LA Productions’ founder Colin McKeown met the Liverpool manager after winning the PRIX Europa trophy for Best TV Movie/Mini Series for its drama Care. Tony McDonough reports
Just a few months after Liverpool lifted the Champions League trophy for the sixth time, the city now has another European champion.
And TV production company LA Productions celebrated being named European champions of television by meeting with Liverpool’s Champions League-winning manager, Jurgen Klopp.
LA Productions’ founder and executive producer, Colin McKeown, was invited by the Liverpool manager to Melwood to congratulate him on the win and present him with the PRIX Europa trophy for Best TV Movie/Mini Series, which they were honoured with in an awards ceremony earlier this month.
Upon hearing of the company’s win at a glittering ceremony in Berlin, Klopp was keen to personally congratulate Colin and the LA Productions team on their achievement.
The independent film and TV company took home the award for its BBC single drama, Care, which was inspired by real events in co-writer Gillian Juckes’ life. Colin handed over a copy of the award-winning drama for Jurgen to watch, who asked “is there a happy ending?” Reassured that there was, the Liverpool manager quipped “then I’ll definitely watch it.”.
The BAFTA-nominated drama was the only UK nomination in its category at PRIX Europa, and was showcased alongside the 11 class nominations in a week-long festival, ending with an awards ceremony that saw 16 winners and 450 guests.
Mr McKeown, said: “As a Liverpool FC season ticket-holder, it is a particular honour to be able to share our own European Cup with the European football champions. LA Productions, like Liverpool FC, is committed to developing local talent and providing opportunities to people within this fantastic city.
“Just as the football club invests in bringing local kids through their academy, we also strive to bring local writers and crew onto our shows.”
The award is the latest in a series of acclamations for the programme, including the prestigious Monaco Red Cross Prize at the Golden Nymphs, where Care was handpicked from hundreds of entries by the Prince of Monaco, Prince Albert II, himself.
Care is the story of Jenny, played by Sheridan Smith, a single mother who relies on her mother Mary, played by Alison Steadman, to help with childcare after the departure of her husband.
The stand-alone 90 minute drama also sees the latest collaboration between co-writer Jimmy McGovern and director David Blair, known for highly praised titles including Common (2014) and the BAFTA award-winning The Street (2007).