London – BBC Drama Production has appointed Endemol Worldwide Distribution as the international distributor for its BBC One epic drama series The Ark (6 x 60’), which will begin shoot from August – November 2013. 

The Ark tells the story of World War One’s front line medics – told through the eyes of the newly recruited VAD’s (women from the Voluntary Aid Detachment). Drawn from diaries and letters from actual VAD’s, the series explores their hopes, fears, triumphs and tragedies. Marking 100 years since the beginning of World War One, The Ark is written by Sarah Phelps (Great Expectations, Olivier Twist) with Emmy award-winning Anne Pivcevic (Great Expectations, South Riding) serving as executive producer. The series is also produced by Annie Tricklebank (Upstairs Downstairs, Larkrise to Candleford) with David Evans (One Night, Downton Abbey) directing.

Zoe Lawrence, Commercial Manager, BBC Drama Production says, “I’m thrilled to be cementing BBC Drama Production’s relationship with Endemol on this fantastic series. Their proven sales and marketing expertise coupled with the high production values you can expect from the in-house Drama team will, I’m certain, make The Ark an international hit.”

Endemol Worldwide Distribution will launch the series at MIPCOM 2013.