5 Unveils Commissions for Play for Today

5 in the U.K. has unveiled the first four commissions for its revived Play for Today slate, with each single drama focused on championing new voices.

“Play for Today is synonymous with high-quality stand-alone television dramas, and we’re incredibly excited to be reviving it with a new slate of single films on 5,” said Paul Testar, commissioning editor at 5. “What makes this particularly important for us as a public-service broadcaster is the opportunity to support emerging talent behind the scenes—from writers and directors to production teams—especially those from lower-income backgrounds who haven’t always had clear pathways into the industry. It’s a chance to tell great stories while helping to shape the future of British drama.”

LA Productions and Vertigo Films have each received two commissions for the slate. From LA Productions comes Special Measures, from new screenwriter and playwright Lee Thompson and Jack McLoughlin making his directorial debut, starring Jessica Plummer; and Big Winners, penned by Martha Watson Allpress.

Vertigo Films is making Never Too Late with a cast that includes Anita Dobson, Nigel Havers and Tracy-Ann Oberman. Simon Warne and Lydia Marchant will pen the script. Vertigo is also preparing the psychological thriller Intruder with Alan Davies and Nikki Amuka-Bird, directed by Daniel Rands.

Production has begun across all titles with the first drama set to air on 5 at the end of this year.