MTV Preps U.S. Adaptation of U.K. Hit Skins

NEW YORK: MTV is developing an American version of Skins, the popular E4/Channel 4 youth drama that is airing in the U.S. on BBC America.

Created by father and son team Bryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain, Skins, represented worldwide by ALL3MEDIA International, is about a group of British teenagers who are trying to grow up and find love and happiness. Brian Elsley will be executive producing the U.S. version. Like the original, the MTV adaptation will feature stories penned by the show’s teen stars. The MTV version will be set in Baltimore, Maryland, and produced by Company Pictures and Stormdog, which also produced the original.

"Skins is one of those rare shows that cuts through to its core audience with unusually authentic stories due to the unique writing and casting process that Bryan pioneered," said Liz Gateley, the senior VP of series development at MTV. "Having personally pursued the U.K. project for almost two years, I am beyond thrilled to bring it to MTV in the U.S. We intend to preserve the authenticity of the British version and are excited to collaborate with the original team to develop stories that will speak to American youth."

Charlie Pattinson, the CEO of Company Pictures, added: "We are delighted to be making Skins for the U.S. and in particular, for MTV who have embraced the show and its ambitions and unusual production process. We are looking forward to talking to teenagers across the U.S. and making a show that reflects their lives in every aspect."