We are thrilled to share that our 9 Story series, A Kind of Spark (Season 2) has received two nominations at this year’s Royal Television Society (RTS) Northern Ireland Television Awards (2024). Series two of the live-action show, based on the award-winning book by neurodivergent children’s author Elle McNicoll, is nominated in the Children’s/Animation category and Ella Maisy Purvis is nominated for the ‘Breakthrough Award (On-screen and Off-screen),’ for her portrayal of the show’s character, Bonnie.
The RTS NI Awards 2024 are partnered by BBC Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen and Channel 4 with headline sponsor Ka-Boom.
“We are delighted to announce that we will be presenting 18 prestigious awards this November to celebrate the amazing wealth of home-grown talent working in Northern Ireland. With new awards for writing, acting, post-production and those breaking into the industry, along with a very special Hidden Hero Award this year, all our 64 finalists are great examples of the outstanding content being produced in Northern Ireland which is enjoyed by audiences worldwide. I wish all those shortlisted every success on the night.”
~Sarah McCaffrey, Chair of RTS NI
The RTS Awards are a series of prestigious awards presented annually by the Royal Television Society throughout the United Kingdom. These awards recognize and celebrate excellence in television programming and production across a wide range of categories and are often seen as the gold standard of achievement in the television community. The RTS Regional Awards are focused on recognizing work that is produced across the organisations regional centres and award the very best in television production from their area.
A Kind of Spark is a powerful series about the joys of friendship, sisterhood, the drama of growing up, based on the best-selling book by neurodivergent author, Elle McNicoll.
It tells the inspirational story of an autistic teenager Addie. When she learns about the witch trials that happened centuries ago in her hometown of Juniper, Addie knows that there’s more to the story of these ‘witches’, just as there is more to her own. Series two takes place in the summer following on from the events of series one, and a face from the past and a mysterious bookshop bring new challenges for Addie and her loved ones. Can Addie work out what’s next?
Building on the storylines from season one, the new season of A Kind of Spark also dives into new key themes including growing up through an autistic lens, learning there’s more than one way to be, and how to handle internal and external pressure.
Inclusivity is at the heart of the show both on and off screen. Almost half the cast and crew are neurodivergent, and the production team worked closely with the cast to be mindful of sensory or stimulation points in regard to wardrobe, hair, make-up and set, and each filming location had a sensory room or trailer for cast who needed a safe, quiet space.
Filmed in Northern Ireland with support from Northern Ireland Screen, A Kind of Spark (Season 2) has authentic representation throughout its production with lead characters played by neurodivergent actors including, Addie (Lola Blue), Keedie (Georgia De Gidlow), and Nina (Caitlin Hamilton) along with Bonnie (Ella Maisy Purvis), a new character for series two.
A Kind of Spark is created for television by Anna McCleery (Free Rein, Secret Life of Boys) and executive produced for 9 Story Media Group by Gráinne McNamara. Kim Powers (A Kind of Spark, Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show) serves as Showrunner and Executive Producer. Lead writers are Anna McCleery and Elle McNicoll (A Kind of Spark, Show Us Who You Are) with Karissa Hamilton-Bannis, Vicki Lutas and Scott Payne.
Congratulations to our entire exceptional A Kind of Spark team! This nomination is a testament to the dedication, talent, and hard work of our incredible partners, talent, creatives and crew. Each member of this remarkable community has played a vital role in bringing Elle McNicoll’s incredible vision to life. A well-deserved recognition all around. We will be holding our breath on awards night, in hopes of seeing winning sparks fly!
The winners will be announced at the 9th RTS NI Awards ceremony which takes place on Thursday 14 November at the Titanic Belfast.
Watch A Kind of Spark BBC iPlayer, Cbeebies in the UK, on BYUtv in the US and on CBC Gem in Canada.
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