Sinbad Heads into Production for 2012 Debut on Sky 1

LONDON: Impossible Pictures has begun casting and principal photography on the fantasy drama Sinbad, with the 13-hour series set for a launch in 2012 on Sky 1 HD.

Leading off the cast is newcomer Elliot Knight, alongside Naveen Andrews (Lost), Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda) and Timothy Spall (Secrets and Lies). Also set for the Sinbad cast are Dame Janet Suzman (Nicholas and Alexander), Elliot Cowan (Marchlands), Marama Corlett (The Devil’s Double), Estella Daniels (Thorne), Junix Inocian (The 51st State) and Dimitri Leonidas (Grange Hill).

Sinbad is an Impossible Pictures production for Sky and BBC Worldwide, produced with assistance from Nine Network Australia. BBC Worldwide will hold the international distribution rights for the project. Currently filming in Malta, Sinbad tells the tale of the iconic mythological character on the high seas. After surviving a storm, Sinbad and his shipmates band together to face their inner demons, hopes, loves and fears. The hero embarks on a quest to rid himself of a curse and embrace his destiny.

Of his casting, Knight said: "I was thrilled when I heard I’d got the role of Sinbad. This is exactly what I have wanted to do since I was big enough to run around the garden waving a toy sword! Sinbad is a great character for any actor to be able to play: impulsive, adventurous, passionate, loyal and brave; a true hero. His story is packed with action, adventure and fantasy and I am looking forward to the exciting challenge of bringing him to life for a new generation.”

Sophie Gardiner, Impossible Pictures’ executive producer, added: “Elliot is the perfect Sinbad—young, good looking, well built, and talented to boot. We are really excited to be getting underway with principle photography in Malta. The cast is sexy, the boat looks fantastic and the sets and costumes are very impressive. I believe we have a real hit on our hands with Sinbad.”

Huw Kennair-Jones, Sky’s drama commissioning editor, commented: “As our biggest original drama commission to date, Sinbad is a hugely exciting project for Sky 1 HD, and the casting of the lead role was always going to be crucial. But from the first moment we saw Elliot we knew that we’d found someone really special who sums up everything that our Sinbad should be—contemporary, spirited, full of life, wit and charm—he’s a truly exciting new talent for the channel.”