The cameras have started rolling on the second series of the critically acclaimed short-form drama Float, which captivated audiences with its honest and authentic storytelling. Produced by Black Camel Pictures for BBC Scotland, the award-winning series is set to make a triumphant return to screens. Float will premiere as a 6×10′ series on BBC iPlayer, followed by a 1×60′ version on the BBC Scotland channel. The talented duo, Hannah Jarrett Scott and Jessica Hardwick, are reprising their lead roles as Jade and Collette, respectively.
Float, a coming-of-age drama targeting young adults, made its debut in 2021, captivating viewers with its portrayal of Jade and Collette’s journey through life and love in a small Scottish town. The series garnered critical acclaim and multiple industry awards, including the prestigious Best Short Form Series accolade at Series Mania 2022.
The second series, penned by renowned Scottish playwright Stef Smith, revisits Jade and Collette 18 months after the events of the first series. While their connection remains strong, their personal challenges will determine the fate of their relationship.
Expressing her delight at the recommission, Stef Smith shared, “I am so delighted to be able to bring Jade, Collette, and the crew back to the screen again. It’s a real privilege to revisit them 18 months on and introduce some new characters to the ensemble. The world of the show now takes place beyond the swimming pool but hopefully retains the familiarity of small-town Scotland. The show is a total team effort, and I’m grateful for getting a second bite of the cherry!”
Gavin Smith, the commissioning executive for Scripted and Entertainment at BBC Scotland, added, “The first-class script and performances in Float struck a chord with our audiences and received critical acclaim internationally, which was fantastic to see. We are extremely proud of the drama, which started life as a pilot with the BBC Writersroom and beautifully captured a young LGBT adult love story set outside Scotland’s urban centres. We’re delighted to be commissioning a second series and look forward to finding out how life has treated Jade, Collette, and the gang since we last met them.”
Screen Scotland’s Jennifer Armitage expressed her excitement, stating, “It is fantastic to be able to support the second series of the award-winning drama Float. Float has supported the development of Scottish talent on and off-screen and showcases the talents of emerging screenwriter Stef Smith and the team at Black Camel Pictures. The show’s incredible cast brings this fresh and moving story to life, and we can’t wait to catch up with Jade, Collette, and their friends and family again.”
Arabella Page Croft, Executive Producer at Black Camel Pictures, enthusiastically exclaimed, “We’re back!! Season two is a glorious opportunity to revisit our beloved short-form series Float and to catch up with Jade and Collette’s intricate lives and love. We are delighted to be recommissioned by BBC Scotland and partnering with Screen Scotland again. Critical reactions to season one were so positive locally and nationally, and then to be recognised internationally and win multiple major awards has been such a delight for the whole team. We love Stef’s wonderful scripts and are looking forward to our coastal shoot in scenic Helensburgh and Gourock.”
Float, commissioned by BBC Scotland in collaboration with Screen Scotland, is a flagship component of BBC Scotland’s comprehensive strategy to develop and commission content aimed at young, underrepresented audiences in Scotland. The series further strengthens BBC Scotland’s commitment to portraying contemporary Scotland and the lives of its diverse audiences across various BBC platforms.
Float, a Black Camel Pictures production for BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer, features Arabella Page Croft as the executive producer and director, with Bjorn Hanson serving as the producer.
Viewers can expect to dive back into the world of Float on BBC iPlayer later this year, as the highly anticipated second series unfolds its compelling narrative.
