“Skins” jumps the pond to MTV

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MTV announced that it has landed the rights to develop a US version of the award-winning UK phenomenon “Skins.” The American version will be set in Baltimore.


Created by father and son team, Bryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain, the original series on E4 (pay TV) and Channel 4 (broadcast) is about a group of British teenagers who are trying to grow up and find love and happiness. Brian Elsley will be writing and executive producing the US version.

In an effort to maintain the original production’s successful model wherein all the stories were written by a group of British teenagers, MTV will similarly join together unknown teenagers to write and star in the series.

“‘Skins’ is one of those rare shows that cuts through to its core audience with unusually authentic stories due to the unique writing and casting process that Bryan pioneered. Having personally pursued the UK project for almost two years, I am beyond thrilled to bring it to MTV in the US. We intend to preserve the authenticity of the British version and are excited to collaborate with the original team to develop stories that will speak to American youth,” said Liz Gateley, Senior Vice President, MTV Series Development.

“Skins” instantly became a critical and commercial hit in the UK, especially among young adults as it was the third highest-rated show of the year on E4 reaching 1.2 million P2+ viewers and achieved a massive 61% of 16-34 year olds. The series won a 2009 BAFTA Audience Award, which was voted on by the public, and Best Drama Series at the 2008 Broadcast Awards.

“Skins” will be produced by Company Pictures, a division of ALL3MEDIA, and Stormdog, the same companies that produce the Channel 4 series in the UK Bryan Elsley, of Stormdog, will Executive Produce and write the US version, along with Executive Producers Charlie Pattinson and George Faber, both of Company Pictures. The deal was brokered by Greg Lipstone, of ICM, which represents Company Pictures and ALL3Media. Bryan Elsley is represented by Ted Miller at CAA.