News: Acorn TV Acquires The Gritty Crime Drama Hidden





Leading independent distributor all3media international has secured a range of international sales of the gritty crime drama Hidden (Craith) originally produced by Severn Screen for S4C and BBC Wales. RLJ Entertainment’s Acorn TV, North America’s largest SVOD for British and international television, has acquired the exclusive VOD, DVD and download rights for in the US and Canada. Acorn TV will feature the exclusive North American premiere in July 2018.

The eight-part series from the award-winning co-creator and producer of the global hit Y Gwyll/Hinterland has also been acquired by DR (Denmark), KRO (Netherlands) and VRT (Belgium), Dizale (France), NRK (Norway) and YLEISRADIO OY-TV1 (Finland) – and five other European deals are expected to close shortly. In the Asia Pacific region the series has been acquired by Rialto Channel (Sky, New Zealand) and an Australian deal is under negotiation. The series, which has already been acquired by BBC Four in the UK, has now also been picked up for DVD distribution in UK/Eire by Dazzler.

Don Klees, Vice President of Programming for Acorn brands at RLJ Entertainment, says, “With its tense script and stellar ensemble, Hidden (Craith) is another excellent addition to Acorn TV’s line-up of high-quality international mysteries. We’re happy to be working with our friends at all3media international, who have been an important partner for Acorn TV on several popular series like Midsomer Murders, Ackley Bridge, and The Brokenwood Mysteries.”

Hidden (Craith) is co-created by Severn Screen’s Mark Andrew and Ed Talfan, who also serve as Executive Producers alongside Producer Hannah Thomas. Ed Talfan’s credits include Y Gwyll/Hinterland, Denmark, Apostle and The Passing, and Mark Andrew was script consultant on seasons two and three of Y Gwyll/Hinterland and writer of the third season finale.

Amanda Rees, Director of Creative Content at S4C, who premiered the Welsh version of the series, noted, “S4C has striven to commission drama with genuine universality - through stories that are rooted in our unique Welsh culture and landscape. We are delighted that, through the efforts of all3media international, Craith/Hidden and indeed Y Gwyll/Hinterland are traveling the world so successfully.”

Louise Pedersen at all3media international, commented, “We knew that the pedigree of the team behind Hidden (Craith) would result in a very distinctive series - Welsh Noir is now on the international map.”

Starring Sian Reese-William (Y Gwyll/Hinterland, Requiem), Rhodri Meilir (Pride), Gwyneth Keyworth (Wasted) and Sion Alun Davies (Y Gwyll/Hinterland), Hidden (Craith) follows DCI Cadi John (Reese-William) as she is drawn back to her childhood home by the faltering health of her beloved father, and finds herself policing the precinct and people of her youth. It’s a world she never expected to return to, but it’s a job she enjoys. However, when the body of a local woman is found in a remote mountain river, Cadi’s world - and the world of those around her - is changed forever.