Vittorio Angelone and Hannah McClean are set to star in Rewarding, a new six-part comedy series commissioned by BBC Northern Ireland and the U.S. streamer Wonder Project. The production, currently filming in Belfast, explores the lives of support workers in a domiciliary care facility, drawing on the real-world experiences of writer Matthew McDevitt.
What is the premise of Rewarding?
The series centers on the daily lives of support workers Francis, played by Vittorio Angelone, and Sinead, played by Hannah McClean, at the Beacon Fold care facility. According to the official synopsis, the show highlights the friction between Sinead’s idealism and Francis’s pragmatism as they navigate the complexities of social care. The narrative focuses on the duo’s efforts to support neurodivergent and disabled clients while contending with bureaucratic hurdles and the unpredictability of their own personal lives.
The series originated as a short film pilot developed through the “Green Lit” scheme, a collaboration between BBC Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen designed to fund and develop local creative projects.
Who is involved in the production?
The series features a mix of established talent and newcomers. Joining Angelone and McClean are Bernadette Brown as Fidelma, Joanne Crawford as Nicola, and Faolan Morgan as Cyril. The clients in the series are portrayed by authentic disabled, neurodivergent, and learning-disabled talent, including Lee Snodgrass, Faith Alabi, and John Moffat. Production is handled by Conker Pictures, a Banijay UK company, with Matthew McDevitt writing the scripts alongside Paddy Campbell and Faebian Averies.
How does Rewarding reflect industry trends in authentic casting?
According to Tommy Bulfin and Kim Varvell, joint CEOs of Conker Pictures, the decision to center the stories of both clients and support workers with authentic talent was a primary goal. Justin Rosenblatt, head of global TV at Wonder Project, stated that the series is intended to celebrate the dedication of care workers while maintaining a "deeply authentic" tone.
| Role | Actor |
|---|---|
| Francis | Vittorio Angelone |
| Sinead | Hannah McClean |
| Fidelma | Bernadette Brown |
Why is the social care setting significant?
By basing the script on his own work in adult domiciliary care, Matthew McDevitt brings a grounded perspective to the series. Jason Butler, commissioning editor for BBC Northern Ireland, noted that the series “showcases the strength of Northern Ireland’s creative talent” by pairing sharp writing with a new generation of performers. The series seeks to balance the “small fires” of daily care work with the broader challenges of the social care system.
When looking for authentic workplace dramas, pay attention to the writer’s background. Series based on personal professional experience, like Rewarding, often provide a more nuanced look at systemic workplace issues compared to purely fictional accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rewarding being filmed?
The series is currently in production in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Who commissioned the series?
The series was commissioned by BBC Northern Ireland and the U.S. streamer Wonder Project.
Is the cast composed of professional actors?
The cast includes professional actors alongside authentic disabled and neurodivergent talent, some of whom were introduced during the pilot phase of the project.
Will there be more projects like this?
The pilot was part of the “Green Lit” scheme, which is currently in its second round of development, suggesting a continued focus on supporting local Northern Irish productions.
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