Amazon Prime Video unveiled a slate of six new Australian originals for 2023 at a showcase in Sydney tonight, along with first looks at three Australian scripted dramas that the streamer has already announced.
Described as part of a drive to increase investment into Australian-produced content, Amazon confirmed four docuseries and documentary features, one 90-minute live special and a series of stand-up specials from comedians including Dave Hughes, Tommy Little and Lizzy Hoo.
Docuseries include a second season of The Test, featuring the Australian men’s cricket team and filmed in the run-up the first Ashes Test match, with Pat Cummins taking on the captaincy in the wake of Tim Paine’s decision to resign. Amazon Studios produced the four-part series with Cricket Australia and Whooshka Media.
Feature-length doc, Hot Potato: The Story Of The Wiggles, tells the story of global sensation The Wiggles, the children’s entertainment group that had...
Described as part of a drive to increase investment into Australian-produced content, Amazon confirmed four docuseries and documentary features, one 90-minute live special and a series of stand-up specials from comedians including Dave Hughes, Tommy Little and Lizzy Hoo.
Docuseries include a second season of The Test, featuring the Australian men’s cricket team and filmed in the run-up the first Ashes Test match, with Pat Cummins taking on the captaincy in the wake of Tim Paine’s decision to resign. Amazon Studios produced the four-part series with Cricket Australia and Whooshka Media.
Feature-length doc, Hot Potato: The Story Of The Wiggles, tells the story of global sensation The Wiggles, the children’s entertainment group that had...
- 10/11/2022
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
With the content landscape continuing to broaden, If spoke with Amazon Prime Video head of content for Australia and New Zealand, Tyler Bern; Netflix director of originals in Australia Que Minh Luu, and Stan’s chief content officer Cailah Scobie about the direction of their respective slates for 2022.
The post Amazon, Netflix and Stan look to build momentum after Covid challenges appeared first on If Magazine.
The post Amazon, Netflix and Stan look to build momentum after Covid challenges appeared first on If Magazine.
- 1/27/2022
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
The premiere of Amazon’s Back to the Rafters last month and the impending production of Netflix’s Heartbreak High offer insight into how international platforms approach local IP with cultural resonance.
Whereas one picks up the story of a family six years after their last outing, the other will reimagine a world from before the turn of the century, sharing only its title and young adult genre with the original.
The local and international popularity of both series – Heartbreak High was sold to more than 80 countries in the ’90s and Packed to the Rafters to a number of European and Asian territories, as well as South Africa – makes them appealing for platforms like Netflix and Amazon with global audiences. However, the process of bringing back an old favourite is not always a smooth one.
Five years ago, Foxtel commissioned a re-imagining of Joan Lindsay’s novel Picnic at Hanging Rock...
Whereas one picks up the story of a family six years after their last outing, the other will reimagine a world from before the turn of the century, sharing only its title and young adult genre with the original.
The local and international popularity of both series – Heartbreak High was sold to more than 80 countries in the ’90s and Packed to the Rafters to a number of European and Asian territories, as well as South Africa – makes them appealing for platforms like Netflix and Amazon with global audiences. However, the process of bringing back an old favourite is not always a smooth one.
Five years ago, Foxtel commissioned a re-imagining of Joan Lindsay’s novel Picnic at Hanging Rock...
- 10/6/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Amazon will partner with LADbible Australia on documentary series Unheard, which will premiere on the streaming service next month.
An extension of the social publisher’s Unheard campaign, the six stand-alone episodes will address issues of racial discrimination in Australia, including Indigenous deaths in custody, the targeting of Indigenous youth, attacks towards Asians during Covid, Islamophobia, the vilification of the African community, and the treatment of asylum seekers and refugees.
The project was written and produced by Shahn Devendran from LADbible Australia Originals, Jack Steele, Sbs’ Cathy Vu, Luke Cornish (Alone Out Here), Dan Mansour (The Final Word), Olivia Suleimon (Rosaline’s Untaming), and Nickelodeon’s Ellen Dedes-Vallas.
Unheard received production funding via Screen Australia’s Producer Program.
Tyler Bern, head of content for Amazon Prime Video Australia, New Zealand, and Canada said the opportunity to program the investigative series was significant.
“Unheard is a necessary action and awareness series...
An extension of the social publisher’s Unheard campaign, the six stand-alone episodes will address issues of racial discrimination in Australia, including Indigenous deaths in custody, the targeting of Indigenous youth, attacks towards Asians during Covid, Islamophobia, the vilification of the African community, and the treatment of asylum seekers and refugees.
The project was written and produced by Shahn Devendran from LADbible Australia Originals, Jack Steele, Sbs’ Cathy Vu, Luke Cornish (Alone Out Here), Dan Mansour (The Final Word), Olivia Suleimon (Rosaline’s Untaming), and Nickelodeon’s Ellen Dedes-Vallas.
Unheard received production funding via Screen Australia’s Producer Program.
Tyler Bern, head of content for Amazon Prime Video Australia, New Zealand, and Canada said the opportunity to program the investigative series was significant.
“Unheard is a necessary action and awareness series...
- 9/21/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Rupi Kaur, Indian Canadian poet and New York Times bestselling author, has snagged a one-hour Amazon Original special. “Rupi Kaur Live,” which is described as a “distinctive fusion of poetry, humor, spoken word, music and compelling visuals inspired by her poetry collections,” will stream in North America exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, Aug. 27.
“Rupi Kaur Live” promises to weave together Kaur’s passion and creative talent in one illustrious work as she guides the audience and fans through a vibrant and transcendent journey about growth and healing. Per the logline, the hourlong special is a cross-cultural celebration of love and identity from an artist who has been called “the voice of a generation” and “writer of the decade.” It hails from Andrews McMeel Universal in association with Hyde Park Entertainment and was written and performed by Kaur and directed by Liz Patrick.
“Sharing this show with the world is a dream come true,...
“Rupi Kaur Live” promises to weave together Kaur’s passion and creative talent in one illustrious work as she guides the audience and fans through a vibrant and transcendent journey about growth and healing. Per the logline, the hourlong special is a cross-cultural celebration of love and identity from an artist who has been called “the voice of a generation” and “writer of the decade.” It hails from Andrews McMeel Universal in association with Hyde Park Entertainment and was written and performed by Kaur and directed by Liz Patrick.
“Sharing this show with the world is a dream come true,...
- 8/18/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
On Wednesday, Amazon Prime Video unveiled Rupi Kaur Live, a one-hour original special from New York Times bestseller Rupi Kaur, which will become available for streaming in North America on August 27.
The special from the internationally renowned author, artist, and performer is a distinctive fusion of poetry, spoken word, music, and compelling visuals inspired by her poetry collections. In it, Kaur guides the audience through a journey centered on growth and healing, invoking humor, acknowledging heartache, and inspiring empowerment.
Liz Patrick directed the Amazon Original Special, written and performed by Kaur, which was produced by Andrews McMeel Universal in association with Hyde Park Entertainment. Kaur also exec produced the project with Rakhi Mutta, Fred Nelson, and Kimmie Kim.
“Sharing this show with the world is a dream come true,” said Kaur. “I’ve spent a decade performing my poetry around the world, and every show since I was a teenager till now,...
The special from the internationally renowned author, artist, and performer is a distinctive fusion of poetry, spoken word, music, and compelling visuals inspired by her poetry collections. In it, Kaur guides the audience through a journey centered on growth and healing, invoking humor, acknowledging heartache, and inspiring empowerment.
Liz Patrick directed the Amazon Original Special, written and performed by Kaur, which was produced by Andrews McMeel Universal in association with Hyde Park Entertainment. Kaur also exec produced the project with Rakhi Mutta, Fred Nelson, and Kimmie Kim.
“Sharing this show with the world is a dream come true,” said Kaur. “I’ve spent a decade performing my poetry around the world, and every show since I was a teenager till now,...
- 8/18/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Prime Video launched a slate of seven new local originals at a showcase event in Sydney today, including projects from Made Up Stories, Cate Blanchett’s Dirty Films, Matchbox Pictures and Guesswork Television.
Among the commissions are documentaries Burning and Warriors On The Field, four-part docuseries Head Above Water, drama series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, and comedy series The Moth Effect, Deadloch, and Class of ‘07.
Amazon Studios Asia Pacific head of originals Erika North; Prime Video Australia head of content Tyler Bern, and Prime Video Australia head Hushidar Kharas were on hand to introduce the upcoming projects, as well as offer the first glimpses of previously announced originals Back to the Rafters, Luxe Listings Sydney and Kick Like Tayla, as well as season two of The Wilds, currently shooting in Queensland.
At the same event, the streamer announced the global acquisition of Nine Perfect Strangers, ex. US and China.
Among the commissions are documentaries Burning and Warriors On The Field, four-part docuseries Head Above Water, drama series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, and comedy series The Moth Effect, Deadloch, and Class of ‘07.
Amazon Studios Asia Pacific head of originals Erika North; Prime Video Australia head of content Tyler Bern, and Prime Video Australia head Hushidar Kharas were on hand to introduce the upcoming projects, as well as offer the first glimpses of previously announced originals Back to the Rafters, Luxe Listings Sydney and Kick Like Tayla, as well as season two of The Wilds, currently shooting in Queensland.
At the same event, the streamer announced the global acquisition of Nine Perfect Strangers, ex. US and China.
- 5/18/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Amazon has ordered seven new originals from down under as part of its latest Australian originals slate.
Deadline revealed earlier this evening that Sigourney Weaver is starring in and exec producing a series based on The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. This will be joined by a slew of new shows including a bushfire feature doc from director Eva Orner and exec producer Cate Blanchett.
It comes as the streamer revealed that it has invested $150M in local productions in Australia since 2019.
Burning, which is Amazon’s first Australian Original feature-length documentary, looks at the deadly Australian bushfires of 2019-2020, known as ‘Black Summer’. Burning is an exploration of what happened as told from the perspective of victims of the fires, activists and scientists. Produced by Propagate Content, Dirty Films and Amazon Studios, Burning will launch in 2021. Orner, who helmed Netflix’s Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator, directs and exec produces alongside Blanchett.
Deadline revealed earlier this evening that Sigourney Weaver is starring in and exec producing a series based on The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. This will be joined by a slew of new shows including a bushfire feature doc from director Eva Orner and exec producer Cate Blanchett.
It comes as the streamer revealed that it has invested $150M in local productions in Australia since 2019.
Burning, which is Amazon’s first Australian Original feature-length documentary, looks at the deadly Australian bushfires of 2019-2020, known as ‘Black Summer’. Burning is an exploration of what happened as told from the perspective of victims of the fires, activists and scientists. Produced by Propagate Content, Dirty Films and Amazon Studios, Burning will launch in 2021. Orner, who helmed Netflix’s Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator, directs and exec produces alongside Blanchett.
- 5/18/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Screen Australia head of Indigenous Penny Smallacombe and actor, director and arts executive Rhoda Roberts will appear in conversation as the opening keynote of Screenworks’ Regional to Global Screen Forum in late March.
Screenworks has also announced a further set of speakers for the hybrid event, including:
Jo Azzopardi – VP Australia, Nz, Asia, Beyond RightsNha Uyen Chau – founder/CEO, Lgi MediaFiona Gilroy – content sales and acquisitions director, Flame MediaCharlotte Brigel – national/international sales and marketing/business manager, Byron Film StudiosTracey Corbin-Matchett – CEO, Bus Stop FilmsDianna La Grassa – COO and board member, Bus Stop FilmsChris Hilton – independent producer
They join previously announced speakers including Every Cloud Productions co-founder Fiona Eagger; Netflix Australia director of content Que Minh Luu; Amazon Prime Video Australia head of content Tyler Bern; Tap founder Tony Ayres, Goalpost Pictures partner Rosemary Blight and Fremantle Asia Pacific CEO Chris Oliver-Taylor.
With in-person proceedings to take place in Lennox Head as well as online,...
Screenworks has also announced a further set of speakers for the hybrid event, including:
Jo Azzopardi – VP Australia, Nz, Asia, Beyond RightsNha Uyen Chau – founder/CEO, Lgi MediaFiona Gilroy – content sales and acquisitions director, Flame MediaCharlotte Brigel – national/international sales and marketing/business manager, Byron Film StudiosTracey Corbin-Matchett – CEO, Bus Stop FilmsDianna La Grassa – COO and board member, Bus Stop FilmsChris Hilton – independent producer
They join previously announced speakers including Every Cloud Productions co-founder Fiona Eagger; Netflix Australia director of content Que Minh Luu; Amazon Prime Video Australia head of content Tyler Bern; Tap founder Tony Ayres, Goalpost Pictures partner Rosemary Blight and Fremantle Asia Pacific CEO Chris Oliver-Taylor.
With in-person proceedings to take place in Lennox Head as well as online,...
- 2/26/2021
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Aflw player and boxing star Tayla Harris will be the subject of a new Amazon documentary, co-produced by the Afl and Screentime.
Kick Like Tayla, currently in production, will follow how Harris balances both sports, and the challenges she faces throughout the 2021 season, both on field and behind the scenes.
The documentary, to be directed and executive produced by Screentime’s Andrew Garrick, will also explore the impacts of social media, cyber-bullying, and sexism. In 2019, a photo published of Harris mid-kick saw her subject to sexist trolling and abuse online.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of this new Amazon Prime Video documentary where I can show what is a usually very private side to myself. You will see what makes me tick, how I go about game day, cutting weight for fights and plenty more,” said Harris.
Garrick said: “Kick Like Tayla is a world-class documentary focused on...
Kick Like Tayla, currently in production, will follow how Harris balances both sports, and the challenges she faces throughout the 2021 season, both on field and behind the scenes.
The documentary, to be directed and executive produced by Screentime’s Andrew Garrick, will also explore the impacts of social media, cyber-bullying, and sexism. In 2019, a photo published of Harris mid-kick saw her subject to sexist trolling and abuse online.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of this new Amazon Prime Video documentary where I can show what is a usually very private side to myself. You will see what makes me tick, how I go about game day, cutting weight for fights and plenty more,” said Harris.
Garrick said: “Kick Like Tayla is a world-class documentary focused on...
- 2/11/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Screen Producers Australia has named the members of its two advisory boards for the upcoming Screen Forever conference.
The programming advisory board, made up of a group of producers, directors and writers, will help set the strategic direction for the February event, aiding in the creation of a program that will reflect the challenges and opportunities facing the industry in the wake of the pandemic.
This year, Spa has also enlisted the help of a market and financing advisory board for the first time, comprised of representatives from broadcasters and screen organisations across Australia, Canada and the United States. The aim is to maximise the global business opportunities available to delegates at the Spa Connect market.
“After such an unprecedented year, having the guidance of two dynamic and multi-disciplined boards who will focus on the key pillars of Screen Forever – discovery and deal-making – will no doubt pay dividends for our delegates,...
The programming advisory board, made up of a group of producers, directors and writers, will help set the strategic direction for the February event, aiding in the creation of a program that will reflect the challenges and opportunities facing the industry in the wake of the pandemic.
This year, Spa has also enlisted the help of a market and financing advisory board for the first time, comprised of representatives from broadcasters and screen organisations across Australia, Canada and the United States. The aim is to maximise the global business opportunities available to delegates at the Spa Connect market.
“After such an unprecedented year, having the guidance of two dynamic and multi-disciplined boards who will focus on the key pillars of Screen Forever – discovery and deal-making – will no doubt pay dividends for our delegates,...
- 10/20/2020
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
‘The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee.’
The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee, one of the local films to have its cinema release impacted by the pandemic, will now premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in Australia and New Zealand on July 17.
The comedy, directed by Dean Murphy, explores a fictional version of Paul Hogan as he is thrust out of quiet retirement and back into the spotlight. When his granddaughter Lucy (Charlotte Stent) finds out he’s been offered a knighthood for services to comedy and tells all her friends, Paul reluctantly accepts the offer and has six weeks to stay out of trouble before the ceremony. But wherever Paul goes, trouble follows.
Starring alongside Hoges and Stent are John Cleese, Chevy Chase, Olivia Newton-John, Shane Jacobson, Julia Morris, Rachael Carpani, Jim Jefferies, Reggie VelJohnson and Wayne Knight. Murphy, who co-wrote the script with Robert Mond, also produced the film alongside Nigel Odell.
The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee, one of the local films to have its cinema release impacted by the pandemic, will now premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in Australia and New Zealand on July 17.
The comedy, directed by Dean Murphy, explores a fictional version of Paul Hogan as he is thrust out of quiet retirement and back into the spotlight. When his granddaughter Lucy (Charlotte Stent) finds out he’s been offered a knighthood for services to comedy and tells all her friends, Paul reluctantly accepts the offer and has six weeks to stay out of trouble before the ceremony. But wherever Paul goes, trouble follows.
Starring alongside Hoges and Stent are John Cleese, Chevy Chase, Olivia Newton-John, Shane Jacobson, Julia Morris, Rachael Carpani, Jim Jefferies, Reggie VelJohnson and Wayne Knight. Murphy, who co-wrote the script with Robert Mond, also produced the film alongside Nigel Odell.
- 6/29/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
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