Noughts + Crosses returns to South Africa for season two filming

The BBC has confirmed that a second series of its popular series Noughts + Crosses has officially been commissioned with filming set to begin in South Africa next month.

The new series will immerse viewers once again in the world created by writer Malorie Blackman with the action set to pick up soon after the series one finale in which Sephy (Masali Baduza) and Callum (Jack Rowan) ran away together in search of a new life.

Shooting of series two will take place in Cape Town, Western Cape from next month (June) for 10 weeks, including two weeks of studio elements in a warehouse in Paarden Eiland.

UK outfit Mammoth Screen returns as the series producers with the support of local production company Film Afrika, who also serviced series one. “The team at Film Afrika are experts in filming and this means the process is smooth, efficient and cost effective,” Cheyenne Conway, executive producer at Mammoth Screen, tells KFTV and World of Locations. “They easily arrange travel and visas for cast & crew. They have extensive contacts for crew and equipment suppliers.”

The project will be accessing South Africa’s enticing local financial incentive, which offers a base 25% for local and international films and TV productions that shoot in South Africa for at least four weeks. “The application process is smooth and efficient,” insists Conway.

Other key drawcards for shooting in South Africa include its stunning variety of locations, quality crew and growing number of studios. “The crews are first class, the locations are cinematic, and government support and financial incentives are strong,” says Conway.

Noughts + Crosses cast members returning for series two will be Paterson Joseph, Helen Baxendale, Bonnie Mbuli, Jonathan Ajayi, Josh Dylan and Kiké Brimah. While joining the cast is Jasmine Jobson (Top Boy, Surge) as Cara, an enigmatic new figure in Jude’s life, and Robert Hands (Endeavour, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell) as Clem. 

"We are delighted to be able to reunite our passionate and loyal cast and crew, led by writer Lydia Adetunji and director Koby Adom, for a second series,” conclude Preethi Mavahalli and James Gandhi, executive producers for Mammoth Screen.