All3Media International has secured its first deals for Wildgaze Films’ Trespasses, the four-part story of forbidden love set against the backdrop of the Troubles in 1970s Belfast, as the series launches on Channel 4 to strong critical acclaim.
Movistar Plus+ (Spain), YLE (Finland), DR (Denmark), SVT (Sweden) and RTV (Slovenia) are among the first broadcasters to acquire Trespasses, alongside Hellenic Telecommunications (Greece) and HOT (Israel). SBS in Australia has secured broadcast rights, and Dazzler Media has acquired DVD rights for the UK and Eire. Streaming platform Freedom Media in Kazakhstan has also signed the drama, adding to the 110 hours of scripted content recently acquired. Further sales for Trespasses are expected to be announced soon.
Starring Lola Petticrew (Say Nothing), Tom Cullen (The Gold) and Emmy-winner Gillian Anderson (Sex Education), Trespasses is produced by the BAFTA award-winning and double Oscar-nominated Wildgaze Films (Brooklyn, An Education) for Channel 4. The drama is based on Louise Kennedy’s debut novel, which was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, and is adapted for television by Ailbhe Keogan (Bad Sisters) in her first lead writing credit. All3Media International is the global partner with funding from Northern Ireland Screen.
Trespasses launched on Channel 4 in the UK in early November and was stripped over four consecutive nights. The drama received wide critical acclaim, earning 4-star reviews across the board.
Maartje Horchner, EVP Content at All3Media International, commented, “We were captivated by this distinctive love story from the outset, so it’s a privilege not only to be part of Trespasses’ creation but also to now offer international audiences the opportunity to dive into Cushla and Michael’s world. The drama’s renowned cast and crew, alongside Ailbhe Keogan’s skilful adaptation and the stunningly recreated period setting, bring Louise Kennedy’s much-loved book vividly to life, immersing viewers in an unforgettable story of love, heartbreak and hope. Trespasses is already attracting strong interest from our clients, as shown by these initial deals, and its success in the UK is sure to lead to further international acquisitions.”
Directed by BAFTA award-winning Dawn Shadforth (Mood, Adult Behaviour), the series is executive produced by Amanda Posey (Brooklyn, An Education) for Wildgaze Films. Gillian Anderson, Dawn Shadforth, Finola Dwyer, and Louise Kennedy also executive produce. The producer is Maria Mulhall (The Night Caller, The Dry).
Amanda Posey, Director of Wildgaze Films and Executive Producer, commented, “Trespasses has been a dream come true for Wildgaze Films – ignited by Louise’s beloved heartbreaker of a book, the fusion of a brilliant adaptation by Ailbhe, masterfully directed by Dawn, and outstanding performances from Lola, Tom and Gillian. Now audiences and critics alike are loving the series, gripped by the illicit affair, the dark humour and the unforgettable place and characters. This story of ordinary people living in extraordinary times has a universal resonance and I’m thrilled that, through All3Media International, territories across the world are already lighting up to its appeal.”
Also joining the cast of Trespasses are Martin McCann (Blue Lights), Oisín Thompson (My Left Nut), Emily Taaffe (The Rising), Barry Ward (Bad Sisters), Lisa Dwyer Hogg (The Fall), Lorcan Cranitch (Bloodlands), Frank Blake (Normal People), Gary Lydon (The Banshees of Inisherin), and Lalor Roddy (Bodkin).
Trespasses follows Cushla (Lola Petticrew), a young Catholic schoolteacher whose life in 1975 Northern Ireland is shadowed by the Troubles. Amid curfews, bombings, and betrayals, she works nights in her family’s pub, serving both Catholics and Protestants as well as British soldiers, when she meets and falls for Michael (Tom Cullen) – an older, married Protestant barrister. Worlds apart, Cushla knows a relationship like this spells all kinds of trouble. Despite the suspicions and warnings of her glorious wreck of an alcoholic mother, Gina (Gillian Anderson), Cushla and Michael are irresistibly drawn to one another. In a place where loose lips cost lives and danger lurks in the shadows, amidst the fear and paranoia, their illicit affair ignites and burns bright…
