We are thrilled to share that 9 Story’s powerful live-action series for BBC and BYUtv, A Kind of Spark has been nominated for this year’s RTS Programme Awards 2024! Presented annually, the RTS Programme Awards span all the genres of television programming, from soaps to history, children’s fiction to comedy performance. They recognise exceptional actors, presenters, writers and production teams as well as the programmes themselves.
A Kind of Spark is nominated in the category of ‘Children’s Programme,’ alongside FYI Investigates: Kids Who Vape by Fresh Start Media for Sky Kids & Sky News, Tabby McTat from Magic Light Pictures for BBC. The show’s nod is just one of the BBC’s outstanding 51 nominations, which span the 30 categories that make up this year’s awards programme.
Kenton Allen, Chair of the RTS Programme Awards, said:
“2023 was an outstanding year for UK creativity, and the nominations we have announced today highlight the breadth of genre-defining, exceptional programming that British audiences have enjoyed over the last 12 months. Despite the unpredictable times our industry currently faces, we at the RTS welcome the opportunity to come together as a creative community and celebrate the hard work and incredible talent, on and off camera, that makes sensational shows for audiences here and on the global stage.”
Based on the award-winning book by neurodivergent children’s author Elle McNicoll, A Kind of Spark is powerful and heart-warming story about friendship, courage and self-belief. The series interweaves the past and present in ten action packed episodes full of the joys of friendship, sisterhood, the drama of growing up, mystery and magic.
A Kind of Spark takes place in the small village of Juniper where teenager, Addie, a bright and sparky autistic girl, dreams of acceptance in a conservative community. Addie’s desire to be herself and protect her sister from prejudice becomes entwined with a historical mystery of Maggie and Elinor, two sisters in the 16th century. Maggie was accused of witchcraft and mysteriously vanished before she could be brought to trial while Elinor is struggling with her true self. As Addie tries to figure out what happens to Maggie, she discovers an even more surprising connection to Elinor. Can Addie challenge how the people live-action see her and her autism and make her voice heard?
Filmed in Knutsford, Manchester, and produced by 9 Story Media Group, A Kind of Spark has authentic representation throughout its production with the three lead characters of Addie, Keedie and Nina played by neurodivergent actors, along with approximately 50% of the cast and crew also being neurodivergent. The series also secured a season 2 greenlight from BBC and BYUtv, which began filming in September 2023, in Northern Ireland.
A Kind of Spark is created for television by Anna McCleery (Free Rein, Secret Life of Boys) and produced by 9 Story Media Group. Lead writers are Anna McCleery and Elle McNicoll (A Kind of Spark, Show Us Who You Are) with Karissa Hamilton-Bannis and Vicki Lutas. It is executive produced for 9 Story by Gráinne McNamara.
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 nominations announcement was presented via a broadcast on the RTS website and YouTube channel by television presenter Gaby Roslin on Thursday, March 7. Esteemed comedian Tom Allen will be returning to host the ceremony this year, which will be held on Tuesday, March 26th, at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
Please find the full list of nominations here.
Watch A Kind of Spark BBC iPlayer, Cbeebies in the UK, on BYUtv in the US and on CBC Gem in Canada.
✨Click here to watch the trailer now.✨
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