See-Saw Films unveils new TV projects: A deep dive into their latest literary adaptations
A new era for See-Saw Films
Fresh off the back of nine Emmy nominations for the Apple TV+ hit Slow Horses, See-Saw Films is making waves again. The British/Australian production powerhouse, known for its critically acclaimed works like The King’s Speech, The Power of the Dog, and One Life, is now expanding its horizons with a slate of new literary adaptations for television. This move underscores the company’s commitment to storytelling across both the big and small screens.
Shifters: From stage to screen
One of the most exciting projects in development is Shifters, an epic romance by playwright Benedict Lombe. The play, which stars Tosin Cole and Heather Ageypong, has already enjoyed a sellout run at the Bush Theater and is set to transfer to the West End. Now, See-Saw Films is adapting it for television, with Lombe herself at the helm.
Shifters tells the story of two characters who meet as the only Black kids in their philosophy class. Their journey through first love, separation, and reconnection offers a profound exploration of intimacy and personal growth. The series promises to delve deeper into these themes, expanding beyond the confines of the stage play.
For a glimpse into the world of Shifters, check out the trailer.
The Romantic Tragedies of a Teenage Drama King: A comedic journey
Another intriguing project is The Romantic Tragedies of a Teenage Drama King, the debut novel by actor and comedian Harry Trevaldwyn. Known for his viral social media videos during the pandemic, Trevaldwyn has since starred in the English remake of Call My Agent! and the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon.
The novel, set to be published in early 2025, follows a young man on a mission to reinvent himself and find a boyfriend, despite the lack of encouragement from those around him. Trevaldwyn is adapting the book for television, aiming to capture its humor and heart in a returning series.
Discover more about The Romantic Tragedies of a Teenage Drama King by watching the trailer.
Welcome to Glorious Tuga: A mystery on a remote island
The third project in See-Saw’s new lineup is Welcome to Glorious Tuga, a novel by award-winning author Francesca Segal. The story follows a London vet who takes up a fellowship on a tiny, remote island to study an endangered breed of tortoises. Alongside her scientific endeavors, she seeks to solve a personal mystery.
This adaptation promises to blend elements of mystery, drama, and the unique charm of island life. It’s a testament to See-Saw’s ability to find compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
Get a sneak peek of Welcome to Glorious Tuga by viewing the trailer.
The See-Saw approach: Empowering creative passions
Helen Gregory, who oversees See-Saw’s team of executive producers, emphasizes the company’s unique approach to development. Rather than centralizing control, See-Saw operates with nine different slates across the UK and Australia, each led by passionate exec producers. This model encourages creativity and allows each project to develop its own identity.
Gregory’s leadership has been instrumental in this strategy, fostering an environment where exec producers can follow their instincts and build strong relationships with talent. This approach has already borne fruit with hits like Slow Horses and Heartstopper.
Upcoming releases and future plans
Fans of Slow Horses can look forward to Season 4, set to premiere in early September, with a fifth season already in production. Meanwhile, the third season of Heartstopper will arrive on Netflix in October.
On the film side, See-Saw is developing a big-screen adaptation of the beloved children’s novel The Neverending Story and a biopic of famed Everest mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, starring Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe.
These projects highlight See-Saw’s successful transition from a film-centric company to a balanced TV and film production house. As Gregory notes, this shift has solidified the company’s identity as a versatile and dynamic storyteller in the entertainment industry.
Final thoughts
See-Saw Films continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, bringing fresh and diverse narratives to both television and film. Their latest literary adaptations promise to captivate audiences with their unique blend of humor, romance, and mystery. As they continue to empower creative voices and explore new horizons, See-Saw Films remains a beacon of innovation and excellence in the world of entertainment.