10 weeks of principal photography have begun on The Oaks (working title) a brand new five-part drama from ITV Studios.
This is the first commission to come from the creative collaboration between ITVS and Fox. The new series is written for ITV by Stephen Greenhorn (Glasgow Kiss, Doctor Who) and is based on an original US pilot from David Schulner.
ITVS Creative Director of Drama, Kate Bartlett and Senior Executive Kate Lewis are the executive producers, along with Stephen Greenhorn. The 5 x 60 min series is directed by James Kent (The Secret Diaries of Anne Lister, Margaret) is produced by Chrissy Skinns (Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Auf Wiedersehen Pet) and is filming on location around London.
Kingston (Doctor Who, Hope Springs, ER) and Whittaker (Cranford, Wired, Venus) will star alongside DEAN ANDREWS (Ashes to Ashes, Life on Mars), SHELLEY CONN (Strike Back, Mistresses), ANNE REID (Hot Fuzz, Ladies of Letters, Five Days), ELLIOT COWAN (The Fixer, Lost in Austen), DENIS LAWSON (Criminal Justice, The Passion), JAMIE THOMAS KING (Mad Men, The Tudors) and TESSA PEAKE-JONES (Only Fools and Horses).
The Oaks is the gripping story of three different families living in the same house in the 1960?s, 1980?s and present day. The families are linked by the spirit of a young girl ? the 1960?s family?s daughter who died in mysterious circumstances.
The drama has been commissioned by ITV?s drama commissioning team Laura Mackie and Sally Haynes.
?The Oaks is a really original concept that blends relationship drama with an atmospheric ghost story,? said Laura. ?Stephen?s scripts are compellingly written and this is a very distinctive drama to add to our slate.?
?This is a strongly authored, ambitious piece and we?re thrilled to have such an exciting and talented cast on board,? said Kate Lewis, Executive Producer.