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Press Releases
91Èȱ¬ Drama commissions Burn Up for 91Èȱ¬ Two
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91Èȱ¬ Drama today announces the commission of Burn Up, a two-part,
provocative drama set in the real-life context of climate change.
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To
transmit on 91Èȱ¬ Two in 2008, Burn Up is written by Simon Beaufoy (The
Full Monty) and produced by Kudos Film and Television, who have produced
some of the 91Èȱ¬'s best loved dramas, including Spooks and Life On Mars.
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Burn Up is an emotionally powerful story of love, commitment and divided
loyalty – a thriller in which the stakes couldn't be higher.
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Producers Kudos Film and Television and SEVEN24 Films (Heartland, Tom
Stone), along with worldwide distributor, Alchemy Television, have put
together an extraordinary cast for this taut production, headed by Emmy
award-winner Bradley Whitford, best known for his role as Josh on The
West Wing.
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Whitford is joined by Neve Campbell (Scream trilogy) and
Rupert Penry-Jones (Spooks).
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This topical thriller sees oil company executives, environmental
activists and politicians collide in the battle between economic success
and ecological responsibility.
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Penry-Jones stars as Tom, who, having
been named the new head of Arrow Oil, finds his life unravelling as he's
pulled into a high-stakes game of power and international intrigue.
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Campbell plays his colleague Holly, whose covert collaboration with
environmentalists puts her in great jeopardy, and Whitford plays Tom's
best friend Mack, a charismatic yet unscrupulous oil industry lobbyist.
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We follow the trio's lives and loves as they hurtle towards a global
climate change summit.
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Director Omar Madha (Spooks, Clocking Off) has begun pre-production and
shooting starts later this month in Calgary, Canada, arriving in London
in early 2008.
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91Èȱ¬ Commissioning Editor for Drama, Lucy Richer, says: "Burn Up is a
highly authored piece wholly of this unique moment in time. The exciting
mix of US, Canadian and UK talent, the awesome backdrop of the Canadian
wilds combined with Simon's taut and provocative script makes for an
epic proposition."
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Kudos Film and Television's Stephen Garrett says: "As a lifelong fan of
the political thriller, it's been incredibly satisfying to marry it to
the most urgent issue facing us as the century unfolds – a potent
cocktail of fiction and fact that we hope will enlighten as much as it
will entertain."
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Alchemy CEO Carrie Stein says: "Climate change and environmental issues
affect us all, so Burn Up will strike a chord with every viewer. Writer
Simon Beaufoy has constantly updated his research so our script is as
current and realistic as today's front-page news."
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Burn Up is produced by Kudos Film and Television and Calgary-based
SEVEN24 Films for the 91Èȱ¬ (UK) and Global Television (Canada).
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It is
written by Simon Beaufoy (The Full Monty), directed by Omar Madha and is
a UK/Canada treaty co-production.
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Global's Christine Shipton says: "I was immediately attracted to the
potential of this project. Not only are the auspices of the creative
team excellent, but I knew the story would be very relatable to Canadian
audiences, as much of it hinges on activities right here in our
homeland."
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Burn Up follows bold and challenging 91Èȱ¬ drama commissions for 2008
including Messiah (a Great Meadow production for 91Èȱ¬ Northern Ireland) and Bonekickers (Monastic Productions/Mammoth Screen for 91Èȱ¬ One).
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Burn Up will transmit on 91Èȱ¬ Two in 2008.
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Burn Up was commissioned by Jane Tranter, 91Èȱ¬ Controller of Fiction. Ìý
PPR
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