Channel 5 has announced that they have ordered an original crime drama series – the first time they have done so in the better part of eight years – from FreemantleMedia UK’s Newman Street titled Evidence. The series has received an order for 10 episodes and is expected to air on Channel 5 in early 2014.
Developed by FremantleMedia’s Worldwide Drama division, Evidence is a procedural crime drama which utilises filming techniques and a directorial approach usually associated with Factual programming and fly-on-the-wall documentaries. The series features 10 self-contained episodes which follow ten very different cases – from the committing of the crime, through its investigation and then to the final conclusion – and centres around three core detectives whose professional and personal approach to the job of policing drives the series. Newman Street are producing the series, with Paul Marquess serving as the executive producer.
“This is something new for the channel and we’re working with the people who really know this kind of programming”, said Ben Frow, Channel 5’s Director of Programmes. “It’s part of my desire to broaden the channel and take calculated risks and I think it will sit comfortably alongside our popular factual programming and our glossy US Acquisitions.”
While Donna Wiffen, Head of FremantleMedia’s Worldwide Drama division, added: “We are delighted that Evidence has been acquired by Channel 5 in the UK and hope that this is the first of many such deals secured for FremantleMedia. Innovation is a big part of our strategy right now and we are confident that this unique drama format will have universal appeal and will attract further local commissions.”
