Gilles Bannie and Nora Melhli
The brand-new independent production company Alef UK was launched in London, with leading writer/director Gilles Bannier ("Blue Lights", "Trigger Point") as Creative Director. The new company is set to develop, create and produce high-end scripted programming for global platforms and broadcasters.
A stand-alone subsidiary of Paris-based, production house Alef One, led by Nora Melhli ("The Tunnel", "Carlos Ghosn: The Last Flight"), Alef UK will build its own slate of programming for the global market with an emphasis on contemporary drama, reflecting diversity and societal change in all parts of the world.
For its launch, Alef UK has secured an option on "Mind Reader", a thriller by best-selling novelist Iain Levison, an award-winning Scottish-American crime writer. Screenwriter Jonathan Wakeham ("To Catch a Killer") is attached to adapt Mind Reader into a six episode returning series.
Jonathan Wakeham comments, “Alef One has a terrific track record of timely, intelligent and provocative storytelling and Gilles has directed some of the most acclaimed TV series in recent years. So, I'm thrilled to be working with them at the launch of Alef UK, bringing Iain Levison's taut, witty and alarmingly prescient thriller 'Mind Reader' to television.”
Gilles Bannier explains, “We are extremely pleased to launch Alef UK with such an exciting title and to be working alongside Jonathan as he crafts this fascinating story into a screenplay. Our DNA is to create content with powerful narratives around strong, compelling characters. As an independent unit, we are free to choose projects which we are passionate about and believe in one hundred percent. Nora and I will be working closely with like-minded UK, European and US partners to build truly collegial co-productions and explore our network of writers, directors and wider creative talent."
Nora Melhli expands, “Our priority at Alef One is to tell universal stories that push the boundaries of society and shake off taboos. I particularly wanted someone at the helm of our UK operation who would share these values. It was also important to ensure that we had an experienced creative at the forefront of our business and, with Gilles, we have just that person – he has a great eye for a relatable story, is not afraid to break convention, as well as having vast experience and a wide range of industry connections across all disciplines to make the best and most accessible content possible.”