Saturday, February 26, 2011

Sinbad on Sky 1

British television channel Sky 1 has begun production for a 13 part series based on Sinbad the Sailor.

A mix of 24 and Lost featuring Sinbad adventures?  Sounds like a recipe for something I guess.  I wonder who will hit the screen as Sinbad first, The Rock (in the upcoming 3D Arabian Nights)?  Or the as yet unchosen Sky1 version?


Here are a slew of related articles and clips:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/aug/03/sinbad-the-sailor-sky1


"Sky1 is has commissioned a multimillion-pound remake of Sinbad the Sailor, to be produced by Primeval makers Impossible Pictures, which it promises will have "the ambition of Lost and the pace of 24".

The commission is one of a slate of new shows unveiled today by the Sky1 director of programmes, Stuart Murphy, who is keen to shed a reputation for relying on foreign imports and "shifting the budget around to put terrestrial levels of spend behind our commissioned shows". Sinbad, which will start photography in Malta in February, is a 13-part series that features a 21-year-old Sinbad fleeing from his home in Basra, Iraq."

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From Sky1's initial announcement:

" Breaking news (Tuesday 3 August, 2010):

Today  we are announcing a brand new 13 part hour long series called Sinbad. It's from the Emmy® and BAFTA® winning Impossible Pictures (Primeval). The new production promises a 21st century take on the classic 8th century iconic hero, Sinbad, reinvigorating the hero’s adventures for a contemporary audience.

On the run from his home town of Basra and under a curse for a killing that led to the death of his much-loved brother, the streetwise Sinbad finds himself cast out to sea. Surviving a violent and magical storm, both Sinbad and his intriguing fellow ship-mates are forced to band together to face their inner demons, hopes, loves and fears. Our flawed hero embarks on an epic and emotional quest to rid himself of the curse and embrace his destiny. When mystical meets muscle anything can happen.

Elaine Pyke, Head of Drama at Sky 1 HD commented: “Our Sinbad is 21, reckless, utterly charming and cursed. Mysticism, magic, monsters and high octane action adventure, this Sinbad is always exciting and sometimes challenging. This unique series will have the ambition of Lost, the pace of 24 and take the viewer to visually stunning locations on both sea and land. Sky’s Sinbad will be a multi-layered series for today’s prime time audience.”

Sinbad is part of Sky1's multi-million pound HD drama investment fund. The search is now on to find an actor to play the iconic role!"

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from Impossible Pictures:




SINBAD. Hero or Villain? On the run from his home town of Basra and under a curse for a killing that led to the death of his much-loved brother, the streetwise SINBAD finds himself cast out to sea. Surviving a violent and magical storm, both SINBAD and his intriguing fellow ship-mates are forced to band together to face their inner demons, hopes, loves and fears. Our flawed hero embarks on an epic and emotional quest to rid himself of the curse and embrace his destiny. When mystical meets muscle anything can happen….

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Times of Malta (Malta is the location of the shooting):

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100805/local/sinbad-to-be-shot-here-for-sky1

"Sinbad will be shot in Malta for Sky1 next year, marking the first time an entire series of a television production is being filmed on the island.

Usually, only individual episodes, or parts of them, are filmed here, Malta Film Commissioner Luisa Bonello pointed out.

The series is being produced by Impossible Pictures, a multi-award-winning independent television production company for Sky1 and BBC Worldwide."





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From The National, Abu Dhabi (scouts are looking for Middle Eastern actors for the show)

http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/sinbad-hopefuls-reach-for-the-sky

"DUBAI // Dozens of Emiratis and expatriates are vying for the lead role in a 13-part television series about Sinbad the Sailor for the British channel, Sky1.

Their self-taped video auditions as the Basra-born seafarer form part of a worldwide casting call that ends this week. The producers are looking for actors who look "Middle Eastern/Arabic", are 21 years old and fit.

"There's a good chance" someone from the region will be picked because he has to look the part, said Gemma Sykes, a casting associate with Hubbard. "Ideally we want someone who looks like they're from Basra and has that sort of sensibility.""

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