National Geographic and Channel 4 are teaming up to develop a four-part drama series, Deadline reports.
The scripted series will be written and directed by Peter Kosminsky (Wolf Hall) and will chronicle the fact-inspired fictional story of four British men and women who join ISIS in Raqqah, Syria. The series is based on research and first-hand accounts gathered by Kosminsky. Archery Pictures is producing the untitled series.
Beth Willis, Channel 4 Head of Drama said “After a year of extensive research, Peter has written a fascinating fictional story that sheds light on an unknown and unimaginable world. This is a deeply authentic drama through which we are able to question and confront an incredibly complex, divisive and urgent global issue. I’m delighted to be partnering with National Geographic and Archery Pictures to bring Peter’s brilliant work to audiences in the UK and worldwide.”
“National Geographic has always been on the forefront of covering the complexities of war in our documentary features and series,” stated Carolyn Bernstein, executive vice president and head of global scripted development and production. “Peter’s scripts take that same bold, unblinking approach to telling the fact-based stories of young ISIS recruits and offer an authentic and nuanced look inside one of the most serious global threats we face today.”
Kosminsky’s most recent drama Wolf Hall, won a Golden Globe for Best Television Series and a BAFTA for Best Drama Series in addition to the Leading Actor BAFTA for Mark Rylance. Some of Kosminsky’s additional Channel 4 credits include Britz, a show about a British Muslim family in post 9/11 Britain, and The Promise, a love story that occurs simultaneously with the conflict between Israel and Palestine. So it’s definitely fair to say that Kosminsky has quite a bit of experience telling stories that focus heavily on middle eastern characters/issues.
The ISIS series is set to premiere next year on Channel 4 in the UK and on the National Geographic Channel everywhere else worldwide.