UPDATE, 10:51 PM: I have now confirmed that those rumblings of a second director on the BBC One/Company Pictures dramedy series Truckers were correct. A production source tells me that Susan Tully will be directing the five episode series alongside Sheree Folkson. That same production source also tells me that casting is currently underway and they expect to start shooting within the month. A former actress, Tully’s previous directing credits include Being Eileen, Getting On and Stella. Given that the series has been described as a dramedy, the pairing of Sheree Folkson (a veteran drama director) and Susan Tully (who has been directing TV comedy projects of late) seems like a perfect fit.
EXCLUSIVE, 6:12 PM: BBC One’s long gestating dramedy series Truckers has found a director. My sources tell me that Sheree Folkson has signed on to direct numerous episodes of the series. Folkson’s previous credits include Sky Atlantic’s Hit & Miss and TF1’s Jo. While one source tells me that Sheree Folkson will be helming all five episodes of the series, I’m also hearing rumblings that there may be a second director in the mix, but I’ve been unable to confirm that. Created by William Ivory, Truckers has been described as a bitter-sweet character-driven show about getting by in difficult times. The series follows a rogue’s gallery of irascible characters, men and women, all of whom work for the same haulage company driving 40 ton articulated lorries across the Midlands. Company Pictures is producing, with Faye Dorn serving as series producer.
I’ve also learned that Sky Living has tapped accomplished director China Moo-Young to direct two-part drama Talking To The Dead. China Moo-Young’s previous credits include Misfits, Scott and Bailey & Call The Midwife. Talking To The Dead forms part of Sky Living’s new Reckless Season, a strand similar to the channel’s previously announced Love Matters and Sky1′s Little Crackers which will showcase a number of one-off dramas that are also serving as backdoor pilots. Based on the book by Harry Bingham, Talking To The Dead was written by Gwyneth Hughes and is being produced by Bonafide Films and tells the story of Fiona, a newly qualified detective on her first murder case, who may be set to find out that enthusiasm can prove deadly. Bonafide Films and Warp Films are producing, with Robin Gutch and Margery Bone serving as executive producers.
