BBC Worldwide, ITV and Impossible Save Primeval

LONDON: A new deal between BBC Worldwide, Impossible Pictures and ITV has resurrected the popular drama Primeval, which is now set to return to British screens in 2011 with two new seasons.

ITV has previously said that the show would not return after its third season. Focused on a group of scientists that battle prehistoric creatures, the sci-fi-laden series had been a victim of British broadcaster ITV’s budget cuts. With the new agreement, 13 scripts are in development. The original co-production partners ITV, ProSieben and BBC Worldwide return to co-fund the new series, with BBC Worldwide becoming the largest funding partner. BBC America now takes on a full co-production credit for the first time and UKTV becomes a first-time investor. UKTV has scored the multichannel broadcast rights to the first three seasons and is investing in the next two for its entertainment channel Watch. ITV will premiere season four in early 2011, and season five receives its British premiere on Watch later in the year, ahead of ITV1. 

“The dramatic changes in the business of broadcasting in the last 12 months have meant we have had to completely rethink how we put the funding together for a top-end series like Primeval," said Jonathan Drake, the managing director of Impossible Pictures. "The fact that the series is so well established and loved both in the U.K. and overseas has meant that everyone has been willing to do their best to give us the backing we needed. With the continued enthusiasm of co-producers such as ProSieben and the fantastic support of the team at BBC Worldwide we have stitched together a ground-breaking clutch of deals that will guarantee Primeval’s ongoing success.”

Helen Jackson, BBC Worldwide’s director of independents, added: “There was a real desire between all partners to make this project succeed and to bring Primeval back from the brink of extinction. BBC Worldwide’s increased investment in the title is a reflection of our belief in the quality of the whole production and its international appeal.”

BBC Worldwide has sold Primeval to more than 45 territories.

Paul Moreton, channel head of Watch, noted: “This is the first time UKTV has co-funded a British drama with another U.K. broadcaster and we are really excited to be part of this truly innovative deal. I know Primeval is going to be a massive hit with Watch viewers and the perfect complement to other popular sci-fi dramas such as Doctor Who and Torchwood.”

Laura Mackie, the director of ITV drama commissioning, said: “We’re delighted to have agreed this new deal with Impossible to return Primeval to ITV1. The innovative nature of this partnership will allow the show to maintain its high production values and deliver the fantastic program that our viewers know and love.”

Richard de Croce, the senior VP of programming at BBC America, added: "Primeval is one of BBC America’s all time top ten shows and we’re thrilled to be co-producing two new series."

Thomas von Hennet, ProSieben’s head of international co-productions, commented: "Primeval is a major highlight of ProSieben’s mystery lineup. As co-producers of the first hour, we are enthused to be continuing our commitment to one of the most successful international series coming out of Europe."