Real-Time Thriller ‘Nightsleeper,’ Starring Alexandra Roach and Joe Cole, Pre-Sells to France’s TF1 (EXCLUSIVE)

Real-time thriller “Nightsleeper” has been acquired by French network TF1.

Starring Alexandra Roach (“The Light in the Hall”) and Joe Cole (“Gangs of London”), the six-episode thriller unfolds in real-time as a sleeper train travelling from Glasgow to London is hacked and events rapidly escalate on board, causing a government agency to frantically intervene.

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“Can two people who’ve never met, one on the train and one not, work together to save the lives of its disparate group of passengers as the Heart of Britain overnight service hurtles towards what might quite literally be its final destination?” reads the logline.

The series, which is produced by Fremantle’s Euston Films for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, was written by “Murdered For Being Different” scribe Nick Leather with Laura Grace writing episodes 4 and 5. It’s directed by Jamie Magnus Stone (“Doctor Who”) and John Hayes (“Dublin Murders”).

It will air in the U.K. later this year.

“‘Nightsleeper’ is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that is set to excite and challenge audiences, making it the perfect addition to TF1’s content offering,” said Al De Azpiazu, SVP for sales and distribution for French-speaking Europe, Italy, Spain and Portugal at Fremantle. We’re proud to be partnering with TF1 to introduce it to French audiences.”

Sophie Leveaux, artistic director of acquisitions and international drama development at TF1 added: “We’re delighted to partner with Fremantle to add this series to our line-up. This addictive thriller fits in perfectly with our content offering, both in linear mode on TF1 and on our TF1+ streaming platform.”

Euston Films’ managing director Kate Harwood exec produces with Nick Leather, Jamie Magnus Stone and Gaynor Holmes for the BBC. Jonathan Curling (“The Sister,” “Baghdad Central”) produces while Daisy Costello is co-producer. Fremantle is handling global distribution.

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