Filming in Poland, The Passing Bells will chronicle the Great War in five half-hour parts through the eyes of two ordinary young men who enlist in a conflict they expect will be over within months. As the war unfolds, so do the boys’ stories as they grow up amid horror but also find love.
“This is a hugely important project for British television in this, the centenary of the First World War," said Jordan, executive producer and managing director of Red Planet Pictures, calling it "a conflict that shaped Europe as we know it today. It was always going to be vital to find a meaningful European partner for this project and working with TVP is something Red Planet is very excited about.”
The deal was brokered by BBC Worldwide and Apple, led by Dariusz Jabłoński, will act as the Polish co-producer on the series for TVP and BBC Worldwide will e global distributor. The previous collaboration between BBC Worldwide, TVP and Apple, the critically acclaimed thriller Spies of Warsaw based on the Alan Furst novel, was set during the years leading up to the WWII, captivating audiences throughout the UK and Poland last year.
TVP1 director Piotr Radziszewski said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with the BBC again on such a prestigious, large-scale project. We have a shared ambition to create bold, compelling drama that will resonate with audiences not only in the UK and Poland but all around the world.”
Ben Donald, executive producer for international drama at BBC Worldwide, called the project “an important piece of commemorative drama whose emotional impact we are confident will captivate audiences in Poland and indeed globally.“ Jabłoński said the working relationship “opens up fantastic opportunities to develop co-productions in Poland," and said the series is based on "a fantastic script" by Jordan that "brings a unique opportunity for the Polish film industry to work with Europe's best professionals."
The Passing Bells, produced by Jordan’s independent production company Red Planet Pictures through BBC Cymru Wales Drama, will be executive produced by Jordan, Red Planet and Bethan Jones for the BBC. The series will also be available as four 45-minute episodes and as two 90-minute episodes.
Commissioned by Ben Stephenson, controller of BBC drama and Danny Cohen, director of television, the series will form a key part of BBC One’s programming to mark the centenary of WWI and will appear on TVP in November to coincide with celebrations to mark the rebirth of an independent Poland.
The deal was announced by BBC Worldwide at its annual TV export market BBC Worldwide Showcase, which is taking place this week.
