Entertainment channel Sky 1 continues to up its investment in original content by commissioning new programmes.

 

Last week it unveiled a slate of new shows including an eight-part drama set in a London fire station. Produced by Shine-owned indie Kudos, The Smoke promises “bigger explosions and fires than any other British drama.”

 

Also coming up for 2013 is an adaptation of John Meade Falkner”s classic novel Moonfleet from Company Pictures.

 

On the entertainment front commissions include Duck Quacks Don’;t Echo from Magnum Media, Help Me I’;m Human from Hat Trick and You and Whose Army from Zeppotron productions. In factual, new titles include Ashley Banjo”s Secret Street Crew and Ross Kemp: Invisible Wounded in which the actor will investigate former members of the military suffering from mental problems such as depression, addiction or violent outbursts.

 

In comedy, Sky1 has commissioned a second run of Moone Boy. A partnership between Baby Cow, Sprout Films, Hot Cod Productions and Grand Pictures, Moone Boy is co-written by Chris O’;Dowd—who also co-stars—and Nick Vincent Murphy. 

 

Commenting on the new slate, Stuart Murphy, director of entertainment channels, said: “The pay-TV world is a great place to be. The stability that comes with 10 million customers gives us the freedom to take creative risks that allows Sky1 HD to stand out from the pack. This raft of new commissions sits alongside an increasing number of returning original and acquired series including Trollied, An Idiot Abroad, Spy, Strike Back, Glee and Modern Family.”