Weinsteins pick up new Julian Fellowes series

The Weinstein Company has picked up US rights to Doctor Thorne, the new period drama from Downton Abbey scribe Julian Fellowes.

The series will play on ITV in the UK and TWC has taken US and Canada rights. The US firm inked a similar deal for another British drama, Peaky Blinders, which it reps in North America.

UK prodco Hat Trick makes Doctor Thorne and its distribution arm, Hat Trick International, handles international sales, marking the distributors first move in international drama.

HTI struck the TWC deal for the 3x1hr series, which Fellowes is adapting from the Anthony Trollope novel for the small screen. Harvey and Bob Weinstein are among the exec producers.

The series is described as “a tale of envy, lust and greed, of arrogance and vanity and false values – but mainly of love”.

TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein said: “It’s a tremendous thrill to be a part of Julian Fellowes’ first television outing since Downton Abbey. With a script as extremely witty, brilliant, and appealing as this one is, I’m certain Doctor Thorne will replicate the passionate fan base and ratings power of Downton Abbey.”

Sarah Tong, director of sales at Hat Trick International, added: “We are very pleased to launch Hat Trick International’s move into scripted distribution with a drama that has such an immaculate pedigree. Doctor Thorne has all the attributes to become one of the standout dramas of 2015.”