14/03/2023 - The 6x52-minute show, directed by Tom Hall, Ruth Meehan and Anthony Schatteman, and based on a stage play, promises to be “a searingly honest, intimate and funny portrayal of loss and grief”

Elva Trill and Stephen Jones in Northern Lights (© Deadpan Pictures)

The release of the Irish-Belgian series Northern Lights is slated for November 2023. Penned by Stephen Jones (who also stars in one of the leading roles), and helmed by Tom Hall (the series Bachelors Walk and Modern Love), Ruth Meehan (The Bright Side [+see also:
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film profile]), the 6x52-minute show is currently in post-production, and is based on a stage play of the same name written by Jones and directed by Karl Shiels.

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Shot in English in both Ireland and Belgium, Northern Lights tells the story of two grieving strangers, Lloyd (Jones) and Áine (Elva Trill), whose worlds collide when Lloyd notices Áine standing on Grattan bridge, completely soaked, for far longer than seems normal. Fearing the worst and based on a past experience, he decides to intervene. A series of revelations, confessions, secrets and lies follow as we delve into these extraordinary ordinary Dublin lives. Whether it be through fate or coincidence, they become beacons of light for one another at a time when they need it most. On the fateful night they meet, Lloyd provides Áine with shelter in his apartment, where they gain one another’s trust, negotiating the obvious gender politics and initial awkwardness of meeting in such unusual circumstances. As Lloyd and Áine's friendship develops, the story branches out beyond Lloyd’s apartment and also deals with the stories of their respective partners, Denise and Seań.

By following the journeys of these various relationships, we begin to understand what led our two protagonists to the place they are now (both physically and emotionally). Jumping back and forth in time between the present and the past, it soon becomes apparent that both characters are dealing with major grief and tragedy in their lives.

Alongside Jones and Trill, the main cast members are Jay Duffy and Jennifer Heylen. The series producer is Ailish McElmeel, whilst the creative producer is Sam Atwell. The technical crew includes composer Ruben De Gheselle, DoP Maxime Lahousse, art director Michael Moynihan, costume designer Suzanne Keogh and editor Kim Vandenbergh.

Talking about the project, McElmeel said: “With Northern Lights, Stephen [Jones] has created a searingly honest, intimate and funny portrayal of loss and grief. The honesty of the storytelling brings audiences into Lloyd’s and Áine’s worlds, exposing their grief, but also their hope for the future.”

Elaborating on the adaptation process, Jones told Cineuropa: “Adapting Northern Lights was a great experience. At first, it seemed like such a daunting task. How was I going to turn an intimate two-hander stage play that had been set in one room into a six-episode international drama that spanned countries and multiple timelines?

“Thankfully, the new characters and scenarios that fleshed out the world of Lloyd and Áine emerged so organically that it felt like they had been waiting for us at the stage door once the theatre version finished its run. I learned so much about writing for television during the process. The best part of it all for me was that with great support from the producers, I was able to retain the heart of the stage play while creating a vast new landscape for the story to be told.”

Commenting on the production process, he added: “The production of Northern Lights was a dream come true. I knew there would be moments of stress and pressure while wearing both hats: lead actor and writer. But the cast and crew were phenomenal, and the project meant so much to everyone that it became easy to remind myself each day that this opportunity was everything I had worked for in my professional life, and I cherished it. The team worked tremendously hard for ten weeks, and I hope the final product reflects the amazing talent of everyone involved.”

Northern Lights is being produced by Ireland’s Deadpan Pictures and co-produced by Belgium’s Potemkino. It has received backing from Lionsgate, TG4, ZDFNeo, Streamz, Screen Ireland, Screen Flanders, Creative Europe - MEDIA, VAF Mediafonds, and the tax credits in both Ireland and Belgium. Lionsgate is in charge of its world sales, and attached broadcasters and platforms include TG4, ZDFNeo and Streamz.