Boat Rocker partners with Deadpan Pictures on Video Nasty
March 20, 2024
Boat Rocker, an independent, integrated global entertainment company, has partnered with Ireland’s Deadpan Pictures to produce Video Nasty, a new 6×30’ premium returning scripted comedy-drama series for BBC Northern Ireland, BBC Three and iPlayer, Virgin Media Television (Ireland), and WDR (Germany). The series is produced with Screen Ireland/ Fis Eireann. Boat Rocker will distribute the series globally.
Set in 1985, when the home video revolution is in full analogue swing, Video Nasty tells the story of three mostly-normal-but-kind-of-weird teenagers who go on an epic quest to complete a cult VHS collection. Instead, they get mixed up in a murder investigation, becoming chief suspects and public enemies. The series is a deadly, deadpan comedy with a raucous, racy, retro flavour. An 80’s throwback that is all about the hysterical world we live in today. Because we all love nostalgia but it’s just not what it used to be.
“We’re excited to work with the fantastic team at Deadpan Pictures and our wonderful commissioning partners at the BBC, Virgin Media Television, and WDR to bring audiences back to 1985 for an unforgettable quest full of adventure, love, and true friendship,” said Ivan Schneeberg and David Fortier, Co-Executive Chairmen, Boat Rocker Media and Co-Chairmen, Boat Rocker Studios.
“Deadpan are delighted to work with Hugh Travers and Julie Baines again and with veteran director Christopher Smith at the helm, Video Nasty is sure to be a horror-filled treat for BBC, Virgin Media Television and WDR audiences early next year,”said Ailish McElmeel, Co-founder and Producer Deadpan Pictures
“With a perfect mix of 80s nostalgia, dark humour and murder mystery, this coming of age story takes a very exciting approach to issues more relevant today than ever before. As funny as it is suspense filled, this story of three ‘mostly normal’ Irish teens is anything but normal and Virgin Media Television are delighted to be on board to bring it to Irish audiences,” added Sinéad Stimpfig, Head of Commissioning & Acquisitions, Virgin Media Television
Ailish McElmeel (Northern Lights, Can’t Cope Won’t Cope) is series producing with Julie Baines (Something in the Water, Triangle) as producer. Written and created by Hugh Travers (Your Mother Should Know, Red Rock), Directed by Christopher Smith (Spy/Master, Triangle) and Megan K. Fox (Too Good to be True).
Video Nasty is executive produced by Boat Rocker’s David Fortier (Beacon 23, Slip), Ivan Schneeberg (Beacon 23, Slip), Nick Nantell (American Rust: Broken Justice, Beacon 23), and Erik Pack, in addition to Eddie Doyle and Raphaëlle Oloan for BBC, Frank Tönsmann for WDR, SWR and NDR (FabFiction-Initiative), Nada Cirjanic for Screen Ireland and Ailish McElmeel, Paul Donovan and Marc Lorber for Deadpan Pictures and writer Hugh Travers.
Production will commence in April with filming taking place in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Boat Rocker also manages global distribution for a growing number of other premium scripted series, including: Beacon 23, Orphan Black: Echoes, American Rust: Broken Justice, and Slip.