News has emerged of a deal struck at the Galway Film Fleadh between London, Toronto and LA based international distributor KEW MEDIA, Germany’s Hold The Page, and Irish production company Zanzibar Films to co-develop, co-produce and distribute a new Irish crime TV series, DONEGAL – The Inishowen Mysteries, based on the books by Andrea Carter.
Described as ‘modern day Agatha Christie’ the 90 minute series is designed to appeal to fans of Broadchurch, Grantchester or The Case Histories. It is set on the rugged Inishowen Peninsula where the protagonist, Ben (short for Benedicta) O’Keeffe, runs the most northerly legal practice in the country and helps local police sergeant Tom Molloy solve mysteries that the remote community throws up.
This agreement includes the novels Death at Whitewater Church, Treacherous Strand, and The Well of Ice, ahead of the publication of Murder at Greysbridge in October 2018, which is the start of the second trilogy. Kerry Glencorse from Susanna Lea Associates negotiated the deal. Katrin Hensel-Ovenden has been secured to write the first screenplay.
When I first read Whitewater Church on submission it felt destined for TV: the windswept landscapes, the eccentric locals, the surly love interest in Sergeant Tom Molloy and, of course Ben, our feisty and troubled heroine. I can’t wait to see the characters brought to the screen.
Kerry Glencorse – Susanna Lea Associates
I was enthralled when I read Andrea Carter’s series of books Death at Whitewater Church, Treacherous Strand, and The Well of Ice– with such a great female lead character, Ben – and felt that it would make the perfect TV series. A huge appeal was to shoot the series in Donegal, where the books are set; the iconic beautiful landscape of Donegal is breathtaking and a perfect backdrop to the series.
Edwina Forkin, Executive Producer and CEO – Zanzibar Films
As a female writer I am very enthusiastic about accompanying this interesting female lead, who is simultaneously fragile and strong, is full of vitality and curiosity, laced with sadness. Her determination to do the right thing leads her into dangerously dramatic situations where she has little regard for her own safety.
Katrin Hensel-Ovenden, Screenwriter
I admire their work and fully endorse their plans to adapt my novels. I am confident that they understand the characters and love the setting as I do and I am especially excited that they intend to film the series in Donegal itself.
Andrea Carter, Creator and Writer
We are confident that Andrea Carter’s compelling stories and characters, combined with the stunning landscapes of Donegal, will draw a strong global audience. The demand for high quality international drama is greater than ever, and we’re very pleased to be part of this exciting new creative collaboration.
Greg Phillips, President of Distribution – KEW MEDIA
>After adapting all of Ken Bruen’s Jack Taylor novels for television I love the challenge of bringing another Irish crime series to the global market.
Ralph Christians, Executive Producer – Hold the Page
The producers are currently negotiating a co-production deal with the renowned German production company Neue Deutsche Filmgesellschaft (ndF) which will secure a German broadcast deal.