Acorn TV has locked in a deal for prison drama Bariau (Inside). The series, which is largely Welsh language with some English, has proved popular on home turf on S4C. The second season dropped in April.
Acorn TV has acquired both six-episode seasons of the half-hour drama series and will bring it to the U.S. and its service in Australia and New Zealand.
The drama is based on testimonies from real-life prisoners and prison guards. Set within the harsh confines of a fictional prison in Wales, it explores the complex interplay between characters on both sides of the law. It has been hailed for its realistic portrayal of prison life.
In Season 2, inmate Barry (Gwion Tegid) is trying to keep control of the unit in which he is incarcerated as new staff and inmates make life difficult.
The series is produced by Welsh indie Rondo Media. It was written by Ciron Gruffydd (Limbo) and directed by Griff Rowland (Hinterland). APC handles distribution of the series and struck the Acorn TV deal.
The cast of Bariau also includes Adam Woodward (Hollyoaks), Annes Elwy (Little Women), Bill Skinner (Ted Lasso), Ian Puleston-Davies (Coronation Street) and Alicia Forde (Waterloo Road).
Bedwyr Rees, Executive Producer, Drama, Rondo Media said “The 30-minute episodes have been particularly successful in the online format with many people binging the entire box set and delivering a loyal audience to subsequent series. We’re delighted Acorn TV will bring Bariau/Inside to a wider international audience.”
Emmanuelle Guilbart and Laurent Boissel, Joint CEOs of APC said: “There is continued appetite from buyers around the world for hard-hitting, realistic scripted series and our continued relationship with Acorn TV will allow audiences in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand to enjoy both series of the compelling drama.”
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