Mark Strong in ‘Deep State.’
Australia’s SBS, US cable network Epix and TVNZ are among a host of broadcasters that have acquired Deep State, an international spy thriller co-directed by Robert Connolly.
The first original drama production from Fox Networks Group Europe and Africa, the 8-part series stars Mark Strong as Max Easton, a retired Secret Service operative and former member of an elite MI6/CIA team called The Section.
He’s coaxed back into action by Section head George White (Alistair Petrie) to avenge the death of his estranged son Harry (Game of Thrones’ Joe Dempsie).
The stakes are raised when Easton finds himself at the heart of a covert intelligence war and a conspiracy to make vast profits from an Iranian missile program. Karima McAdams (Fearless, Vikings) plays Leyla Toumi, a smart and uncompromising intelligence operative.
Connolly spent seven months in Morocco and London directing the first four episodes while the co-creator/showrunner Matthew Parkhill directed the second four.
The Endor-produced series also went to NBCUniversal for France, Canada’s Super Channel and Denmark’s DRTV, with further deals to be announced. It will premiere on April 5 on Fox Europe and Africa and on June 17 on Epix.
Epix president Michael Wright said: “Deep State is a timely and addictive thriller that fits perfectly into Epix’s growing portfolio of premium original programming. With Matthew’s smart storytelling, an excellent cast led by Mark Strong and a fantastic production and design team, we’re very excited to bring this quality drama to an American audience.”
Connolly told IF last year: “It has an interesting and complex point of view deep within the British and American military industrial complex. I think it will really surprise people in terms of its politics.”
As IF reported last week, Connolly’s Arenamedia is expanding internationally after opening a Sydney office and hiring London-based Aussie producer Rachel Connors, former director of ABC Commercial Robert Patterson and former Screen Australia development executive Louise Gough.