Sky Vision to coproduce Blood with Element 8

Sky Vision has set a deal to coproduce English-language crime thriller Blood, set in Amman, Jordan, with Element 8 Entertainment.

For the first time, Sky Vision will work with Element 8 to build a raft of coproduction deals for the title with a select number of anchor networks worldwide.

Sky will add deficit finance to the package to complete the budget and will then retain finished and format rights for distribution.

The 8×60-minute thriller hails from screenwriter Nizar Wattad (The United). It follows three childhood friends – a detective, an attorney and a convict – as they get caught up in a conspiracy involving corrupt cops, prison officials, inmates and organised crime on the streets of Amman.

It is produced by Laith Majali (Theeb) and directed by Oscar nominated Hany Abu-Assad (Paradise Now).

Jason Simms (pictured), director of drama and comedy at Sky Vision, said: “We’re so excited to have closed this ground-breaking deal with Element 8 Entertainment for this fantastic new series, and we’re hugely looking forward to introducing Nizar Wattad’s unique and powerful thriller to co-pro partners in the weeks to come.”

Patty Ishimoto, managing partner at Element 8 Entertainment, added: “Blood is a compelling crime drama that will draw audiences into its complex world, not just because of the strength of Nizar’s powerful and intelligent story but also the memorable characters, and the fascinating, seductive and immersive world in which the story is set.”