BBC FOUR to screen unmade Dennis Potter screenplay
BBC FOUR, the
new culture channel which launches on Saturday 2 March, is to produce
an unmade Dennis Potter screenplay, White Clouds, seven years after
the celebrated writer died in 1994.
Based on the novel Cara Massimina by Tim Parks, White Clouds is
a comic thriller which tells the story of an underpaid English teacher
in Italy. In his attempt to penetrate well-to-do Veronese society,
he ends up coming close to destroying it. Morris Duckworth tries
to marry his way to wealth by exploiting the affections of the delightful
teenage Massimina, and eventually they run off together. But it
is a kidnap or an elopement? The story is part love story, part
comedy of self-justification, and part a chronicle of an appalling
crime.
Roly Keating, Controller of BBC FOUR, said: Dennis Potter
is one of the greatest screen writers of the last century, and this
is a forgotten but characteristically brilliant piece of work. Its
fast paced, outrageous and very funny.
BBC FOUR has commissioned Union Pictures to make what it is hoped
will be the first in a series of rehearsed readings of great unmade
screenplays, with the cream of international acting and directing
talent.
Union Pictures is part of the Union Media Holdings Group, which
also includes the film production company Natural Nylon Entertainment,
whose partners include Ewan McGregor, Jude Law, Jonny Lee Miller,
Sadie Frost and Sean Pertwee.
BBC FOUR, the new BBC subscription-free digital channel, goes on
air at 7.00pm on Saturday 2 March, with a simulcast on BBC TWO.
It is a rich mixed genre channel that is available on digital satellite,
cable and through an aerial.
Union Pictures has produced several award-winning dramas for the
BBC, including the BAFTA-award winning An Ungentlemanly Act and
a four-part serial of Iain Banks The Crow Road. Their latest
drama series, Rockface, will be shown in BBC ONE later this month.
White Clouds will be produced by Geoff Deehan and Kevin Loader for
BBC FOUR. The director and cast will be announced shortly.
