The BBC has announced original six-part drama Grams, a darkly comic thriller made by World Productions (Vigil, The Gathering, Line of Duty) an ITV Studios company and set in Springburn, Glasgow, where its RTS Award-winning creator, writer and director James Price (Dog Days, Boys Night) was born and still lives.
Following the death of her beloved grandson Michael, widowed Glaswegian Thana becomes the target of a violent local gang, who Michael apparently crossed. Thana finds salvation in the form of Connor, a volatile friend of Michael’s with serious anger issues. Grams will see Thana and Connor form an unlikely partnership, as they seek the truth of what really happened to Michael.
Price (pictured) said: “I am beyond elated that Grams is coming to the BBC. It has been an absolute dream come true bringing this story to life with the geniuses at World Productions, I cannot thank them enough. I can’t wait for audiences across the UK to meet Thana, Connor and our eclectic mix of characters.”
George Aza-Selinger, Grams’ producer and head of development at World Productions Scotland said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to be part of this journey from the very beginning, working with someone as talented as James Price on a project so close to his heart. And I am absolutely over the moon to be bringing this story to the screen with the wonderful team at the BBC.”
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Louise Thornton, head of commissioning for BBC Scotland, added: “BBC Scotland have always been fans of James Price and loved working with him on his award-winning digital drama success Dog Days. It’s brilliant that his unique voice will be showcased to the widest possible audience with Grams. It’s a truly gripping character drama filled with twists and turns and we know audiences across the UK will love following the adventures of Thana and Connor.”
Kieran Hannigan, head of scripted at Screen Scotland, said he was pleased his organisation had played its part in bringing Scottish voices to a wider audience: “James is a huge talent and important voice from Scotland,” he said. “Content originated in Scotland by Scottish voices is at the heart of our mission, and Screen Scotland is proud to have been part of his journey to this point, and cannot wait to see the series hit the screens.”
Grams (6 x 60’) was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, and Thornton. The series is created, written and directed by Price. Executive producers are Simon Heath and Jake Lushington for World Productions, Gaynor Holmes for the BBC, and Gavin Smith for BBC Scotland. Aza-Selinger is producer and Grams is supported by Screen Scotland, and produced in association with and distributed by ITV Studios. It will air on BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland and BBC One.
