A NEW series commissioned by the BBC will be set in Edinburgh – and features a group of Scottish teens who suddenly discover they have superpowers.
An adaptation of Marilyn Kaye’s Gifted novel series, the show is currently in production and set to premiere at the end of next year, with filming also taking place in Glasgow.
The show is one of three new series commissioned by the BBC, with a particular emphasis on championing “homegrown” stories set across the UK.
Gifted, originally a six-part series by American author Marilyn Kaye, features a group of students who each have unique supernatural abilities, and attend a secret class to learn how to use them.
Rather than spotlighting one central character, the books each focus on a different student and their own natural abilities such as telekinesis, invisibility, and mind reading.
The novels are adapted for screen by award-winning screenwriter Emma Reeves, who worked extensively on the Tracy Beaker series and other CBBC franchises.
Over 3,000 Scottish children have applied to be on the show, with the BBC stating that they have “uncovered a wealth of new talent, bringing fresh faces to the screen”.
The action-adventure drama is one of three new shows announced by the BBC yesterday.
These include a new access series based in one of the UK’s best stage schools, and Gladiators: Epic Pranks, a spin-off of the 90s show which recently had a triumphant revival.
The BBC has said that the new commissions demonstrate their “commitment to backing homegrown stories that bring families together to enjoy high quality productions and much-loved brands”.
The director of BBC Children’s and Education, Patricia Hidalgo, said: “We continue to showcase homegrown dramas and series which aim to give our young viewers an insight into the diverse lives of children, characters and settings from across the UK with unique stories to tell which will resonate with them and with their families.”
Gifted is a joint production between French producer Media Valley and Glasgow-based company, Black Camel Pictures, who also worked on 2013 romantic musical Sunshine on Leith.
The show also received £500,000 through Screen Scotland’s Broadcast Content Fund, which prioritises projects that reflect or promote Scottish culture, creativity and diversity.
