BBC declares first War and Peace deal

BBC Worldwide has concluded its first presale for the upcoming big-budget adaptation of War and Peace. Swedish public broadcaster SVT has prebought the six-part drama, TBI understands.

The news came midway through Showcase, the annual programming event organised by Worldwide, the commercial arm of UK pubcaster the BBC.

The War and Peace series stars Paul Dano (12 Years A Slave), Lily James (Cinderella) and James Norton (Happy Valley). The adaptation of the Tolstoy classicis currently in production and being filmed in Russia, Lithuania and Latvia.

SVT’s acquisition means the broadcaster will get the series in 2016. It will debut on BBC One in the UK later this year.

“We are so excited to have bought this premium and hugely ambitious adaptation for SVT’s viewers,” said Stephen Mowbray, head of acquisitions at SVT

He added: “Epic in every sense of the word this modern adaptation brings together some of the UKs best writers, actors, directors and producers which I am certain will appeal to a wide audience.”

Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice) has penned the series, which is being made by BBC Cymru Wales Drama, The Weinstein Company with BBC Worldwide-backed Lookout Point. The drama is being filmed in Russia, Lithuania and Latvia.

Richard Hornsby-Smith, director of Nordics, BBC Worldwide said: “This presale exemplifies the demand for British drama around the world and the confidence the market has in this highly gripping adaptation.”