STV Studios has won a commission Channel 4 for a six-part series from the writer of Killing Eve and The Victim.
Rob Williams' prison drama Screw, which will be filmed next year, is described as " the uncensored, terrifying and often darkly funny reality of life as a prison officer".
At the centre of the storyline are Leigh and new recruit Rose, female officers at an all-male prison who both carry secrets which could end careers and lives.
The commission follows the success of STV Studios’ 2019 drama Elizabeth is Missing, for which Glenda Jackson won a BAFTA.
Williams said: “Screw is a real passion for me. I’ve wanted to write about prisons ever since teaching in that environment in a former life. I’ve maintained close links since then and the idea has grown.
"After the experience of working with Sarah Brown and her team at STV Studios on The Victim, I wouldn’t want to pursue a project that means so much to me with anybody else. I feel very lucky to be working with Channel 4 on the show and I can’t wait to introduce the world of Screw to as wide an audience as possible.”
Banijay Rights will manage global distribution for Screw.
Sarah Brown, creative director of Drama for STV Studios, said: “Following our successful collaboration on The Victim, we’re thrilled to be teaming up again with the supremely talented Rob Williams to bring his latest series to the screen for Channel 4.
"I know audiences will fall in love with his funny, anarchic, memorable characters and be captivated once again by his brilliant storytelling. In Channel 4, we have the perfect partners to bring Rob’s bold and totally authentic portrayal of prison life to TV, and we’re also delighted to be working with the fantastic team at Banijay on distribution."
