25 April 2013

S4C has announced its new prime-time detective drama series will be called Y Gwyll.

The series - currently filming in Ceredigion - is due to premiere on S4C in November 2013, with the English language version Hinterland premiering on BBC Cymru Wales in 2014.

In a new and exciting development, the on-screen branding for all versions of the series shall incorporate both the Welsh and English language titles. This decision – supported by partners ALL3MEDIA International and BBC Wales – guarantees a place on the international stage for the two languages of Wales, reflecting our cultural and linguistic diversity. Previously, the Welsh language version had been known as Mathias, after the series' main character.

S4C's Director of Content, Dafydd Rhys said, "This series is proving to be a real boost for Wales' profile on the international TV production stage. The buzz it’s creating is great for S4C and for Wales. But we also want it to be a platform for the Welsh language, and to raise awareness of the language worldwide.

"Incorporating Welsh into the international brand strengthens the identity of the series and gives the language a platform right at the heart of this ambitious production. Broadcasters are looking at this series, and apart from the strength of the storylines, what they really love is a unique culture and language that they weren’t aware of previously."

Executive Producer for production company Fiction Factory, Ed Thomas said: "We’re delighted that our partners at S4C, ALL3MEDIA International and the BBC share our commitment to the cultural and linguistic diversity of Wales. The series was conceived as a celebration of Welsh culture, talent and endeavour and we are excited by this latest development."

The Co-producer responsible for licensing the series for broadcast outside of Wales is ALL3MEDIA International. Louise Pedersen, Managing Director of ALL3MEDIA International added: "We are delighted with our involvement in this project with S4C and Fiction Factory. The quality of the scripts, the unique blend of style and emotional substance that embraces the landscape of mid-Wales and reveals the talents of the cast and crew make this a universally appealing project for drama broadcasters the world over, and we look forward to securing more broadcasters for the series in the autumn."

Y Gwyll will be broadcast in Welsh on S4C in the autumn 2013. The English language version will be screened by BBC Cymru Wales in 2014 with subsequent broadcasts on BBC4 and Danish broadcaster DR.

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