ITV goes for wartime drama

UK commercial channel ITV has commissioned an 8x60mins period drama set in high London society during the Second World War.

Set in 1940 in a glamorous five-star hotel, The Halcyon will look at how war impacted life in the British city, set to a soundtrack of music from the era.

Wallander prodco Left Bank Pictures will produce, with Charlotte Jones (Trust Me) creator and writer.

“A hotel is the perfect place to show ambition in telling the story of World War II,” said Steve November (pictured), ITV’s director of drama, who commissioned the show with drama controller Victoria Fea.

“It was an extraordinary time in our country’s history, and London was a transforming city. The Halcyon takes us right to the heart of this as the hotel is busy, energetic, and vibrant which reflects how people carried on with their lives with defiance in the air,

Sharon Hughff (Strike Back) will executive produce, with Chris Croucher (Donwton Abbey) producing.

Shotting begins in London and surrounding areas in April April 2016.

Sony Pictures Television, which owns UK drama indie Left Bank, will likely hold international distribution rights.