Amazon Greenlights First U.K. Original Drama

LONDON: BBC Worldwide and Amazon Prime Video have greenlit the period drama The Collection, set in Paris after WWII, from Lookout Point.

The eight-part series will launch exclusively in 2016 for Amazon Prime members in the U.K. The Collection tells the story of an illustrious Paris fashion house that is ushering in the golden age of design and business. The family saga centers on two very different brothers entangled in this empire.

The series is created, written and executive produced by Oliver Goldstick (Ugly Betty, Lipstick Jungle, Pretty Little Liars). The series is also executive produced by Anne Thomopoulos (Rome, Borgia, Versailles) and Kate Croft (Murderland). Federation Entertainment’s Pascal Breton (Marseille) has signed as French co-production partner.

Goldstick said: “I’m thrilled to be working with this fantastic team. The Collection has been a passion project of mine for years; an entrepreneurial fable set in a pivotal moment in history, where fashion served as the ultimate vehicle for transformation and re-invention. It’s the story of a war-scarred family—upstairs and downstairs—tethered together by its success and its secrets.”
 
Croft, who originated the series with Goldstick under her exclusive development and production deal with Lookout Point, added: “Out of our shared passion for the world and the period, Oliver has created his extraordinary vision of Paris and the golden age of couture. It’s full of his signature flourishes, and his unique take means we get to peek behind the elegant façade and realize it is not just about the dresses, but more about what they are covering up.”
 
Lookout Point CEO Simon Vaughan commented: “This is a pioneering partnership structure between BBC Worldwide, Amazon Prime combined with investment from Pinewood and the Welsh government. World-class partners, but working together in entirely new ways. I am very proud of the fact that we are finding new and exciting partnerships to greenlight the best projects.”
 
“We’re delighted to be bringing such a smart, sophisticated period piece to Amazon Prime members in the U.K.,” said Chris Bird, the film and TV strategy director at Amazon Video UK. “We aim to bring our customers the best international TV has to offer, and we’re sure our members will enjoy this window into the seemingly glamorous world of Parisian haute couture, perhaps hiding a more sinister undercurrent.”
 
"The project marks another dynamic shift in the way that drama is being created and produced globally," added Liam Keelan, the director of scripted for BBC Worldwide. “The Collection epitomizes the kind of exciting creative opportunities and business models now emerging, in particular from our strategic relationship with Lookout Point. But above all, its attraction is an outstanding script with amazing talent attached.”