ITV Orders Ann Summers-Inspired Drama Brief Encounters

LONDON: ITV has commissioned the six-part series Brief Encounters from CPL Productions.

The series is set in the early 1980s and follows Steph, Pauline, Nita and Dawn, who sell exotic lingerie to both the dismay and delight of their loved ones. It is inspired by chapters from Jacqueline Gold’s memoir Good Vibrations, about the early days of the Ann Summers Party Plan business. Brief Encounters is created and written by Fay Rusling and Oriane Messina (Green Wing, Me & Mrs Jones), and executive produced by CPL’s Arabella McGuigan and Danielle Lux, alongside Rusling and Messina. ITV’s Steve November, the director of drama, and Jane Hudson, head of drama series, commissioned the show. Casting is underway, with filming set to begin in February 2016.

“Brief Encounters is a refreshingly different domestic drama taking us back to the wonderful world of the 1980s,” said November. “We’re really excited by this commission; it's full of heart, story and great new characters and we're very much looking forward to working with Danielle Lux, Arabella McGuigan and their production team at CPL.”

McGuigan commented: “Brief Encounters is gutsy, emotional, warm and surprising. Like the real Ann Summers saleswomen, through their camaraderie our women discover hidden strengths and an ability to come out fighting no matter what life throws at you. As wives, mothers and businesswomen they unleash talent and ambition—and they blossom. Fay and Oriane have crafted fascinating characters who are both dramatic and funny and we’re sure will appeal to an ITV audience.”

Lux, the managing director of CPL, part of the Red Arrow Entertainment Group, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to be producing our first drama for ITV. CPL takes great pride in producing television with heart and soul and Brief Encounters has that in spades.”