Filming starts in Birmingham this summer

The visionary Cadbury family is the inspiration behind an upcoming drama, co-commissioned by UKTV, BritBox and Sony Pictures Television.

The trio are joining forces for six-part Chocolate Wars (w/t), which is inspired by Deborah Cadbury’s book and the true story of the chocolate company dynasty.

The drama is produced by Fable Pictures (Mr Loverman) in association with Alfresco Pictures, and is penned for screen by All Creatures Great an Small and Beyond Paradise writer Chloë Mi Lin Ewart.

Billed by the partner as a warm-hearted family drama, the series follows the Cadburys, underdogs in the cocoa world, as they begin a journey towards creating the world-famous chocolate bar.

In 1860s Birmingham, brothers Richard and George Cadbury find themselves in charge of their family’s failing cocoa business. They quickly realise they must learn to trust and rely on each other and stop their bickering, while sister Maria navigates her own role in the family business – further complicated when she falls in love with Cadbury’s biggest rival.

Casting is currently underway for the series, which will film in Birmingham this summer.

The series was commissioned by UKTV’s head of drama Helen Perry, ordered by director of scripted programming Emma Tibbetts and director of commissioning Hilary Rosen.

“Chocolate Wars is a delicious concoction of period family saga, blended with true story and a dash of Wonka-esque magic,” said Perry.

“We look forward to joining forces with BritBox and Sony to offer this undeniably joyous tale to viewers.”

The series is exec produced by Faye Ward, Freddie Highmore, Hannah Price and Claire Londy, with Helen Perry for UKTV and Jess O’Riordan and Jon Farrar for BritBox.

Directors will be Tom McKay (After the Flood, Ten Pound Poms, There She Goes) and Jill Robertson (The Good Girls Guide to Murder, Ludwig, Dalgleish), with Hannah Farrell from Fable Pictures as series producer. Mi Lin Ewart leads the writing team, alongside Eve Hedderwick Turner and Karim Khan.

Sony Pictures Television will handle worldwide sales as international distributor with Creative UK providing regional support through the ERDF-funded West Midlands Production Fund.