ITV Commissions New Mini Drama

ITV has unveiled details of a new commissioned drama called Butterfly.

Starring Anna Friel, the mini series follows the story of an 11-year-old boy named Max who decided that he wants to live as a girl. He has always dressed as one at home, but now he doesn't want to hide who he is. The drama looks at the life-changing decision in a boy so young; how do you decide what is best for your child as you try to support and protect him? His mum, Vicky, (Anna Friel) and father, Stephen, no longer live together, which puts additional pressure on Max who desires an idyllic home life.

Butterfly has been commissioned by ITV's Head of Drama Polly Hill. Screenwriter Tony Marchant is on board and the series will be produced by RED Production Company, part of Studiocanal's international production network of companies.

Polly Hill said: "Butterfly is a beautiful story about a young boy on the cusp of puberty who doesn't feel comfortable in his own body. It's a heartwarming and emotional script from Tony Marchant that focuses upon gender identity and one boy's search to be recognised for who he really is. We're looking forward to working with Nicola Shindler and her team at RED Production Company."

Nicola Shindler, who will executive produce Butterfly with Marchant, added: "It is great to work with Tony again on such a moving and warm drama that will touch the hearts of viewers with the universal themes of acceptance, inclusivity and unconditional love. Tony's got a great knack of creating real and relatable characters whose stories strike a chord but also have such drama, making his work so compelling. ITV audiences will be in for a real treat."

Butterfly will be produced by Louise Sutton and directed by Anthony Byrne. Anna Friel will also co-produce the mini series, which will be filmed in Manchester during early 2018. Caroline Hollick, Creative Director at Red, is also an executive producer. ITV's Senior Commissioner, Victoria Fea, will oversee the drama from the broadcaster's perspective.

RED Production Company is part of Studiocanal's international production network of companies.

www.itv.com/presscentre

(JP/MH)