Sale of Potboiler Productions thriller among last to be struck by outgoing All3Media International’s US exec Jen Askin
Gemma Arterton’s espionage thriller Secret Service has been picked up by MGM+ in North America, LatAm and Italy, marking the streamer’s first deal with Banijay-owned All3Media International.
Secret Service is adapted from the topical novel by ITV News anchor Tom Bradby and produced by Potboiler Productions, with James Marsh (Man on Wire) directing.
The show counts Rafe Spall among the cast and follows a senior MI6 officer as a covert investigation uncovers evidence that a high-ranking UK politician may be working as a Russian asset.
Gail Egan (A Most Wanted Man) exec produces alongside Andrea Calderwood (The Buccaneers), with Bradby and Chloe Sizer.
Banijay’s All3Media International distributes globally and is attached as co-commissioner on the show, which debuted in the UK on ITV1 and ITVX this spring.
Jennifer Askin, exec vice president of the Americas at All3Media International, helped to negotiate the deal, which will be among her last as she prepares to exit the company following Banijay’s decision earlier this month to shutter All3’s New York office.
She said: “Combining cinematic production values and an all-star cast with a storyline packed full of high-octane political intrigue, Secret Service has already proved to be a ratings winner for ITV and an in-demand drama on the global stage, so it’s fantastic to see it now joining MGM+’s impressive line-up of hit television series.”
Michael Wright, global head of MGM+, added: “Tom Bradby and Jemma Kennedy’s adaptation, directed by Oscar-winner James Marsh and featuring star turns from Gemma Arterton, Rafe Spall, and Alex Kingston, delivers on the MGM+ promise of classic Hollywood storytelling for a modern audience. It’s smart, timely, and hugely entertaining.”
Askin negotiated the deal with Robin Chalmers and Andrew Birtles for All3, with Doug Goodkind and Andy Miller working on behalf of MGM+.
All3 has already sold the show to a raft of buyers around the world, including to Australian streamer Stan and German national broadcaster ARD.
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