Channel 4 has commissioned its first digital original drama to broadcast on Channel 4’s YouTube, as well as Channel 4 Streaming and linear…
Beth is a three-part science fiction drama written and directed by Uzo Oleh, executive produced by Anna Higgs and produced by Dark Pictures and GroupM Motion Entertainment. The series stars Nicholas Pinnock and Abbey Lee as married couple Joe and Molly.
Thomas Pullen, Digital Commissioning Executive for Channel 4:
“From the first moment I read Beth, I had goosebumps at the prospect of commissioning this incredible story built on two amazing characters in Joe and Molly. This project is truly groundbreaking for us – showing that short, episodic drama can attract incredible talent both in front of and behind the camera. It’s been a privilege to work with Uzo Oleh and Dark Pictures to bring this shocking love story to life, which asks difficult questions at the same time as reflecting society right back to us – everything a great science fiction story should do.”
Joe and Molly have it all, they’re deeply in love, successful in their careers and living the high life. But one thing is missing – a child. So when Molly falls pregnant after years of false hope, it feels like a miracle.
Months later, when their baby daughter, Imogen, is born, she’s as Caucasian as can be, with no resemblance to Joe, her father. As Joe and Molly’s life is thrown into turmoil, Joe begins to unravel a shocking truth that rocks him, Molly and, potentially, the world to the core. Will Joe be able to keep his discovery a secret in order to protect his family?
Uzo Oleh:
“Bringing Beth to life has been an extraordinary journey, made possible by the support of my producers and commissioners, who championed the vision at every turn. Collaborating with Nicholas and Abbey has been an honour, the depth and nuance they bring to their performances elevates the story beyond what I could have imagined.
“Every department, from design to cinematography, is filled with world-class artists who poured their hearts into crafting something both intimate and universal, all while pretending not to notice when I cried during takes. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created together. Beth is a testament to what’s possible when passionate, talented individuals unite to reimagine one of the oldest stories ever told.”
Beth will air as three 15-minute episodes for Channel 4’s YouTube and Channel 4 Streaming and will also have a 45 minute broadcast on Channel 4’s linear broadcast offering. It was commissioned for Channel 4 Digital by Thomas Pullen, Digital Commissioning Executive, with Laura Marks, Digital Commissioning Editor, and Sacha Khari, Channel 4’s Head of Digital Commissioning. The series was developed by Danyele Seignoret, Development Executive, Channel 4 Drama.
The series is produced by Dark Pictures and is funded by Channel 4 and GroupM Motion Entertainment’s Diverse Indies Fund.
