Banijay Rights has announced that BritBox has secured the North American streaming rights to the highly anticipated new adaptation of “A Woman of Substance.” This announcement comes as part of a series of global acquisitions made ahead of the upcoming London TV Screenings.
Produced by The Forge, a Banijay UK company known for previous successes like “National Treasure,” “The Buccaneers,” and “Marriage,” this fresh take on the beloved multi-million bestselling novel by Barbara Taylor Bradford is set to be a riveting revenge drama. The eight-part series was acquired by BritBox through a deal orchestrated by Matt Creasey, the EVP of Sales, Acquisitions, and Coproductions at Banijay Rights.
Creasey expressed confidence in the series, noting, “BritBox is the perfect North American home for this bold new adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s classic story, which follows Emma Harte’s extraordinary rags-to-riches journey. We are convinced that this premium drama will engage global audiences, and it’s been an incredible sales effort from the Banijay Rights team.”
Beth Willis, Executive Producer at The Forge, also shared her excitement, stating, “We are so thrilled the BritBox audience will get to enjoy the iconic Emma Harte and her universal story in ‘A Woman of Substance,’ thanks to the support and excellence of Banijay Rights.”
The series has garnered international interest, with Foxtel and BINGE as its exclusive home in Australia, and additional acquisitions from TVNZ in New Zealand, NPO in The Netherlands, Cellcom TV Plus in Israel, COSMOTE TV in Greece, and RUV in Iceland, facilitated by the Banijay Rights sales team.
“A Woman of Substance” showcases Brenda Blethyn and Jessica Reynolds, portraying different stages of the life of Emma Harte: an ambitious housemaid who rises from humble beginnings in Yorkshire to become one of the world’s wealthiest women, residing in a luxurious penthouse in New York. This rags-to-riches narrative unfolds over the course of the 20th century, as Emma defies societal expectations, challenges her assigned roles, and resolutely pursues her dream of success.
The drama is scripted by Katherine Jakeways, with contributions from Roanne Bardsley, and features a distinguished team of executive producers, including Beth Willis, Joe Innes, George Faber, and the Barbara Taylor Bradford Trust. Direction was headed by John Hardwick, Samantha Harrie, and Richard Senior for various blocks of the series. The show was commissioned for Channel 4 by Rebecca Holdsworth and Gwawr Lloyd.
“A Woman of Substance” showcases Banijay Rights’ commitment to offering premium scripted series, positioning it prominently at Banijay Entertainment’s London TV Screenings event at BAFTA on February 25. This anticipated adaptation not only revitalizes a classic tale but also aims to inspire viewers through Emma Harte’s formidable journey and resilient spirit.