Channel 4 To Spotlight ‘The Trial Of Michael Jackson‘
Michael Jackson’s trial will be spotlighted in a Channel 4 doc series from Wonderhood Studios. The Trial of Michael Jackson [working title] will feature contributors who have never spoken before to plot the story of the singer’s 2005 criminal trial alongside his rise to fame and life in the spotlight. It will explore Jackson’s relationship with the media and delve into his life story. In 2005, Jackson went on trial for molesting Gavin Arvizo, who was 13 years old at the time of the alleged abuse. Jackson was acquitted on all counts several months later. Many years on, Channel 4-HBO’s Leaving Neverland aired allegations from two other men of sexual abuse by Jackson when they were boys, and this remains one of the network’s best-performing shows of the past few years. The Trial was commissioned by Channel 4’s senior commissioning editor Anna Miralis and Alisa Pomeroy, Head of Documentaries and Factual Entertainment. The series was developed by Wonderhood’s Director of Development Tom Garton, Louise Kentleton and Tom Anstiss. “This remarkable series is destined to be compelling, insightful and truly remarkable,” said Miralis.
UK’s Bectu Forges First Ever Registry For Intimacy Coordinators
Broadcasting union Bectu has launched the first ever UK registry for intimacy coordinators. The registry provides a list of intimacy coordinators working in the screen industry in the UK and Ireland who have a certain level of experience. Following the start of the #MeToo movement, the use of intimacy coordinators on big projects has grown enormously, with high-profile examples on shows like Normal People and I May Destroy You. “Intimacy coordination provides vital support for artists during the preparation, rehearsal and shooting of intimate action,” said Bectu head Philippa Childs. “It’s fantastic to see the practice becoming more widespread and more and more productions recognising the huge value that intimacy coordinators add on set.”
BBC Rounds Out Cast On Most Expensive Ever Gaelic Drama
The BBC has unveiled full cast and a first look at its debut high-end Gaelic drama An t-Eilean (The Island) starring Industry’s Sagar Radia and His Dark Material’s Sorcha Groundsell. The series set in the western Isles of Scotland combines Gaelic dialogue with English and will air in early 2025. Cast has been rounded out by Iain Macrae (Bannan), Elspeth Turner and the four grown Maclean children played by Sinéad MacInnes (Outlander) as Eilidh, Andrew Macinnes as Calum, Meredith Brook as Sìne (Bannan) and Sam James Smith as Ruaraidh. The cast mixes home-grown talent with big names such as Radia, who has found success on both sides of the pond in the BBC-HBO’s Industry, along with Groundsell. Produced by Black Camel Pictures, The Island is the most expensive ever Gaelic drama and was initially commissioned for BBC Alba before being picked up by BBC Four. It follows similar hybrid language shows such as Keeping Faith, which aired on the BBC and Welsh network S4C. Groundsell said: “This feels like a watershed moment for Gaelic. Across the world, we are seeing indigenous languages step confidently out from the shadows to enjoy the recognition they deserve.” She was speaking a few days after Irish breakout Kneecap, which spotlights the Irish language in one of the most critically-acclaimed movies of the year, swept up at the BIFAs.