Singapore’s Peddling Pictures, the production company behind the acclaimed docu-series “Riot Island,” is gearing up to unveil their latest project at Mipcom. “Isle of Ease” is a six-part fiction series backed by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) that promises to captivate audiences with its thrilling storyline.
Set in 1920s Singapore, “Isle of Ease” follows a rookie detective as he delves into a murder mystery on an offshore penal colony in Malaya. Along the way, he stumbles upon a clandestine botanical experiment that unravels a web of secrets and deceit.
Inspired by a real-life prison experiment conducted by British colonial administration in 1960s Singapore, the series pays homage to a tumultuous period in the country’s history. The experiment, which aimed to rehabilitate secret society gangsters, triggered a riot and led to Singapore’s largest trial at the time.
Following the success of “Riot Island,” which garnered accolades at prestigious events like the New York Festivals and the Asian Academy Creative Awards, Peddling Pictures is excited to present their unique take on a botanical murder mystery within a prison experiment. Described as a “nature-noir” by Peddling Pictures’ Aditya Thayi, the series promises to push the boundaries of storytelling.
Renowned writer Ken Kwek, known for his work on films like “The Blue Mansion” and “Sex.Violence.FamilyValues.,” has joined the project to lend his creative flair. Supervising the script is Latoya Wilson, whose impressive resume includes popular shows like “Holby City” and “Top Boy.”
One of the key characters in “Isle of Ease” is a fictional botanist named Henry Burkill, inspired by the directors of Singapore Botanical Gardens and their interactions with Kew Gardens in London. This unique blend of history and fiction promises to offer viewers a fresh perspective on Singapore’s past.
IMDA’s support for the project, including a development grant, underscores the agency’s commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering the growth of Singapore’s media industry. Justin Ang, assistant chief executive for media, innovation, communications, and marketing at IMDA, lauded Peddling Pictures for their innovative approach to storytelling and highlighted the global appeal of Made-With-Singapore content.
As “Isle of Ease” makes its debut at Mipcom, audiences can expect a gripping narrative that weaves together history, mystery, and intrigue. With a talented team behind the scenes and the support of IMDA, Peddling Pictures is poised to make a mark in the world of scripted content.
