The Stage

Broadband drama commissioned in bid for youth market

Published Tuesday 17 October 2006 at 15:40 by Liz Thomas

A new £2 million sci-fi drama has been commissioned for broadband users, an area production companies and broadcasters are investing more in to attract younger audiences.

The six-part mystery series, entitled Axon, combines linear drama, interactive documentary, games and activities as well as streamed video from archives and will be aired on online education service BBC Jam. The move comes at a time when terrestrial channels are struggling to pull in the technology savvy youth audiences with traditional formats and are looking to broaden the way that output can be accessed. It also offers more opportunities for performers and programme makers. Mike Dicks, head of development at Illumina Digital - the company making the show, said: “The drama shows how online and traditional TV formats can be used together for the best results. The way content is accessed is opening up and this means more choice for consumers but also for actors, writers or directors.”

The show will be transmitted from January 2007 and features Tracy Beaker star Darragh Mortell and newcomer Catrin Stewart in the lead roles.

Filmed on location in Wales, it has been written by Eanna O’ Lochlainn and directed by Martin Belderson. Axon will be produced in four different language versions, initially in English and Welsh with Irish and Scottish Gaelic to follow in 2007.