THE satirical comedy drama TV series, Succession, starring Emmy Award-winning Scottish actor, Brian Cox (Medici, War & Peace, Churchill), will feature scenes shot in Scotland in two episodes over the next fortnight – which used Scotland-based crew, including three trainees through Screen Academy Scotland’s Screen NETs Programme, who worked in the locations, grip and costume departments.
The production was supported by Screen Scotland’s Production Growth Fund to enable the series to film at various locations across Scotland in 2019, including V&A Dundee, Gleneagles, Auchterarder and Ayr.
Created by Academy Award nominee, Jesse Armstrong (Fresh Meat, In the Loop, Peep Show), Succession tracks the lives of the Roy family as they contemplate their future once their ageing father (Brian Cox) begins to step back from the media and entertainment conglomerate they control.
Beginning where season one dramatically left off, season two follows the Roy family as they struggle to retain control of their empire, and, while the future looks increasingly uncertain, it is the past that threatens to ultimately destroy them.
Scott Ferguson, executive producer, Succession, commented: “Shooting in Scotland presented us with a truly unique and exciting opportunity for Succession, not only visually with amazing locations and a fantastic creative and technical crew, but also in terms of storytelling, with episode eight set in Scotland.
“The cast and crew had a fantastic time, and of course, there was something very special indeed about bringing Brian back to his – and Logan’s – hometown, Dundee.”
Brodie Pringle, head of Screen Commission at Screen Scotland, said: “It is incredibly important for Scotland to forge relationships with international studios like HBO and Succession has provided an unique opportunity to do this on a project featuring one of Scotland’s most established actors, Brian Cox.
“This production has not only provided vital training opportunities for new entrants to the industry in Scotland but also the first on-screen cameo of V&A Dundee, a new location with a very exciting future ahead.”
Gavin Luna, Succession locations trainee, said: “Working on Succession was great! To have the opportunity to work on a such a big American production at such an early stage of my career was a real eye opener and a truly invaluable experience.”
The series is currently airing on Sky Atlantic on Monday nights and is available on Now TV.
Notes for editors:
Episode synopses
Season two, episode seven: ‘Return’
Monday 23 September on Sky Atlantic and Now TV
When Kendall (Jeremy Strong) and Roman (Kieran Culkin) are sent to the UK to negotiate with their mother, Caroline (Harriet Walter), an uninvited Shiv (Sarah Snook) shows up to get answers from her father, who has been dodging her. Rhea’s (Holly Hunter) continued presence raises eyebrows amongst the Roy kids, as Logan (Brian Cox) seeks her counsel.
Later, Kendall is forced to confront what happened last time he was in the UK. Back in New York, Tom (Matthew Macfadyen) encounters unexpected pressure during an internal investigation and Greg (Nicholas Braun) goes to great lengths to protect himself.
Written by Jonathan Glatzer; directed by Becky Martin.
Season two, episode eight: ‘Dundee’
Monday 30 September on Sky Atlantic and Now TV
The entire Roy clan travels to Logan’s (Brian Cox) hometown of Dundee, Scotland for a celebration of Logan’s 50 years in the business. There, Logan reflects on his past and the company’s future, while Shiv (Sarah Snook) defiantly looks to her family for support in taking down Rhea (Holly Hunter). Ewan (James Cromwell) gives Greg (Nicholas Braun) an ultimatum about working at Waystar. Kendall (Jeremy Strong) becomes enamoured with Jennifer, an actress in Willa’s play. A former employee proves difficult to silence, worrying Logan’s inner circle.
Written by Mary Laws; directed by Kevin Bray.
SUCCESSION was created by Jesse Armstrong; executive produced by Jesse Armstrong, Adam McKay, Frank Rich, Kevin Messick, Will Ferrell, Jane Tranter, Mark Mylod, Tony Roche and Scott Ferguson. Jesse Armstrong serves as showrunner.
Screen Scotland is the dedicated partnership for screen in Scotland. With funding from Scottish Government and the National Lottery, Screen Scotland is driving the cultural, social and economic development of all aspects of the sector in Scotland, through enhanced funding, services and support. For information about our new and enhanced funds for film and TV, and everything you need to know about filming in Scotland, please visit: www.screen.scot @screenscots
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