Sony TV Books U.K. UFO Series From 'Doctor Who' Director

'Rendlesham,' inspired by a real-life UFO incident in 1980, is being produced by Eleventh Hour Films.

Sony Pictures Television has teamed with Eleventh Hour Films, the U.K. banner behind series such as Foyle's War, for a new UFO drama.

Rendlesham is inspired by a real-life incident that took place at a U.S. air base in the U.K. in 1980, and comes from award-winning writer and director Joe Ahearne (Doctor Who), who will helm the show. Ahearne will also exec produce, alongside Eve Gutierrez and Jill Green for Eleventh Hour Films.

"Joe is a master story-teller with a long standing fascination for science fiction so we were totally thrilled when the Rendlesham story sparked for him," said Gutierrez. "Now working with Sony Pictures Television we are looking forward to bringing this timely, other-worldly story to the global market."

Added Wayne Garvie, president of international production at Sony Pictures Television: "The Cold War, Cruise Missiles, UFOs — Joe is taking extraordinary tales and giving them even more compelling twists. As a local lad, I can’t wait to see him bring his vision of Suffolk to the world."

Ahearne said: "When Eleventh Hour Films drew my attention to this extraordinary piece of British and American history it pressed all my buttons and I think it will do the same for a wide audience.”