fashion house, emerging from the dark days of the Occupation, now ushering in a new golden age of design and business. This gripping family saga, centred on two very different brothers, exposes the grit behind the glamour and the treachery beneath the trappings of this empire, and all who work there.
Oliver Goldstick heads up a world-renowned creative team, including Emmy award-winning director Dearbhla Walsh (Penny Dreadful, The Tudors, Esio Trot), BAFTA award-winning producer Selwyn Roberts (Parade’s End, Strike Back), production designer Alison Dominitz (Casanova, Hotel Splendide), costume designers Chattoune & Fab (Dheepan, Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky) and casting director Rachel Freck (The Go-Between, Life in Squares).
Goldstick says
“I’m thrilled to be working with this fantastic team. The Collection has been a passion project of mine for years; an entrepreneurial fable set in a pivotal moment in history, where fashion served as the ultimate vehicle for transformation and re-invention. It’s the story of a war-scarred family – upstairs and downstairs — tethered together by its success and its secrets.”
Executive Producer, Kate Croft who originated the series with Goldstick under her exclusive development and production deal with Lookout Point says
“Out of our shared passion for the world and the period, Oliver has created his extraordinary vision of Paris and the Golden Age of Couture. It’s full of his signature flourishes, and his unique take means we get to peek behind the elegant façade and realise it is not just about the dresses, but more about what they are covering up”
Lookout Point CEO Simon Vaughan commented
“This is a pioneering partnership structure between BBC Worldwide, Amazon Prime combined with investment from Pinewood and the Welsh Government. World class partners, but working together in entirely new ways. I am very proud of the fact that we are finding new and exciting partnerships to greenlight the best projects.”
Chris Bird, Film & TV Strategy Director, Amazon Video UK says
“We’re delighted to be bringing such a smart, sophisticated period piece to Amazon Prime members in the UK. We aim to bring our customers the best international TV has to offer, and we’re sure our members will enjoy this window into the seemingly glamourous world of Parisian haute couture, perhaps hiding a more sinister undercurrent.”
Liam Keelan, Director of Scripted for BBC Worldwide commented
“The project marks another dynamic shift in the way that drama is being created and produced globally” says “The Collection epitomises the kind of exciting creative opportunities and business models now emerging, in particular from our strategic relationship with Lookout Point. But above all, its attraction is an outstanding script with amazing talent attached”.
The project commences production in January, filming in both Wales and France. It will receive investment from the Pinewood Wales Investment Budget as well as Pinewood.
Goldstick’s deal was brokered by Cori Wellins and Melissa Myers of WME and Don and Matt Walerstein of Rohner & Walerstein.
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