Leading independent distributor All3Media International has concluded deals across five continents for "Boarders", the acclaimed Studio Lambert drama. Series one received wide critical acclaim on its UK debut, including: “Razor-sharp writing and great performances make the six episodes deliciously bingeable” (The Telegraph), “TV viewers have found their next must-watch” (Independent) and “The next great teen drama” (Time Magazine). Since its return to BBC earlier this month, season 2 has been called ‘even more impressive’ (The Guardian), “a welcome return” (The i) with writer Daniel Lawrence Taylor adding “plot twists that add to the thrills, up the stakes and increase the comedy” (The Sunday Times).
Both six-part series of "Boarders", created and written by BAFTA-nominated Daniel Lawrence Taylor, have been acquired by Stan in Australia and Discovery in New Zealand. Amazon Prime Video Africa (pan) has also signed the show, whilst in Europe, All3Media International has also secured deals with EITB in Spain, RTP (Portugal), RTL Hrvatska (Croatia), YLE (Finland) and VRT (Flemish Belgium). These acquisitions add to continuing co-production partnerships with Tubi - where it is the exclusive home of Boarders in North America and Latin America, and with ZDFneo in Germany.
Produced by Studio Lambert, part of All3Media, in association with All3Media International for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, Boarders follows five talented black inner-city teens transported to an alien world – a British boarding school – after gaining scholarships to the prestigious St. Gilbert’s. They set out to make the most out of the opportunity, despite their places only being offered as a poorly disguised PR exercise to improve the reputation of the school.
Series two sees a new era for St Gilbert’s, with headmaster Bernard – who had brought the scholarship students into the school – suspended following a school rebellion. Now acting headmistress Carol Watlington-Geese (who also happens to be the mother of Jaheim’s nemesis, Rupert) is at the helm – and she wants them gone. Series one saw these five outsiders begin to thrive. Series two asks how much they’re willing to sacrifice just to survive.
Maartje Horchner, EVP Content at All3Media International celebrated the international reach of the title:“We’re delighted to confirm that 'Boarders' will now be available across five continents. There has been a fantastic response to the show not only from viewers and critics but also from international partners such as Tubi, who – following the success of series one – quickly joined as coproducer for the second instalment. With a new series now available, we expect to see even more broadcasters signing this high-energy, coming-of-age comedy-drama very soon," commented.
Madeleine Sinclair, Creative Director for Scripted at Studio Lambert, emphasized the great reception of the series:“We’re thrilled that our funny and thought-provoking comedy-drama from the incredibly talented Daniel Lawrence Taylor will be heading to more viewers around the world via All3Media International’s latest deals. 'Boarders' has been so well received wherever it airs, and we can’t wait to welcome new fans into the world of St Gilbert’s as our five leads navigate a new term of challenges in series two," expressed.
Josh Tedeku (Jaheim), Jodie Campbell (Leah), Sekou Diaby (Toby), Myles Kamwendo (Omar) and Aruna Jalloh (Femi) all reprise their roles in the second series of Boarders, alongside writer and creator Daniel Lawrence Taylor who returns as their mentor Gus. Further returning cast includes Harry Gilby (Rupert), Tallulah Greive (Beatrix), Rosie Graham (Florence), Assa Kanouté (Abby), and Niky Wardley (Carol Watlington-Geese). Series two also features guest stars Alan Cumming, Wunmi Mosaku and Natalie Cassidy.
The title is created by Daniel Lawrence Taylor, who serves as lead writer with Yemi Oyefuwa, Jeffrey Aidoo and Racheal Ofori writing additional episodes for series 2. The second series is directed by Joelle Mae David and Sarmad Masud with Ali MacPhail returning as the producer and Carleen Beadle-Larcombe as line producer. Mykaell Riley will also return as Musical Director. Executive producers are Daniel Lawrence Taylor and Madeleine Sinclair for Studio Lambert, and Nawfal Faizullah and Katherine Bond for the BBC.
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