The inaugural SXSW London festival brought exciting announcements from Universal International Studios, showcasing several upcoming TV series that are set to captivate international audiences. Among the highlights were All Her Fault starring Sarah Snook, Lena Dunham’s new rom-com Too Much, and a fresh TV adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds.
These projects were featured prominently during a panel titled “Global Stories: What Makes Compelling TV?”, moderated by Beatrice Springborn, president of Universal International Studios and Universal Content Productions. The panel included top executives such as Surian Fletcher-Jones (Working Title Television), Sue Gibbs (Heyday Television), and Noemi Spanos (Carnival Films).
Adapting to Industry Shifts
With ongoing cost-cutting trends in the entertainment industry, the speakers addressed how production strategies are evolving. Sue Gibbs emphasized that Heyday Television is increasingly turning to classic IP and timeless stories instead of competing for expensive, newly released books. “We’re looking at old TV shows, classic novels, and articles as sources for new ideas,” she said.
She also noted a shift in how projects are pitched to buyers. Instead of finalizing scripts before approaching platforms, the team now often leads with a pitch to secure early interest and emotional investment—speeding up the development process and enhancing buyer engagement.
Upcoming Shows to Watch
Noemi Spanos spotlighted the upcoming thriller All Her Fault, which will stream on Peacock. “The show kicks off with a mother arriving at a house to pick up her child, only to be met by a stranger who claims to have no knowledge of the kid,” Spanos explained. “What begins as a personal mystery expands into a complex narrative, reminiscent of Big Little Lies, revealing deep secrets among families.”
The series is also notable for its feminist undertones, examining how mothers and fathers are treated differently by authorities and society—a theme that aligns with ongoing conversations about gender roles and justice.
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Spanos also introduced a fresh take on The Birds, inspired not by Hitchcock’s iconic film but by Daphne du Maurier’s original novella. “It’s a timely story about nature turning on humanity,” she said, noting its relevance amid today’s climate change concerns.
Bridging Cultures Through Storytelling
Meanwhile, Surian Fletcher-Jones discussed Too Much, a cross-cultural rom-com that explores love and identity through the lens of British and American sensibilities. She also revealed that Working Title and the BBC are collaborating with Indian-Canadian director Richie Mehta on a five-part series adaptation of E.M. Forster’s A Passage to India. This version re-centers the narrative from the Indian perspective, offering a powerful reexamination of colonial history.
This project adds to the growing number of globally-minded productions reshaping the television landscape. The inclusion of culturally diverse viewpoints echoes the trend seen in many foreign series gaining global popularity.
SXSW London’s Broader Impact
In addition to panel discussions, SXSW London hosted film screenings, live music performances, and high-profile guest appearances, including Idris Elba and Letitia Wright. The event runs through June 7, setting a strong precedent for future editions in the UK capital.
