Gadd wrote the drama with Bell in mind to co-star

Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell begin filming BBC One/HBO drama Half Man this week (w/c 3 February) in Scotland.

Originally titled Lions, the 6 x 45’ series is from writer/creator/exec producer Gadd and Mam Tor Productions. Spanning almost forty years from the 1980s to the present day, the drama explores the highs and lows of the relationship between two men, from their meeting as teenagers to their falling out as adults.

The series is supported by Screen Scotland and is a co-production with HBO, that will air it in the US.

Wendy Griffin produces; Alexandra Brodski and Eshref Reybrouck direct. Tally Garner and Morven Reid exec produce for Mam Tor Productions alongside Gaynor Holmes for the BBC and Gavin Smith for BBC Scotland.

Louise Thornton, head of commissioning at BBC Scotland, commented at the time: “Half Man is a brilliant example of BBC Scotland’s ambition to bring high quality drama, rooted in Scotland, to audiences in Scotland, the UK and the world.

“We’re delighted to be announcing this exciting casting news today and look forward to seeing Richard and Jamie bring these complex and powerful characters to life.”