AMC AND ALIBI COMMISSION NEW SERIAL KILLER THRILLER "RAGDOLL" FROM SID GENTLE FILMS

Project Set to Start Production in Spring 2021 and air in Late 2021

Los Angeles, CA / New York, NY -- February 18, 2021- Sid Gentle Films Ltd, AMC and Alibi today announce the greenlight of the new modern-day Faustian thriller Ragdoll, based on the novel by Daniel Cole. The project will air on AMC in the United States and Alibi in the UK. The pitch black and darkly witted thriller will be adapted into six parts, with a writing team led by Freddy Syborn (Ms Marvel, Bad Education).

Six people have been murdered, dismembered and sewn into the shape of one grotesque body - nicknamed the 'Ragdoll'. Assigned to the shocking case are DS Nathan Wolf, recently reinstated to the London Met; his best friend and boss, DI Emily Baxter; and the unit's new recruit, DC Lake Edmunds. The 'Ragdoll Killer' taunts the police by sending them a list of his next victims, with Wolf's name among them. And with those victims to protect, our heroes soon come under intense public scrutiny. A gruesomely imaginative serial killer thriller, Ragdoll also captures the fascinating but flawed friends struggling with the consequences of institutionalisation and trauma.

Filming will commence in Spring 2021 around London and air in late 2021. Cast will be announced at a later date.

Freddy Syborn says; "I hope Ragdoll will be a visually exciting, darkly funny thriller in which the personal is the political. Above all, I hope our characters can make you laugh, then break your heart."

Sally Woodward Gentle, Executive Producer, Sid Gentle Films says; "I am so excited that we are embarking on this twisty and sophisticated piece with Freddy and the team. AMC have already proved themselves to be brilliant partners and we can't wait to work with Alibi."

Dan McDermott, AMC Networks' President, Original Programming and Co-President of AMC Studios says; "We have enjoyed and been impressed with Sid Gentle Films during our partnership on Killing Eve, so we jumped at the opportunity to work with them again on Ragdoll. This dark yet comedic project written by the talented Freddy has the makings of a fast-paced yet cerebral thriller featuring the premium storytelling and compelling characters viewers expect from AMC."

Philippa Collie Cousins, Commissioning Editor, Drama, UKTV says; "Ragdoll is a dystopian, mesmerising, wickedly funny piece of hard-boiled detective screen fiction. It invites the audience into a timeless world of crime thriller, sending us on a rollercoaster ride with flawed, compelling Wolf, his best friend/cop partner Baxter and rookie Edmunds. Atmospheric, they tread a maverick route to the truth in a broken world, with echoes of Raymond Chandler meets Tina Fey in their memorable banter. Beautifully designed, with the pure evil, suspense and attention to detail of Silence of the Lambs."

Emma Ayech, channel director for Alibi adds: "I am thrilled to be bringing this exciting series to Alibi and to be working with such great partners in Sid Gentle Films and AMC. Ragdoll is a dark and twisty murder mystery that will hook our viewers with its macabre sense of humour and addictive plot; it will be a great addition to our growing slate of brand new British crime drama."

Ragdoll has been commissioned for AMC by Dan McDermott and Kristin Jones.

Ragdoll has been commissioned for Alibi by Philippa Collie Cousins, Commissioning Editor, Drama, with Head of Scripted Pete Thornton and ordered by Emma Ayech, Channel Director for Alibi. At UKTV Richard Watsham is the Director of Commissioning and Adrian Wills is Genre General Manager for Drama and Lifestyle.

Ragdoll will be executive produced by Sally Woodward Gentle and Lee Morris for Sid Gentle Films Ltd, one of BBC Studios invested indie production companies. Dan McDermott and Kristin Jones will take the lead for AMC and Philippa Collie Cousins, Commissioning Editor, Drama for UKTV will be executive producer for Alibi. Freddy Syborn is lead writer and executive producer and Lizzie Rusbridger (SAVE ME, OUR GIRL) will produce. BBC Studios will distribute the series and introduce to international buyers at BBC Studios Showcase, taking place 22-24 February 2021.

About SID GENTLE FILMS LTD.

Sid Gentle Films Ltd. was founded by Sally Woodward Gentle in 2013 along with Lee Morris and Henrietta Colvin with a focus to develop and produce innovative, original and ambitious television drama and feature films. Credits to date include: BAFTA nominated THE DURRELLS for ITV and Masterpiece, the highly acclaimed SS-GB for the BBC, Neil Gaiman's LIKELY STORIES for Sky, the BAFTA and Peabody winning and Emmy(R) and Golden Globe(R) nominated KILLING EVE for BBC AMERICA and the recently announced television adaptation of GINGER SNAPS.

About AMC

AMC is home to some of the most popular and acclaimed programs on television. AMC was the first basic cable network to ever win the Emmy(R) Award for Outstanding Drama Series with Mad Men in 2008, which then went on to win the coveted award four years in a row, before Breaking Bad won it in 2013 and 2014. The network's series The Walking Dead is the highest-rated series in cable history. AMC's current original drama series are Better Call Saul, Fear the Walking Dead, Soulmates, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead: World Beyond and forthcoming 61st Street, Kevin Can F Himself and Pantheon. AMC also explores authentic worlds and discussion with original shows like Talking Dead, AMC Visionaries and Ride with Norman Reedus. AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and its sister networks include IFC, SundanceTV, BBC America and WE tv. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile.

About BBC Studios

BBC Studios in 2018 took a 51% stake in British scripted drama and feature film company Sid Gentle Films Ltd. BBC Studios, a global content company with bold British creativity at its heart, is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC Group. Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, its activities span content financing, development, production, sales, branded services, and ancillaries across both its own productions, and programmes and formats made by high-quality UK independents. Award-winning British programmes made by the business are internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms, with brands like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, Top Gear, Doctor Who and Bluey. BBC Studios has offices in 22 markets globally, including ten production bases in the UK and production bases or partnerships in a further nine countries around the world. The company, which ordinarily makes around 2500 hours of content a year for both the BBC and third parties including Apple, Amazon and China Mobile, is a champion for British creativity around the world. It is also a committed partner for the UK's independent sector through a mix of equity partnerships, content investment and international distribution for programme titles. To the BBC, BBC Studios contributes both cash dividends and funds for programme-making, supporting the licence fee and enhancing programmes for UK audiences.

About Alibi Sky 132/826, Virgin 126/200, BT 312/382, TalkTalk 312, TV Player On demand on Sky, Virgin, BT and TalkTalk Alibi is the only TV channel dedicated to crime drama, investigating the best selection from the genre and premiering hit series from around the world such as Harrow, Evil, Briarpatch and Tommy. Alibi stepped into UKTV Original crime drama series with guaranteed thrills, twists and turns including hit series Traces, starring Molly Windsor and Martin Compston and We Hunt Together starring Eve Myles and Babou Ceesay. Now in its 14th series, Murdoch Mysteries has found a safe space on the channel while newcomers Hudson and Rex have become hugely popular additions. British crime dramas including Death in Paradise, Father Brown and Silent Witness give the viewers another chance to catch their favourite shows.

About UKTV

UKTV has been at the forefront of branded television for over 25 years, entertaining the nation with programmes they love. Its leading brands - Dave, Gold, W, Drama, Alibi, Eden and Yesterday - span comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and scripted drama, and are delivered to audiences through UKTV Play, Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, BT, TalkTalk, YouView, Freesat and Amazon Fire. The broadcaster is a significant investor in British creativity and is committed to working with new and established writers, directors and programme-makers. UKTV is part of BBC Studios, the UK's most-awarded production company, a world-class distributor with international branded services, and a commercial subsidiary of the world's leading public service broadcaster, the BBC. corporate.uktv.co.uk |press.uktv.co.uk | @uktvpress