Fearne Cotton behind Sky Kids Drama as channel goes linear; Prime Video’s The Devil’s Hour has been renewed for seasons two and three; eagle eye animation; “A Cosmology of Monsters”; Lenny Abrahamson joins the DIFF Board – Global Briefs

Fearne Cotton Behind Sky children’s drama as the channel goes linear

British presenter Fearne Cotton is producing a Sky Kids drama as the channel launches ad-free on linear TV, in the opposite direction to older BBC children’s rival CBBC, which will soon be online only. The Sky Kids channel launches on Sky Linear TV in February as a 24-hour channel featuring originals including the produced Cotton-Exec My friend Misty, in which we follow an animated character who sets out to build emotional resilience in children. Misty surprises a group of children on the show with magical visits and helps them deal with their good and bad feelings, giving them a series of tips and practical exercises to support them in difficult situations. Cotton has presented on CBBC, GMTV and CITV and the like top of the pops and celebrity juice. The show is accompanied by new originals On your points, Eddie, go! which is directed by an autistic character and a dinosaur show Dinosaur Club. Sky Kids is currently available to watch on demand and through the Sky Kids app in partnership with the likes of Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. The move comes as parent-focused BBC children’s channel CBBC prepares to go in the opposite direction and go online only, although CBeebies remains linear for toddlers.

Amazon has renewed The Devil’s Hour for seasons two and three

The devil’s hour Thriller has been re-commissioned by Amazon Prime Video for a second and third season, demonstrating the streamer’s commitment to the Hartswood Films program. The drama starring Peter Capaldi and Jessica Raine, produced by by Sherlock Steven Moffat and Sue Vertue follow Lucy Chambers’ search for serial killer Gideon. The second series will act as both a prequel and sequel to the first, as Gideon’s true intentions are finally revealed and he tries to enlist Lucy in his mission to stop an elusive force of evil. The show also stars Nikesh Patel, Phil Dunster, Meera Syal and Benjamin Chivers. Tom Moran is a writer. “We are pleased with the public response The devil’s hour and I can’t wait to share the next chapter in this beautiful story,” said Dan Grabiner, Head of UK Originals, Amazon Studios.

Eagle Eye Drama founded the animation company Eaglet Films

Professor T and before we die Indie Eagle Eye Drama has established an animation subsidiary, Eaglet Films. The British company works with its creative director for animation Massimo Fenati (clown, Terry Pratchett’s Abominable Snow Baby) and executive producer Tess Cuming (Terry Pratchett’s Abominable Snow Baby) to launch the company, which will be based in London and focus on animated series, films and specials featuring British and European talent. Fenati, Cuming and production manager Isobel Nicholson will form the board. Breakthrough in content for kids and families comes after Eagle Eye lands a six-part animated special, Quentin Blake’s Treasury, based on books by illustrator Quentin Blake. These will debut in December 2023

Saloon Media is adapting Shaun Hamill’s novel A Cosmology Of Monsters as a series

See No Evil Manufacturer Saloon Media has acquired the rights to Shaun Hamill’s debut novel A cosmology of monsters as a “sublime” family drama. The book is being adapted into an eight-part series that follows the Turner family as they carry out an immersive haunted house experience, but gradually realize that real monsters are on their doorstep. Caitlin D. Fries (Wyonna Earp, private investigators) is the creator and executive producer and will work with Saloon’s SVP, Scripted Content, Melissa Williamson on development. Blue Ant Media’s Saloon’s Michael Kot and writer Hamill are also EPs. Fryers is represented by Meridian Artists.

Lenny Abrahamson & Trish Long join the DIFF board

The Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) has appointed Vice President and General Manager of Walt Disney Studios Ireland, Trish Long, and Oscar nominee Lenny Abrahamson to its Board of Directors. “Both bring a wealth of experience and key skills and will be invaluable to our existing team,” said festival director Gráinne Humphreys. Abrahamson, his feature Room was nominated for an Oscar in four categories in 2016 and Brie Larson won best actress and has been a regular at the festival over the years. Its psychological thriller The little stranger was shown there in 2018 and he also gave interviews with international guests, including Mike Leigh. “I look forward to supporting Gráinne and the entire team in continuing to offer Dublin audiences the opportunity to see the best of Irish and international cinema,” said the director. Other current board members include Elaine Gill (Vice Chair), Aidan Greene, Neasa Hardiman, Ruth Hunter, Louise Kiely, Laurence Mackin, Ola Majekodunmi, Ronan Murphy, Bashir Otukoya and Paula Woods.