Strike Back to return to Sky 1 HD for a fifth season in 2014
Sky 1 HD and HBO/CINEMAX announce today a further ten-part series order for hit action drama series STRIKE BACK. As the fourth series launches (Sky 1 HD, 28th October, 9pm), Adam Macdonald, Director, Sky 1 and Cameron Roach, Head of Drama, Sky, today confirmed a fifth season for 2014 with shooting set to commence early next year in Asia and Europe.
Telling the suspenseful story of a stealth British military unit working in the field of counter terrorism, the original Sky 1 commission, produced by Left Bank Pictures, launched on the channel in 2010. The high-octane drama swiftly established itself as an audience favourite and the show returned the following year, with the second season marking the first collaboration between CINEMAX/HBO as the US network came on board to co-produce alongside Sky and Left Bank Pictures.
Returning for season five will be Left Bank’s Andy Harries as executive producer, series producer Michael Casey and head of production Marigo Kehoe. Sky’s Cameron Roach will executive produce. Michael J. Bassett will also return as co-executive producer, and lead director. James Dormer will be the lead writer and co-executive produce too. Casting announcements will follow later this year.
Adam Macdonald commented: “Series 4 of Strike Back is returning to Sky 1 HD this week in absolutely cracking form. Our customers love the series and so do I – it is a truly global show both in storyline and international success and I’m delighted to be working with HBO/CINEMAX and Left Bank Pictures to produce a further series.”
Cameron Roach added: “Strike Back is a unique piece of television, grand scale and action packed. There is nothing to match the cinematic feel of this consistently thrilling series and we’re incredibly proud of the show. This success story really exemplifies our ambition and drive to establish and deliver Sky customers big returning drama brands.”
Andy Harries, Chief Executive, Left Bank Pictures, said: “Strike Back continues to blow audiences away around the world with its mix of crackling dialogue and high octane action. We’re thrilled to be working with HBO and Sky again on such an exciting project.”
This re-commission comes as the fourth series debuts on Sky 1 HD, also available to view on the move with Sky Go. From Monday 28th October at 9pm, Philip Winchester and Sullivan Stapleton flex their acting muscles as Sgt Michael Stonebridge and Damien Scott respectively, and, this time, they're joined by new cast additions; Robson Green (Mount Pleasant), Dougray Scott (Mission: Impossible II) and Martin Clunes (Doc Martin). More about Strike Back can be found at www.sky.com/sky1hd-shows/strike-back including the new series’ trailer and exclusive cast interviews.
By 2014, Sky will invest £600 million a year in British programmes across its portfolio of channels. This commitment includes home-grown content such as upcoming entertainment quiz DUCK QUACKS DON’T ECHO, dramas such as MOONFLEET, THE TUNNEL, DRACULA, A YOUNG DOCTOR’S NOTEBOOK, FLEMING and THE SMOKE, comedies such as STELLA, YONDERLAND, DOLL & EM and THE KUMARS and factual shows such as KARL PILKINGTON: THE MOANING OF LIFE, THE SOUTH BANK SHOW, THE FACE and ROSS KEMP EXTREME WORLD.
Notes to editor
Further information:
Susan Collins
Publicity Manager, Sky 1 HD
Susan.collins@bskyb.com
020 7032 4243
www.skypressoffice.co.uk
Follow us on twitter @sky1insider
Photography available from www.image.net or StillsDepartment@bskyb.com
Notes to editors:
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