PRODUCTION BEGINS ON THE SECOND SEASON OF SUNDANCE TV'S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED INTERNATIONAL DRAMA "THE A WORD"

A First Look Photo from the U.K. Set Was Released Today by BBC One and SundanceTV

(Left to Right: Christopher Eccleston, Mollie Wright, Max Vento, Morven Christie, and Lee Ingleby)

WHAT CRITICS HAVE SAID ABOUT "THE A WORD" SEASON ONE:

"It's an absolute gem, delightful and thoughtful, serious, sad and also ridiculously funny." -Tim Goodman, The Hollywood Reporter

"The emotions, tears and laughter ring true in this small but deeply moving and entertaining gem." -Matt Roush, TV Guide

"Wonderfully honest and heartfelt" -Elizabeth Kiefer, Refinery29.com

New York, NY - April 4, 2017 - SundanceTV today announced that production has commenced on the second season of "The A Word," the critically-acclaimed family drama from Keshet International, and will premiere on the network in fall 2017. The series is filming in the Lake District and at Manchester's Space Project in the U.K.. The first season of the Fifty Fathoms and Keshet UK co-production for BBC One debuted in 2016 to rave reviews in both the U.K. and U.S.

The story picks up two years from the end of season one, and Joe (Max Vento) is changing. Now age seven, he has begun to look at the world and find he doesn't always fit in.

Writer Peter Bowker explains, "'Autistic' is a word Joe has heard but can't yet understand. 'Different' is what he feels, and fears it might be something bad. It's up to the whole family to help Joe make sense of who he is and his place in the world. But to do that, they must first be honest about themselves."

The 6-part drama revisits the funny, messy, mixed-up lives of the Hughes and Scott families as they struggle to do their best as parents, care givers, lovers . . . and to work out what's really important in the face of nothing ever feeling normal.

"The A Word" is a Fifty Fathoms and Keshet UK Production for SundanceTV and BBC One. It was commissioned by Lucy Richer. Executive Producers are Patrick Spence, Peter Bowker, Marcus Wilson, Howard Burch, Avi Nir and Keren Margalit (Keshet). Jenny Frayn is producer and Sue Tully is lead Director.

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About SundanceTV

Since its launch in 1996, SundanceTV has remained true to founder Robert Redford's mission to celebrate creativity and distinctive storytelling through unique voices and narratives found in the best independent films. From delivering critically acclaimed Emmy(R), Golden Globe(R) and Peabody Award-winning television featuring some of the world's most talented creators and performers, to showcasing some of the most compelling and iconic films across genres and generations, SundanceTV is a smart and thought-provoking entertainment destination. SundanceTV is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc.; its sister networks include AMC, IFC, BBC America and WE tv. SundanceTV is available across all platforms, including on-air, online at www.sundance.tv, on demand and mobile.

About Keshet International

Keshet International is Keshet Media Group's global distribution and production arm. Headed by CEO Alon Shtruzman, it includes Keshet's local production outposts (Keshet UK, Keshet Australia, Keshet Studios and Keshet DCP in the US) as well as its global distribution arm. KI's catalogue consists of over 70 tried and tested properties that appeal to audiences worldwide, spanning all genres. Highlights include hit drama Prisoners of War, the original Israeli version of prime time Emmy(R) winner Homeland; hit interactive talent show RISING STAR; International Emmy(R) nominated docu-reality format Dear Neighbors, Help our Daughter Find Love; talent show MASTER CLASS; cross platform format 50 Things You Have to Know; reality dating format Girlfri3nds; game show The Vault; and 'buddy comedy' Traffic Light, winner of an International Emmy Award.

About Fifty Fathoms

Fifty Fathoms was set up in 2010, and sits under the umbrella of Endemol Shine. The company is run by Patrick Spence (MD) and Katie Swinden (Creative Director). They are currently filming GUERRILLA, a 6 x 60' series for Showtime and Sky Atlantic, written and directed by the Academy Award winning John Ridley, starring Idris Elba and Freida Pinto, about two political activists fighting back hard against a racist police force in 1970's London. Recent productions include MARVELLOUS, Pete Bowker's 90' film for BBC2, starring Toby Jones and Gemma Jones, directed by Julian Farino (Winner, Best Single Film, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress, BAFTA; Best Writer and Director, RTS; Best Film and Best Actor, BPG; Best Film, Writers Guild Awards and FIPA) and two seasons of FORTITUDE, Simon Donald's 10 x 1 hour crime thriller set in the Arctic for Sky Atlantic and Pivot, starring Stanley Tucci, Dennis Quaid, Michael Gambon and Sofie Grabol (first season nominated Best Series and Best Writer BPG; three BAFTA and RTS Craft Awards; Broadcast Award Best International Sales).