Hot Picks: Nightsleeper

Nightsleeper is a real-time thriller for the BBC, in which an overnight train is taken over by a hacker. Among the 12 passengers trapped on board is troubled policeman Joe Roag.

With the train hurtling towards death and destruction, and all CCTV and communications cut, Joe manages to make contact with director of cyber security Abby Aysgarth, via satellite phone. Abby and her team quickly discover that the entire railway network has been hacked, making the situation impossible to control.

Joe and Abby, two strangers connected only by phone, must find a way to stop the train, save its passengers and identify the mysterious ‘driver’ who has infiltrated the system. But their job is complicated when they find themselves under suspicion, after the security services and the passengers on board uncover secrets from their pasts.

Fremantle senior vice-president of scripted content, international, Rebecca Dundon calls Nightsleeper “a high octane, dramatic thriller”, adding: “Audiences crave this type of content, marrying up classic mystery, high-velocity action and breathtaking twists. It will have viewers across the globe on the edge of their seats as the sleeper speeds headlong toward its final destination.

“Train hijacks are timeless and deeply rooted in entertainment history, often portrayed in movies. We saw an opportunity to re-imagine this classic concept into a series format, injecting a fresh perspective.”

Fremantle, which is handling global distribution for the 6 x 60-minute series, was involved throughout the process.

Dundon says: “We contributed to financing and collaborated with our scripted label, Euston Films, to assemble a dynamic and exciting cast to create a show with global appeal.”

Over and above the creative concept, Dundon says, the package underpinning the show will intrigue buyers.

“It has all the ingredients to be a runaway global hit,” she adds. “The series stars the talented and popular duo of Joe Cole [Gangs Of London; Peaky Blinders] and Alexandra Roach [The Light In The Hall], while Jamie Magnus Stone [Doctor Who] directs the series and brings true gravitas to the project.

“Euston Films [Dublin Murders; The Sister], in collaboration with the compelling writing of Nick Leather, will ensure Nightsleeper is an adrenaline-fuelled proposition that will have viewers gripped throughout.”

The show is in the final edit stages and Dundon expects it will screen to a packed auditorium of buyers at the London TV Screenings.

She says: “There’s been a great amount of interest and we’ll be ready to announce deals soon. The beauty of this show is that it is elevated mainstream, meaning it will appeal to a broad audience and drive viewership across the board. We believe it will work across multiple platforms and we are in conversations with pay, free and VoD buyers.”

While series one of Nightsleeper inevitably has its own terminus, Dundon doesn’t rule out further journeys. “There is huge potential for Nightsleeper to return – crime thrillers featuring top-tier talent always present a fantastic opportunity. With a proven format, an exciting script and standout cast, we anticipate that audiences will embrace the series.”