SundanceTV boards Irish drama

SundanceTV has become a coproduction partner on buzzy Irish drama Rebellion, TBI has learned.

Rebellion is a five-part serial charting the birth of modern Ireland, beginning with the outbreak of World War I.

Irish pubcaster RTÉ commissioned the show, with Zodiak Media’s Touchpaper TV signed up to coproduce. SundanceTV, which this yera became the first American broadcaster to acquire a German-language show (Deutschland 83), is now on board.

Zodiak Rights is launching the show at MIPCOM today.

“Rebellion is a compelling drama rich with complex and inspiring characters, whose lives and homes are in the direst state of upheaval,” said Joel Stillerman, president of original programming and development for AMC and SundanceTV.

“Sharing this story about the history of Ireland and its people is so important to SundanceTV not only because it underscores our commitment to showcasing unique voices from around the globe, but also because we believe the struggles and triumphs seen throughout the series will resonate strongly with audiences today. We’re looking forward to partnering with Zodiak and RTÉ on bringing Rebellion to life.”

RTÉ’s head of television drama Jane Gogan said: “[Writer] Colin Teevan and the Zodiak team have brought to life this extraordinary story full of dreams and determination and, in some cases, sheer bewilderment and desperation to give us a drama set in an extraordinary period but with themes that carry striking contemporary resonance.”

Rebellion will air on SundanceTV and RTÉ One in early 2016.