Caleb Azumah Nelson to Write and Direct BBC Adaptation of His Debut Novel ‘Open Water’

variety.com:

K.J. Yossman Caleb Azumah Nelson is set to write, direct and executive produce the BBC adaptation of his debut novel “Open Water.” The eight-part series will be produced by Mam Tor Productions (a Banijay U.K.

company) and B-Side Productions. “Open Water” follows the relationship between retail worker and budding photographer Marcus and dance student Effie. “From the moment they meet, they feel an immediate, undeniable connection,” reads the logline. “But, as Marcus soon learns, Effie is in a relationship with Marcus’ friend Samuel.

It’s a boundary that Marcus is unwilling to cross. A shared project, photographing and documenting Black creatives in London, draws them into each other’s orbit, but can their burgeoning friendship resist the pull of desire?” The series will be broadcast on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.

BBC drama director Lindsay Salt commissioned the series. Joining Azumah Nelson as exec producers are Tally Garner for Mam Tor Productions, Matimba Kabalika for B-Side Productions, and Rebecca Ferguson and Danielle Scott-Haughton for the BBC.