‘Akilla’s Escape’ Canada Deal, Raw Hire, Britbox Commission

TIFF Drama Gets Canada Deal

EXCLUSIVE: Following its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, levelFILM has acquired Canadian rights to crime noir Akilla’s Escape by director Charles Officer, who co-wrote the script with Wendy ‘Motion’ Braithwaite. Produced by Jake Yanowski & Officer of Canesugar Filmworks, pic stars slam poet Saul Williams and newcomer Thamela Mpumlwana who anchors the story about an ‘urban child-soldier’. The film is slated for a mid-2021 theatrical release. Executive producers are Martin F. Katz, Karen Wookey, and Michael A. Levine. XYZ handles international sales. Vertical has domestic rights.

Raw Hires BBC Studios Exec As COO

Gold Rush and Don’t F**k With Cats producer Raw has hired Fiona Clarke, BBC Studios’ director of business and commercial for factual, to the newly-created role of chief operating officer. She will report to CEO Joely Fether and take up her role in the New Year. Her credits include The Surgeon’s Cut for Netflix and Blue Planet II for BBC One. “Fiona has an incredible overview of all elements of production and a deep understanding of the challenges and changes needed within our industry, alongside a real appreciation of the operational needs of a growing business,” Fether said.

BritBox Orders First Factual Series

BritBox UK has commissioned its first factual series: Secrets of the Krays. ITN Productions will make the three-part series, which will take an in-depth look at the most famous gangsters in British history. It will be executive produced by Ian Rumsey and Nathaniel Lippiett.