Kate Winslet and her daughter Mia Threapleton will star in the first feature length episode of I Am, the female-led drama anthology series from Dominic Savage.
The three episodes are named after its lead character and star one of a trio of Britain’s leading acting talent; multi-award winner Kate Winslet (Mare of Easttown, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) takes the lead role in I Am Ruth opposite her daughter Mia Threapleton (Shadows, Dangerous Liaisons).
Kate Winslet said: "I have always admired Dominic's work and, in particular, his commitment to telling real stories. British television is at an all time high, and I feel excited and honoured to be part of this community, especially right now.”
Created, written and directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Dominic Savage (The Escape), the stories for each film have been developed in a creative partnership with the leading actors, with semi-improvised dialogue. The series of distinctive single films explores the experience of women in moments that are emotionally raw, thought-provoking and personal.
I Am became Channel 4’s most successful new 10pm drama in six years when it debuted in August 2019, with Vicky McClure starring in I Am Nicola; Samantha Morton starring in I Am Kirsty; and Gemma Chan starring in I Am Hannah. Series 2 was equally successful, starring Suranne Jones in I Am Victoria, Letitia Wright in I Am Danielle and Lesley Manville in I Am Maria.
Writer, Director and Creator Dominic Savage said: “It is a complete honour for me to be working and collaborating with Kate Winslet on this first film of the new series of I Am for Channel 4. Kate is such a legend, such an incredible and sublime acting talent, and I can’t wait to start shooting this unique and important story that we have created together.”
Caroline Hollick, Head of Drama, Channel 4 said: “To attract an actress of Kate Winslet’s calibre to the channel is incredibly exciting and a testament to the ground-breaking storytelling of the series, which we are excited to be bringing back for a third time. The collaboration between her, Mia and Dominic Savage has produced a compelling, heart-rending and ultimately very relatable character for our times in Ruth. I can’t wait to see how the story plays out on screen.”
Richard Yee, Executive Producer, co-founder Me+You said: “We’re excited about renewing our creative relationship with Dominic Savage, one of the most distinctive filmmakers working today, and thrilled to be working with Kate Winslet, one of the finest actors of her generation. Their collaboration in the first ever feature length episode of I Am promises to be truly special. We’re grateful for the platform and support Channel 4 have given us for this powerful series of films.”
Produced by Emmy-winning Me+You Productions for Channel 4, filming on I Am Ruth will start at the end of April for three weeks.
Other cast will be announced in due course, as will details of the other two films in the trilogy.