Clerkenwell, BBC America ink pact

LONDON -- U.K. shingle Clerkenwell Films is to develop content for BBC America as the cable net beefs up original production. The non-exclusive deal involves funding potential projects over what BBC America's owner, BBC Worldwide, indicated was an 18-month period. BBC Worldwide said the initiative is aimed at conceiving series that will resonate with BBC America's audience. Additionally, Worldwide will seek co-production partners for commissioned shows. BBC America's first original scripted show -- period crime saga "Copper" from Cineflix Studios -- was announced in June.BBC America's general manager Perry Simon said: "Moving into original production is a big step for BBC America, and one that we hope can bring interesting new opportunities for U.K. indies."To stand out in this hugely competitive market we need access to the most creative talents and original shows in the world." Clerkenwell specializes in drama, and enjoyed a U.K. hit with "Misfits," which was commissioned for youth-skewed web E4, and won a BAFTA for best drama series. The show focuses on a group of teen offenders who gain super powers following a freak electrical storm.There has been a lot of speculation regarding a U.S. version of "Misfits," including reports that ABC is close to green lighting a U.S. adaptation. Clerkenwell's CEO Murray Ferguson added: "Having the chance to kick-start the development of shows that we know from the outset are targeted at a global audience is a really invigorating prospect." Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

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