Ólafur Arnald is composing the score for the upcoming British mini-series Broadchurch. The eight-part series stars David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Vicky McClure, Jodie Whittaker, Andrew Buchan, Will Mellor and Arthur Darvill. The drama is written and created by Chris Chibnall (United, Torchwood) and follows a small British community that comes under scrutiny and suspicio in the wake of a boy’s death. James Strong (United, Downton Abbey) is directing the first two and the last two episodes. Richard Stokes (Silk, Law & Order: UK) is producing the Kudos Film and Television production and Jane Featherstone (The Hour, Life on Mars) is executive producing with Chibnal.
Broadchurch will premiere in the UK on ITV in 2013. No word yet on when the mini-series will air in the US.
As previously reported, Arnalds has also scored the indie drama Gimme Shelter starring Vanessa Hudgens, which is also expected to be released next year. The Icelandic composer’s previous film scoring credits include Another Happy Day starring Ellen Barkin, Ezra Miller and Ellen Burstyn.
Why go to the trouble of commissioning pleasingly atmospheric music as the theme only to have the ITV link-person talk over most of the track as the programme closes.