News round-up: Apple TV+ renews ‘Hijack’; Paramount+ picks up ‘Colin From Accounts’ S2; Rope Ladder invests in short films

Hijack (Source: Apple TV+)

Apple TV+ renews ‘Hijack’

Apple TV+ has renewed Hijack, the thriller starring and executive produced by Idris Elba, for a second season.

Hijack is created by George Kay and Jim Field Smith, with the second season to be executive produced by Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta and Tom Nash at 60Forty Films, alongside executive producers Kay and Field Smith’s own production company Idiotlamp Productions. Field Smith also serves as lead director for the series.

“Global audiences were on tenterhooks watching Idris’s riveting performance in Hijack, and we’re thrilled to be working again with 60Forty and Idiotlamp on an equally compelling season two,” said Jay Hunt, creative director, Europe, Apple TV+.

Colin From Accounts

Paramount+ picks up ‘Colin From Accounts’ S2

Paramount+ has picked up the second season of Australian comedy series Colin From Accounts for the US.

The show is commissioned by the Foxtel Group and produced by Easy Tiger Productions and CBS Studios and distributed outside of Australia and New Zealand by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Season two is currently in production and will see Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer return to write, executive produce and star.

“Colin From Accounts quickly won over audiences with its quirky, relatable storylines and lovable characters,” said Jeff Grossman, EVP, programming, Paramount+. “Patrick and Harriet are crafting another phenomenal season, and we can’t wait to share what is next for Ashley, Gordon and Colin.”

Osoro (Source: Rope Ladder Fiction)

Rope Ladder invests in short films

Rope Ladder Fiction, the UK prodco launched by former Sky head of drama, Cameron Roach, is in post-production on two short films, Osoro and Surprise, Baby!.

The projects are the direct result of an outreach programme and a trainee scheme, in partnership with Wall to Wall and Screen Manchester. This move marks Rope Ladder’s first investment into film, and the company plans to back at least two short films each year, as a way of stimulating the development pipeline.

Osoro is a co-production with Norto Productions, written and directed by Sheila Nortley and produced by Martina Russo, delving into themes of grief, classism, and mythology.

Surprise, Baby!, meanwhile, is a co-production with Northern Fortress Films, written and directed by Zane Igbe and produced by Louisa Rose Mackleston. Diva Rodriguez serves as executive producer. The film tells the story of parent-to-be Taye contemplating confiding in their pregnant partner Serena about their own gender identity on the day of their baby shower.

“At this time, we are in need of more spaces for creative talent to find their voice and explore themes and ideas in an experimental, safe and brave space, away from the immediate pressures of the commercial environment,” said Roach. “We aim to be innovative with our development, creating original projects and a unique environment for writers and directors to truly harness their voice and authorship.”