Channel 4 has commissioned its first digital original drama to broadcast on Channel 4’s YouTube, as well as Channel 4 Streaming and linear. Titled Beth, it is a three-part science fiction drama about Joe and Molly, a couple yearning for a child.
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?
Beth is written and directed by Uzo Oleh (Edicius), executive produced by Anna Higgs and produced by Dark Pictures and GroupM Motion Entertainment. The series stars Nicholas Pinnock (This Town, The Book of Clarence, For Life) and Abbey Lee (Horizon: An American Saga, Mad Max: Fury Road) as Joe and Molly.
Uzo Oleh (pictured) said: “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.”
Thomas Pullen, digital commissioning executive for Channel 4, added: “From the first moment I read Beth, I had goosebumps at the prospect of commissioning this incredible story. 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.”
Deep Sehgal, head of creative diversity and executive producer for GroupM Motion Entertainment, said: “Beth is an intriguing and hugely compelling proposition – a tiny but perfectly formed thriller with a superb cast, made by a visionary writer and director.”
Beth is a 3×15’ drama for Channel 4’s YouTube and Channel 4 Streaming and will also have a 1×45’ linear broadcast. The series is funded by Channel 4 and GroupM Motion Entertainment’s Diverse Indies Fund. The Fund was set up to support small and medium-sized ethnically diverse-led production companies to produce projects. It is overseen by Vivienne Molokwu, senior commissioning editor at C4 and Sehgal.
