Steven Knight Inks Deal with Kudos

Kudos has signed a first-look deal with Peaky Blinders, Taboo and See creator Steven Knight for future U.K.-based projects that support the Birmingham film and TV industry.

The deal formalizes the partnership between Kudos and Knight, who worked together on the upcoming BBC One series SAS: Rogue Heroes and the newly greenlit Two Tone (w.t.). Knight’s Digbeth Loc. Studios will serve as the partnership’s hub.

The new commission Two Tone tells the story of an extended family and four young people who are drawn into the world of ska and two-tone music, which grew from the grassroots of Coventry and Birmingham in the late ’70s and early ’80s. The six-part series will be produced by Kudos and Nebulastar, in association with Kudos North, Stigma Films and Nick Angel. It will begin filming later this year at the Digbeth Loc. Studios.

“This is a real opportunity to nurture and grow the TV industry in the fertile soil of Birmingham,” Knight said. “We need local people, local locations, local know-how and local stories to help us make world-beating screen content. As a partner, Kudos could not be more prestigious, and it’s a pleasure to welcome them into town. We hit the ground running in the next few months with our first project, which is West Midlands to its core, and I am hugely excited by what the future holds.”

Martin Haines, joint managing director of Kudos, said, “I am delighted we are building on our relationship with Steve and taking our partnership to the next level in this fantastic way, which will have real impact on the production industry in Birmingham and the West Midlands.”

“Steven and Kudos are absolutely aligned in our drive to produce outstanding scripted television, and with a number of exciting ideas already in development, I’m confident that this partnership will do just that,” added Karen Wilson, joint managing director of Kudos and executive producer of Two Tone.

Regarding the new series, Knight said, “This is a project that’s literally very close to home, and I’m developing characters and themes that are set in the early ’80s but hopefully are very contemporary. Of course, the soundtrack will be sensational.”

“Steven has taken his knowledge of this time and place and used it to weave a brilliantly original and characterful drama, set against the musical backdrop of ska and two tone,” Ben Irving, acting director of BBC drama said. “We are thrilled to be able to bring this unique piece to viewers on the BBC.”

Wilson added, “Steven’s passion for this project is palpable, so I couldn’t be more excited to be making it for BBC One. Set in the West Midlands, against a moment of real cultural and historical progression, it will be compelling, diverse and will have a rocking soundtrack to boot.”