Sky to shoot The Fear Index series, starring Josh Hartnett, in Hungary

Sky is set to shoot an Original thriller series called The Fear Index, starring Josh Hartnett, in Hungary from this month.

The TV series will be produced by UK outfit Left Bank Pictures. based on the best-selling novel by Robert Harris and adapted by Paul Andrew Williams and Caroline Bartleet.

Directed by David Caffrey (Peaky Blinders), It tells the story of a computer scientist, Dr Alex Hoffman (Hartnett) who with his business partner launches an AI driven system that exploits fear in the financial markets and could earn them billions, but everything turns sour over a 24 hour period when Alex is attacked in his home.

The action takes place in Geneva’s financial district, which means Hungary is likely to be doubling for Switzerland.   

“Paul and Caroline’s scripts offer a relentlessly gripping take on a chilling Frankenstein parable of our times, and we are delighted to be working with Left Bank and the incredible cast led by Josh Hartnett to bring Robert Harris’s thrilling story to Sky viewers later this year,” says Gabriel Silver, director of commissioning, drama, Sky Studios.

Sharon Hughff, executive producer at Left Bank Pictures, adds: “This could not be a more timely moment to explore the sinister application of AI, and we are very excited to partner with Sky to bring Robert Harris’s prescient thriller to the screen.”

The series was commissioned by Zai Bennett, managing director of content, Sky UK and Ireland, and Paul Gilbert, executive producer, Sky Studios. Andy Harries and Sharon Hughff for Left Bank are executive producers, alongside Gilbert. Nuala O’Leary is producer.

International sales for The Fear Index will be handled by NBCUniversal Global Distribution on behalf of Sky Studios.