Filming has officially begun on the new (6x30min) TV series “Leonard and Hungry Paul” produced by independent production company Subotica for the BBC. The feel-good series - announced as part of the BBC Comedy Festival in Belfast - is currently filming in Dublin and is based on the award-winning, best-selling novel of the same name by Rónán Hession and adapted by writers Richie Conroy and Mark Hodkinson.
The show boasts top tier cast including Alex Lawther (pictured, “The End of the F***ing World”, “ALIEN: EARTH”), Laurie Kynaston (“Fool Me Once”, “Sandman”) and Jamie-Lee O’Donnell (“Derry Girls”, “Screw”), and is directed by Andrew Chaplin.
The story follows two unique board-gaming friends meandering through leafy suburban life, charting a story about Judo, ancient Rome, first loves, and the expansion of the Universe.
The award winning director Andrew Chaplin (“Alma’s Not Normal”, “Smoggie Queens”) says about the show: “At a time when most shows involve dragons, detectives, or existential dread, ‘Leonard & Hungry Paul’ takes a slower route - through kindness, the quiet gravity of small things, and the occasional game of backgammon. Proof that not all heroes shout - some just know when to stay quiet.”
The writer of the novel Rónán Hession says: "I am delighted to see ‘Leonard and Hungry Paul’ being adapted for the screen. It's a real privilege as a writer to see my work being brought to life in a different creative form."
Eddie Doyle, Senior Head of Content Commissioning, BBC Northern Ireland, says: “This series promises something special and is full of charm and poignant moments that encapsulate ordinary life. With a stellar cast bringing this acclaimed novel to the screen, it will make an exciting addition to BBC Northern Ireland’s offering this year.”
“Leonard and Hungry Paul” is a Subotica production for BBC Northern Ireland in association with BBC Comedy, Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland and RTÉ, and in co-production with UK independent Avalon who will distribute internationally. Filming will continue throughout May in Ireland.
Established in 1998, Subotica is one of Ireland's leading film and television production companies working with writers, directors and co-producers in the development and production of content for cinema and television. Based in Dublin, the company operates globally. Recent titles include “The Boy That Never Was” (RTÉ, UK:TV) and the upcoming romantic drama “Mix Tape” (BINGE Foxtel) which recently won the TV series Audience award at this year’s SXSW festival in Austin, Texas.
'Leonard and Hungry Paul’ by Rónán Hession, published by Bluemoose Books, has sold over 300,000 copies worldwide, been translated into 6 languages, shortlisted for 6 major literary prizes and was chosen for 1Dublin1Book in 2022.
Executive Producers Tristan Orpen Lynch and Aoife O’Sullivan will oversee the show for Subotica, alongside in-house producer Natalie McAuley. The series was commissioned by Eddie Doyle, Senior Head of Commissioning, BBC Northern Ireland. Mary McKeagney and Emma Lawson are Commissioning Editors for the BBC, Adam Barth is Executive Producer for Avalon, Kate McColgan is Executive Producer for Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland and other Executive Producers include Wally Hall, David Harari, Morwin Schmookler, Ross Boucher.
Laurie Kynaston is repped by Conway van Gelder Grant; Alex Lawther is repped by Conway van Gelder Grant, UTA, Entertainment 360 and Tapestry London. Jamie-Lee O’Donnell is repped by The Artists Partnership.
Alex Lawther. Credit/Josh Shinner
