London TV Screenings Unveil Must-See Fiction Series Lineup

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The highly anticipated global event known as the London TV Screenings (often abbreviated as LS), taking place from February 23-28, is gearing up for its conclusion. Originally a rather modest gathering where television networks and sales companies present their newest productions to international buyers, it has grown into an indispensable industry occasion over the years. With MIP TV no longer in existence, the spotlight will be fully on London Screenings come 2025.

To clarify, MIP is organizing its very first MIP London gathering throughout the coming week. The event includes insightful panel discussions on current market tendencies, presentations of exciting new properties from South Korea and Japan, and a special session with David Beckham and Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria.

At a significant turning point for international television, the London Screenings are occurring. Following years of growth in high-end dramas, broadcasters and streaming services are once again focusing on reducing expenses and investing more in less expensive non-fiction and reality programs. In the realm of fiction, daring and controversial storylines have been replaced by more mainstream sitcoms and police procedurals.

However, there’s still opportunity for fresh concepts. For instance, Banijay Entertainment recently introduced AI Love You, a groundbreaking show format leveraging advanced technology, which is part of their London TV Screenings lineup. This innovative production dives deep into the intrigue and discourse surrounding artificial intelligence.

There are a handful of thrilling dramas remaining. For their “Hot List” of London TV Screenings, The Hollywood Reporter has chosen 10 of the most enticing new fiction projects available for purchase in London over the coming week.

A Prophet (Reboot)
Originally released in 2009 as a gripping prison drama, this time helmed by director Jacques Audiard, the French series presents Malik’s journey – a young African immigrant thrust into a struggle for survival within prison walls.
PRODUCTION COMPANY Studiocanal
SCREENINGS 5:30pm-11:00pm, Sunday, Ham Yard Hotel

Eyes on Kabul
Sub An English-language thriller series, unfolding the perspective of an Afghan family, narrates the turbulent events that unfolded on August 15, 2021, as American troops withdrew from Afghanistan and the Taliban seized power in Kabul.
Distributor: Mediawan Rights
Screenings: 5pm, Wednesday, at The Soho Hotel

Monarch and Conqueror
Buzz: Embark on an enthralling journey through a pivotal era that shaped the fate of Europe for millennia. James Norton (Happy Valley) portrays Harold of Wessex, while Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones) takes on the role of William of Normandy. These two unlikely contenders for the British throne find themselves thrust into a fierce battle over the crown, culminating in the historic Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Sales: Paramount
Screenings: Unscripted sessions from 10am-12pm; Scripted sessions from 2-6pm, Tuesday at Curzon Soho Cinema.

Other People’s Money
Tagline: The Great European Heist – Drama Based on Real Events
Description: This gripping German drama from the creators of Babylon Berlin tells the true story of a massive financial scam, where a criminal network consisting of wealthy investors, bankers, and lawyers masterminded a $150 billion+ tax fraud scheme that spanned across Europe.
Distributor: Beta Film
Screenings: 9 AM – 1 PM, Tuesday at Picturehouse Central

Haven of Safety
Buzz: This intense and stirring European crime drama, produced by Mark Williams alongside Ozark, delves into the grimy underworld of narcotics in the bustling port city of Rotterdam. The stellar cast includes Alfie Allen (Game of Thrones), Colm Meaney (Gangs of London), and Charlie Murphy (Happy Valley).
Sales: Echo Rights
Screenings: 7pm-10pm, Wednesday, Century Club

Nighttime under Clear Skies
NEWS FLASH The latest offering from showrunner Trent O’Donnell of Accounts department, stars Will Forte and D’Arcy Carden as siblings who find themselves entangled in a world of crime while establishing a tanning salon business in Sydney, Australia.
PROMOTION Cineflix Rights
PREVIEW 3-5pm scripted; 5-7pm factual, Tuesday, Soho Hotel

Unveiling the Scandal
BUZZ Generated by the creators of ITV’s hit series Mr. Bates vs The Post Office, this real-life inspired drama features David Tennant, Robert Carlyle, and Toby Jones in an account of the infamous British phone hacking scandal.
SALES ITV Studios
SCREENINGS 10am-12.30pm for formats; 12.30pm-2.15pm for non-scripted; 2.15pm-7pm for drama, every Wednesday, at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square

City of ours

Description:
Delve into the gripping world of crime with “BUZZ,” a fresh drama series by Stephen Butchard, whose mafia series “The Good Mothers” was a nominee for Critics Choice Awards last year. This Liverpool-based show brings Sean Bean as gang leader Ronnie Phelan to life.

Sony Pictures Television presents this captivating production. Don’t miss the exclusive previews at the 5-7pm showcase, Picturehouse Central, followed by a lavish 7-9pm cocktail party at Ham Yard Hotel – both on Thursday.

Stephens Amell’s character in the show, an officer based in a border town, discovers an illicit drug operation with ties to his childhood friend. This operation takes place amidst the picturesque Thousand Islands archipelago that lies between Canada and the United States. Minnie Driver co-stars in this series.
SALES Season 5
SCREENINGS Every day, Monday through Friday, at the Fifth Season office screening room, Marylebone.

The captivating sci-fi series penned by the creator of ‘Humans’, Lars Lundström, premieres with a baffling jellyfish-like entity floating above Stockholm. This UFO incites chaos, and it falls upon Civil Defense agent Elias (Fares Fares from ‘Westworld’) and scientist Zandra (Evin Ahmad known for her role in ‘Snabba Cash’), to disclose the secrets behind this alien occurrence.

Newen Connect

Screenings: 2 pm, Tuesday, Ham Yard Hotel

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2025-02-21 16:55