The Stage

Ecosse Films plans ITV adaptation of Jake Arnott novel

Published Tuesday 17 April 2007 at 18:00 by Matthew Hemley

Monarch of the Glen producer Ecosse Films is developing a drama for ITV, based on the Jake Arnott book He Kills Coppers.

The novel is set during England’s world cup victory of 1966 and revolves around the murder of three policemen.

Ecosse Films managing director Douglas Rae said the mini-series was being developed for ITV controller of drama Laura Mackie, but had not yet been formally commissioned. Casting has not yet been decided.

Ecosse, which is behind forthcoming Channel 4 drama Cape Wrath and Mistresses for the BBC, is also developing a drama based on the legend of King Arthur.

Called Camelot, the series is being penned by Michael Hirst, who wrote the screenplay for the Cate Blanchett film Elizabeth. Rae said no broadcaster was yet attached to the series.

The production company is also developing a black comedy based on an errant husband who is trying to save his marriage called Seven Trials.

Rae described all three as “ambitious projects” and added distribution company All3Media International was working with the company to sell the series abroad.