Paradise Australian Spinoff
Filming has begun on “Return to Paradise,” an Australian spin-off series of the global hit murder mystery franchise “Death in Paradise.” With filming in locations across Sydney and the Illawarra coastal region, the six-part whodunit is produced by BBC Studios Productions Australia with Red Planet Pictures for the ABC in association with the BBC. The BBC will screen the series on BBC One and iPlayer in the U.K. It will be distributed globally by BBC Studios.
“Return to Paradise” follows detective inspector Mackenzie Clarke who reluctantly returns from the U.K. to Australia and the small town where she ditched her fiancé. But once a case lands on her desk, her tenacity and endurance means she can’t rest until the killer is in handcuffs.
Taking charge as the franchise’s first lead female detective is Anna Samson. Unravelling the murder mysteries alongside her is the ensemble cast of Lloyd Griffith,...
Filming has begun on “Return to Paradise,” an Australian spin-off series of the global hit murder mystery franchise “Death in Paradise.” With filming in locations across Sydney and the Illawarra coastal region, the six-part whodunit is produced by BBC Studios Productions Australia with Red Planet Pictures for the ABC in association with the BBC. The BBC will screen the series on BBC One and iPlayer in the U.K. It will be distributed globally by BBC Studios.
“Return to Paradise” follows detective inspector Mackenzie Clarke who reluctantly returns from the U.K. to Australia and the small town where she ditched her fiancé. But once a case lands on her desk, her tenacity and endurance means she can’t rest until the killer is in handcuffs.
Taking charge as the franchise’s first lead female detective is Anna Samson. Unravelling the murder mysteries alongside her is the ensemble cast of Lloyd Griffith,...
- 4/9/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The final season of ABC political drama 'Total Control' will air from Sunday, bringing an end to five-year journey for production company Blackfella Films. If speaks with producers Darren Dale and Erin Bretherton, and director Jub Clerc.
The post Letting go of ‘Total Control’: The creative team reflect on the ABC drama’s final season appeared first on If Magazine.
The post Letting go of ‘Total Control’: The creative team reflect on the ABC drama’s final season appeared first on If Magazine.
- 1/12/2024
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Production expenditure on scripted screen production in Australia in 2022/23 was the second highest on record at $1.49Bn (A$2.34Bn) across 213 titles, according to Screen Australia’s annual drama report, but spend on Australian theatrical features declined by 54% from last year.
Spend on scripted screen production was down 4% on last year’s record expenditure but was still significantly above the five-year average, the report found. Australian titles made up $718M (A$1.13Bn) of that expenditure with decreases in spending by Australian subscription TV and SVOD services.
However Free-to-Air (Fta) TV and Broadcaster Video-On-Demand (Bvod) providers helped offset those declines with spend on titles such as Total Control Series 3, Rfds Series 2 and While The Men Are Away.
Meanwhile, Australian theatrical features saw total expenditure of $231M (A$363M) in 2022/23, down 54% compared to the previous year and 17% below the five-year average. Australian features produced during this period include Warwick Thornton’s The New Boy,...
Spend on scripted screen production was down 4% on last year’s record expenditure but was still significantly above the five-year average, the report found. Australian titles made up $718M (A$1.13Bn) of that expenditure with decreases in spending by Australian subscription TV and SVOD services.
However Free-to-Air (Fta) TV and Broadcaster Video-On-Demand (Bvod) providers helped offset those declines with spend on titles such as Total Control Series 3, Rfds Series 2 and While The Men Are Away.
Meanwhile, Australian theatrical features saw total expenditure of $231M (A$363M) in 2022/23, down 54% compared to the previous year and 17% below the five-year average. Australian features produced during this period include Warwick Thornton’s The New Boy,...
- 11/2/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
Best-selling Australian novel, Runt” is to be adapted as a feature movie that will begin shooting from next month. Studiocanal is handling international rights sales and local distribution in Australia and New Zealand.
The story is a heartfelt, contemporary Australian tale, set in the country town of Upson Downs, where eleven-year-old Annie Shearer and her best friend, an adopted stray dog called Runt, try to save their family farm by competing in the Agility Course Grand Championships at the prestigious Krumpets Dog Show in London.
The book was released in 2022 and won a clean sweep of the major Australian literary awards including the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s book of the year for young readers, book of the year for younger children at the Australian Book Industry Awards, and overall book of the year at the Australian Indie Book Awards.
The movie is adapted for the screen by...
The story is a heartfelt, contemporary Australian tale, set in the country town of Upson Downs, where eleven-year-old Annie Shearer and her best friend, an adopted stray dog called Runt, try to save their family farm by competing in the Agility Course Grand Championships at the prestigious Krumpets Dog Show in London.
The book was released in 2022 and won a clean sweep of the major Australian literary awards including the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s book of the year for young readers, book of the year for younger children at the Australian Book Industry Awards, and overall book of the year at the Australian Indie Book Awards.
The movie is adapted for the screen by...
- 10/23/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Here is a wrap-up of all the news you need to know from Thursday, September 21, 2023.
CBS is switching up its plans for NCIS: Sydney.
The latest entry in the iconic franchise will now launch Tuesday, November 14, at 8 p.m. Et/Pt.
This is an upgraded time slot because the series was initially set to air on Mondays at 10 p.m. out of NCIS encores.
Now, NCIS encores will air on Tuesdays at 9 p.m., while FBI True will air in the 10 p.m. slot.
"With rising international tensions in the Indo-Pacific, a brilliant and eclectic team of U.S. NCIS agents and the Australian Federal Police (Afp) are grafted into a multinational taskforce to keep naval crimes in check in the most contested patch of ocean on the planet," the official synopsis for the new procedural teases.
The series stars Olivia Swann as NCIS Special Agent Michelle Mackey and Todd Lasance...
CBS is switching up its plans for NCIS: Sydney.
The latest entry in the iconic franchise will now launch Tuesday, November 14, at 8 p.m. Et/Pt.
This is an upgraded time slot because the series was initially set to air on Mondays at 10 p.m. out of NCIS encores.
Now, NCIS encores will air on Tuesdays at 9 p.m., while FBI True will air in the 10 p.m. slot.
"With rising international tensions in the Indo-Pacific, a brilliant and eclectic team of U.S. NCIS agents and the Australian Federal Police (Afp) are grafted into a multinational taskforce to keep naval crimes in check in the most contested patch of ocean on the planet," the official synopsis for the new procedural teases.
The series stars Olivia Swann as NCIS Special Agent Michelle Mackey and Todd Lasance...
- 9/21/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
NCIS: Sydney Trailer Teases Action and a Dynamic New Team as Iconic Franchise Relocates to Australia
Just when we thought we wouldn't have any NCIS content on the CBS fall schedule, the network called in an assist from NCIS: Sydney.
And now, we have our first look.
CBS dropped the official trailer for NCIS: Sydney Season 1 on Wednesday, and the series certainly capitalizes on its new setting.
It's hard to believe it's taken this long to get an international iteration of the franchise off the ground, but we'll get it on Mondays this fall when NCIS: Sydney debuts in the 10 p.m. Et timeslot.
Off the bat, the series does have the action and teamwork that made its predecessors massive success stories.
"With rising international tensions in the Indo-Pacific, a brilliant and eclectic team of U.S. NCIS agents and the Australian Federal Police (Afp) are grafted into a multinational taskforce to keep naval crimes in check in the most contested patch of ocean on the planet,...
And now, we have our first look.
CBS dropped the official trailer for NCIS: Sydney Season 1 on Wednesday, and the series certainly capitalizes on its new setting.
It's hard to believe it's taken this long to get an international iteration of the franchise off the ground, but we'll get it on Mondays this fall when NCIS: Sydney debuts in the 10 p.m. Et timeslot.
Off the bat, the series does have the action and teamwork that made its predecessors massive success stories.
"With rising international tensions in the Indo-Pacific, a brilliant and eclectic team of U.S. NCIS agents and the Australian Federal Police (Afp) are grafted into a multinational taskforce to keep naval crimes in check in the most contested patch of ocean on the planet,...
- 9/6/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
CBS has added Paramount+ spinoff “NCIS: Sydney” to its fall lineup, the network announced Tuesday.
The Australia-based series, which marks the franchise’s first-ever international edition, premieres Monday, Nov. 13 at 10 p.m. Et/Pt on CBS with new installments of its eight-episode season airing Mondays in the same time slot. Paramount+ Australia members will get a first look at the series as it premieres on the streamer Friday, Nov. 10, with new episodes streaming Mondays on Paramount+.
Originally set to launch solely on Paramount+ and Network 10, “NCIS: Sydney” locks down the Monday 10 p.m. timeslot for CBS as a then-unannounced Paramount+ original was set to take the hour. Reruns of “NCIS” will kick off the franchise Mondays at 9 p.m.
The schedule addition comes as CBS leverages its cross-network hits, including Paramount Network hit “Yellowstone,” which will make its broadcast TV debut on Sundays starting from Season 1.
“’NCIS’ is one...
The Australia-based series, which marks the franchise’s first-ever international edition, premieres Monday, Nov. 13 at 10 p.m. Et/Pt on CBS with new installments of its eight-episode season airing Mondays in the same time slot. Paramount+ Australia members will get a first look at the series as it premieres on the streamer Friday, Nov. 10, with new episodes streaming Mondays on Paramount+.
Originally set to launch solely on Paramount+ and Network 10, “NCIS: Sydney” locks down the Monday 10 p.m. timeslot for CBS as a then-unannounced Paramount+ original was set to take the hour. Reruns of “NCIS” will kick off the franchise Mondays at 9 p.m.
The schedule addition comes as CBS leverages its cross-network hits, including Paramount Network hit “Yellowstone,” which will make its broadcast TV debut on Sundays starting from Season 1.
“’NCIS’ is one...
- 9/5/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
With the NCIS franchise dormant due to the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, CBS is calling in an assist from Australia.
The network announced Tuesday that it will take fans down under with the debut of NCIS: Sydney.
While the series was announced for Australian audiences earlier this year, there was no telling whether it would get a stateside home.
Thankfully, U.S. fans can watch the latest chapter in the iconic franchise beginning Monday, November 13, at 10 p.m. Et/Pt.
"With rising international tensions in the Indo-Pacific, a brilliant and eclectic team of U.S. NCIS agents and the Australian Federal Police (Afp) are grafted into a multinational taskforce to keep naval crimes in check in the most contested patch of ocean on the planet," the official synopsis for the new procedural teases.
NCIS: Sydney marks the fifth series in the popular global NCIS franchise, which includes NCIS and NCIS: Hawai'i,...
The network announced Tuesday that it will take fans down under with the debut of NCIS: Sydney.
While the series was announced for Australian audiences earlier this year, there was no telling whether it would get a stateside home.
Thankfully, U.S. fans can watch the latest chapter in the iconic franchise beginning Monday, November 13, at 10 p.m. Et/Pt.
"With rising international tensions in the Indo-Pacific, a brilliant and eclectic team of U.S. NCIS agents and the Australian Federal Police (Afp) are grafted into a multinational taskforce to keep naval crimes in check in the most contested patch of ocean on the planet," the official synopsis for the new procedural teases.
NCIS: Sydney marks the fifth series in the popular global NCIS franchise, which includes NCIS and NCIS: Hawai'i,...
- 9/5/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
NCIS: Sydney has found its agents.
The decades-old franchise’s debut international version for Paramount+ and Network 10 will see Olivia Swann (DC’s Legends of Tomorrow ) play NCIS Special Agent Michelle Mackey and Spartacus: War of the Damned’s Todd Lasance lead as Sergeant Jim “Jd” Dempsey.
The duo are joined by Sean Sagar as NCIS Special Agent, DeShawn Jackson; Tuuli Narkle as Afp Liaison Officer, Constable Evie Cooper; Mavournee Hazel (Shantaram, Halifax: Retribution) as Afp Forensic Scientist, Bluebird ‘Blue’ Gleeson and William McInnes (The Newsreader, Total Control) as Afp Forensic Pathologist, Dr Roy Penrose.
Produced by Endemol Shine Australia, NCIS: Sydney is currently filming in the Australian harbor city and will launch later on Paramount+ and the Australian broadcaster. It will follow the eclectic team of U.S. NCIS Agents and the Australian Federal Police (Afp), who...
The decades-old franchise’s debut international version for Paramount+ and Network 10 will see Olivia Swann (DC’s Legends of Tomorrow ) play NCIS Special Agent Michelle Mackey and Spartacus: War of the Damned’s Todd Lasance lead as Sergeant Jim “Jd” Dempsey.
The duo are joined by Sean Sagar as NCIS Special Agent, DeShawn Jackson; Tuuli Narkle as Afp Liaison Officer, Constable Evie Cooper; Mavournee Hazel (Shantaram, Halifax: Retribution) as Afp Forensic Scientist, Bluebird ‘Blue’ Gleeson and William McInnes (The Newsreader, Total Control) as Afp Forensic Pathologist, Dr Roy Penrose.
Produced by Endemol Shine Australia, NCIS: Sydney is currently filming in the Australian harbor city and will launch later on Paramount+ and the Australian broadcaster. It will follow the eclectic team of U.S. NCIS Agents and the Australian Federal Police (Afp), who...
- 6/12/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Australian actors Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths have begun production on the final six-episode season of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s award-winning female-led political drama series “Total Control.”
With screenplays by Stuart Page, Julia Moriarty, Pip Karmel and Meyne Wyatt, season three picks up almost two years after the explosive events of the second season.
Outsider turned kingmaker, Alex Irving (Mailman), is completely at home in the nation’s capital. While Rachel Anderson (Griffiths), now an occasional ally, is threatening to upend the entire system by establishing her own political party. However, as Alex attempts to carve out a nation changing legacy, a controversy engineered by her enemies threatens to destroy her career and public reputation. In the final season, Alex must make a choice: either she can stay true to her principles and accept defeat, or she can get her hands dirty and fight back.
Directed by Wayne Blair and Jub Clerc,...
With screenplays by Stuart Page, Julia Moriarty, Pip Karmel and Meyne Wyatt, season three picks up almost two years after the explosive events of the second season.
Outsider turned kingmaker, Alex Irving (Mailman), is completely at home in the nation’s capital. While Rachel Anderson (Griffiths), now an occasional ally, is threatening to upend the entire system by establishing her own political party. However, as Alex attempts to carve out a nation changing legacy, a controversy engineered by her enemies threatens to destroy her career and public reputation. In the final season, Alex must make a choice: either she can stay true to her principles and accept defeat, or she can get her hands dirty and fight back.
Directed by Wayne Blair and Jub Clerc,...
- 6/1/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
A new study published Friday by Screen Australia shows that the country’s on-screen television diversity has increased significantly in the past six years, but there remains more to be done.
“Seeing Ourselves 2: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Australian TV Drama” examined the diversity of the main characters in 361 scripted Australian TV and online dramas broadcast between 2016 and 2021. It compared that data with the Australian population and a previous report “Seeing Ourselves” published in 2016.
The new report shows that there is higher representation for First Nations people, disabled people (6.6% from 3.6%), Lgbtqi+ people (7.4% from 4.5%), and non-European people (16% from 6.9%).
“However, a number of Australia’s communities remain under-represented on-screen compared to population benchmarks and in particular disability representation remains critically low,” the report said.
The report looked at First Nations people, cultural background of non-First Nations people, disability, gender identity and sexual orientation, age and occupational status, and diversity in children’s drama.
“Seeing Ourselves 2: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Australian TV Drama” examined the diversity of the main characters in 361 scripted Australian TV and online dramas broadcast between 2016 and 2021. It compared that data with the Australian population and a previous report “Seeing Ourselves” published in 2016.
The new report shows that there is higher representation for First Nations people, disabled people (6.6% from 3.6%), Lgbtqi+ people (7.4% from 4.5%), and non-European people (16% from 6.9%).
“However, a number of Australia’s communities remain under-represented on-screen compared to population benchmarks and in particular disability representation remains critically low,” the report said.
The report looked at First Nations people, cultural background of non-First Nations people, disability, gender identity and sexual orientation, age and occupational status, and diversity in children’s drama.
- 4/14/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Australian TV drama has improved levels of diversity, especially representation of the country’s First Nations population, but several communities remain under-represented on local screens, according to a study issued today by government agency Screen Australia.
The report shows that representation of First Nations people has increased from 4.8% to 7.2% since 2016, compared to the population benchmark of 3.8%. Australian scripted series including Mystery Road and Total Control, along with comedy sketch show Black Comedy, were noted for contributing to the positive result.
“This result shows good progress and it’s not by accident – it represents years of advocacy and consistent hard work to ensure our practitioners feel supported and are afforded opportunities in an industry that hasn’t always been accessible,” said Screen Australia’s Head of First Nations, Angela Bates.
The study, ‘Seeing Ourselves 2: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Australian TV Drama’, looked at the diversity of main characters in...
The report shows that representation of First Nations people has increased from 4.8% to 7.2% since 2016, compared to the population benchmark of 3.8%. Australian scripted series including Mystery Road and Total Control, along with comedy sketch show Black Comedy, were noted for contributing to the positive result.
“This result shows good progress and it’s not by accident – it represents years of advocacy and consistent hard work to ensure our practitioners feel supported and are afforded opportunities in an industry that hasn’t always been accessible,” said Screen Australia’s Head of First Nations, Angela Bates.
The study, ‘Seeing Ourselves 2: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Australian TV Drama’, looked at the diversity of main characters in...
- 4/13/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
Sundance Now and AMC+ have released the official trailer for Black Snow, a new six-part series premiering on February 23, 2023. Described as part whodunit and part coming-of-age drama, Black Snow stars Travis Fimmel as a cold-case detective investigating a murder.
In addition to unveiling the official trailer, AMC+ and Sundance Now released a batch of photos ahead of the show’s two-episode premiere.
In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Fimmel described why Black Snow caught his interest.
“What intrigued me about him is that he’s a very flawed character. He’s got a lot of issues, childhood issues that he’s still dealing with, parental figures, and I think that’s the reason he became a cold-case detective,” said Fimmel. “There’s some stuff that unravels in the story that he went through that is very similar to the stuff that’s going on in the main storyline.
In addition to unveiling the official trailer, AMC+ and Sundance Now released a batch of photos ahead of the show’s two-episode premiere.
In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Fimmel described why Black Snow caught his interest.
“What intrigued me about him is that he’s a very flawed character. He’s got a lot of issues, childhood issues that he’s still dealing with, parental figures, and I think that’s the reason he became a cold-case detective,” said Fimmel. “There’s some stuff that unravels in the story that he went through that is very similar to the stuff that’s going on in the main storyline.
- 2/2/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Production has begun in Brisbane, Australia, on dramatic comedy film “A Savage Christmas.”
The story is that of a trans woman who, after years of estrangement, returns home for Christmas with her new boyfriend. Expecting her transition to be the focus, it is instead overshadowed by family secrets and lies which threaten not only their lives but another Christmas lunch.
The film is written, directed and produced by feature debutant Madeleine Dyer, who has pitched it as stylistically resembling “Death at a Funeral” and “Silver Linings Playbook.” Screen Australia’s head of content Grainne Brunsdon said the film “blends off-beat humor while reflecting our nation’s diversity.” Dyer co-wrote the screenplay with Daniel Mulvihill and Max Jahufer.
The film is also the debut production from Roaring Entertainment, a newly formed company by Brisbane-based producers Ben McNeill and Mulvihill.
Members of the Savage family are played by Helen Thomson (“Elvis”), Darren Gilshenan,...
The story is that of a trans woman who, after years of estrangement, returns home for Christmas with her new boyfriend. Expecting her transition to be the focus, it is instead overshadowed by family secrets and lies which threaten not only their lives but another Christmas lunch.
The film is written, directed and produced by feature debutant Madeleine Dyer, who has pitched it as stylistically resembling “Death at a Funeral” and “Silver Linings Playbook.” Screen Australia’s head of content Grainne Brunsdon said the film “blends off-beat humor while reflecting our nation’s diversity.” Dyer co-wrote the screenplay with Daniel Mulvihill and Max Jahufer.
The film is also the debut production from Roaring Entertainment, a newly formed company by Brisbane-based producers Ben McNeill and Mulvihill.
Members of the Savage family are played by Helen Thomson (“Elvis”), Darren Gilshenan,...
- 1/27/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
ITV in the U.K. has acquired “Bali 2002,” a new four-part drama exploring the everyday heroes directly impacted by the terrorist bombings on the Indonesian island’s tourist hotspots 20 years ago. Represented by Banijay Rights, the drama stars Rachel Griffiths (“Total Control”), Richard Roxburgh (“Rake”) and Claudia Jesse (“Bridgerton”). It will air on the new streaming service Itvx next year.
“Bali 2002” was co-produced by Banijay labels, Endemol Shine Australia and Screentime, and marked the first original drama co-commissioned by the Australian streamer Stan and commercial TV group 9Network. The series premiered last month on Stan.
“Bali 2002” recounts the tragic events of October 12, 2002, when the island was shattered by a terrorist attack on two of Kuta Beach’s busiest nightclubs. Local Balinese, as well as Australian and British tourists, scrambled to rescue the injured, while the Australian and Indonesian authorities mobilized to evacuate survivors, identify victims and investigate what really took place.
“Bali 2002” was co-produced by Banijay labels, Endemol Shine Australia and Screentime, and marked the first original drama co-commissioned by the Australian streamer Stan and commercial TV group 9Network. The series premiered last month on Stan.
“Bali 2002” recounts the tragic events of October 12, 2002, when the island was shattered by a terrorist attack on two of Kuta Beach’s busiest nightclubs. Local Balinese, as well as Australian and British tourists, scrambled to rescue the injured, while the Australian and Indonesian authorities mobilized to evacuate survivors, identify victims and investigate what really took place.
- 10/19/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Festival
Japanese director Kawase Naomi will lead the international competition jury of the 44th Cairo International Film Festival (Nov. 13-22).
Kawase won the Caméra d’Or for best debut feature film at Cannes for “Moe no Suzaku” (1997) and also won awards there for “Mogari no Mori” (2007) and “Hikari” (2017). In 2000, her film “Hotaru” won the Fipresci award at Locarno.
Cairo festival president Hussein Fahmy said that Kawase has had a distinguished career and possesses great experience that qualified her to obtain prestigious awards from various international festivals.
Festival director Amir Ramses added that the presence of an award-winning female director with such a successful career and rich filmography is a great inspiration to female filmmakers in Egypt.
Solidarity
The International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (Icfr) has declared solidarity with all those in Iran who stand up for their basic human rights and the freedom of expression.
“This is a revolution...
Japanese director Kawase Naomi will lead the international competition jury of the 44th Cairo International Film Festival (Nov. 13-22).
Kawase won the Caméra d’Or for best debut feature film at Cannes for “Moe no Suzaku” (1997) and also won awards there for “Mogari no Mori” (2007) and “Hikari” (2017). In 2000, her film “Hotaru” won the Fipresci award at Locarno.
Cairo festival president Hussein Fahmy said that Kawase has had a distinguished career and possesses great experience that qualified her to obtain prestigious awards from various international festivals.
Festival director Amir Ramses added that the presence of an award-winning female director with such a successful career and rich filmography is a great inspiration to female filmmakers in Egypt.
Solidarity
The International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (Icfr) has declared solidarity with all those in Iran who stand up for their basic human rights and the freedom of expression.
“This is a revolution...
- 10/12/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix’s series adaptation of Australian novel Boy Swallows Universe has unveiled its cast, and first images from the shoot have been released.
Travis Fimmel, Simon Baker and Phoebe Tonkin topline an ensemble cast for the eight-part limited series, which is based on Trent Dalton’s book and is now in production in Brisbane, Australia.
Deadline first revealed news of the project in May 2019, and Netflix boarded it earlier this year.
2022 Netflix Pilot & Series Orders
The book, set in the violent working-class suburban fringe of Brisbane in 1983, follows Eli Bell, an articulate 12-year-old boy, and his mute brother Gus. A synopsis for the novel reads: “Eli Bell’s life is complicated. His father is lost, his mother is in jail and his stepdad is a heroin dealer. The most steadfast adult in Eli’s life is Slim — a...
Travis Fimmel, Simon Baker and Phoebe Tonkin topline an ensemble cast for the eight-part limited series, which is based on Trent Dalton’s book and is now in production in Brisbane, Australia.
Deadline first revealed news of the project in May 2019, and Netflix boarded it earlier this year.
2022 Netflix Pilot & Series Orders
The book, set in the violent working-class suburban fringe of Brisbane in 1983, follows Eli Bell, an articulate 12-year-old boy, and his mute brother Gus. A synopsis for the novel reads: “Eli Bell’s life is complicated. His father is lost, his mother is in jail and his stepdad is a heroin dealer. The most steadfast adult in Eli’s life is Slim — a...
- 8/31/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
AMC Networks’ streaming platform Sundance Now is expanding its 2023 slate with orders for two new series, dark comedy Totally Completely Fine and fantasy mystery series Sanctuary, based on V.V. James novel. They join the recently announced upcoming series Clean Sweep, The Lovers, SisterS, Black Snow, and Far North, all for premiere in 2023.
Inspired by true events, six-part dark comedy Totally Completely Fine, a Sundance Now Original series, stars Thomasin McKenzie (JoJo Rabbit) and explores the complexities of grief, the power of friendship, and the ways our sadness can unite us. Per the logline, the series follows 20-something Vivian Cunningham (McKenzie), whose life is a mess. Last week she accidentally burnt down her brother’s vegan food truck with a bacon-flavored vape and this week she’s inherited her grandfather’s coastal clifftop shack and is tasked with helping people who come too close to the edge.
Series also stars Devon Terrell (Rap Sh!
Inspired by true events, six-part dark comedy Totally Completely Fine, a Sundance Now Original series, stars Thomasin McKenzie (JoJo Rabbit) and explores the complexities of grief, the power of friendship, and the ways our sadness can unite us. Per the logline, the series follows 20-something Vivian Cunningham (McKenzie), whose life is a mess. Last week she accidentally burnt down her brother’s vegan food truck with a bacon-flavored vape and this week she’s inherited her grandfather’s coastal clifftop shack and is tasked with helping people who come too close to the edge.
Series also stars Devon Terrell (Rap Sh!
- 8/10/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
AMC Networks’ Sundance Now has commissioned “Totally, Completely Fine” and “Sanctuary” as two new titles joining the streaming platform’s 2023 slate of original projects.
Written, created and executive produced by Gretel Vella, “Totally, Completely Fine” explores the complexities of grief, the power of friendship, and the ways our sadness can unite us. Inspired by true events,the six-part dark comedy follows 20-something Vivian Cunningham (Thomasin McKenzie), whose life is a mess but nevertheless winds up tasked with helping people who come too close to the edge as she endures her own comedic catastrophes like accidentally burning down her brother’s vegan food truck with a bacon-flavored vape.
Devon Terrell (“Rap Sh!t”), Brandon McLelland (“The Other Guy”), Rowan Witt (“Book of Mormon” – Original Australian Cast), Contessa Treffone (“Doctor Doctor”), James Sweeny (“Total Control”), Max Crean (“Mystic”) and Brigid Zengeni (“The Good Liar”) join the JoJo Rabbit star among the cast.
Written, created and executive produced by Gretel Vella, “Totally, Completely Fine” explores the complexities of grief, the power of friendship, and the ways our sadness can unite us. Inspired by true events,the six-part dark comedy follows 20-something Vivian Cunningham (Thomasin McKenzie), whose life is a mess but nevertheless winds up tasked with helping people who come too close to the edge as she endures her own comedic catastrophes like accidentally burning down her brother’s vegan food truck with a bacon-flavored vape.
Devon Terrell (“Rap Sh!t”), Brandon McLelland (“The Other Guy”), Rowan Witt (“Book of Mormon” – Original Australian Cast), Contessa Treffone (“Doctor Doctor”), James Sweeny (“Total Control”), Max Crean (“Mystic”) and Brigid Zengeni (“The Good Liar”) join the JoJo Rabbit star among the cast.
- 8/10/2022
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Princess Diana Police Investigations Explored By Channel 4 & Discovery+
The story of the two police investigations into the death of Princess Diana is to be told in a rare co-production for Channel 4 and Discovery+. With access to top detectives in the UK and France, most of whom are speaking for the first time, Sandpaper Films’ four-parter Investigating Diana: Death in Paris (working title) will examine investigations led by the French Brigade Criminelle in 1997 and UK’s Metropolitan Police in 2004. The People’s Princess’ 1997 car crash shocked the world and ignited a debate about how she died, one that is still being discussed in forensic detail today, riddled with conspiracy theories. Channel 4 will launch first in the UK and Discovery+ has taken second window outside the UK. “This utterly compelling series explores in forensic detail what happened in the investigations following the death of Princess Diana – what it was like for...
The story of the two police investigations into the death of Princess Diana is to be told in a rare co-production for Channel 4 and Discovery+. With access to top detectives in the UK and France, most of whom are speaking for the first time, Sandpaper Films’ four-parter Investigating Diana: Death in Paris (working title) will examine investigations led by the French Brigade Criminelle in 1997 and UK’s Metropolitan Police in 2004. The People’s Princess’ 1997 car crash shocked the world and ignited a debate about how she died, one that is still being discussed in forensic detail today, riddled with conspiracy theories. Channel 4 will launch first in the UK and Discovery+ has taken second window outside the UK. “This utterly compelling series explores in forensic detail what happened in the investigations following the death of Princess Diana – what it was like for...
- 8/10/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Kindling Pictures, the new production company headed by award-winning Australian producer Imogen Banks has begun production on its maiden show “Safe Home.”
The four-part thriller, which is made for Australian public broadcaster Special Broadcasting Services (Sbs), stars Aisha Dee (“Sissy” and TV’s “The Bold Type”) in the tale of a twenty-something professional who leaves her job at a prominent law firm to help a struggling family violence legal center stop looming funding cuts. As interconnecting stories unfold, relationships are tested and the pressure mounts to save the center. With so much at stake, the woman must navigate a path that isn’t always clear – and things aren’t always as they appear.
Directed by award-winning director Stevie Cruz-Martin and created by acclaimed playwright Anna Barnes, “Safe Home” was inspired by Barnes’ time working at a family legal center in Melbourne. The series is written by Barnes, Michelle Law and...
The four-part thriller, which is made for Australian public broadcaster Special Broadcasting Services (Sbs), stars Aisha Dee (“Sissy” and TV’s “The Bold Type”) in the tale of a twenty-something professional who leaves her job at a prominent law firm to help a struggling family violence legal center stop looming funding cuts. As interconnecting stories unfold, relationships are tested and the pressure mounts to save the center. With so much at stake, the woman must navigate a path that isn’t always clear – and things aren’t always as they appear.
Directed by award-winning director Stevie Cruz-Martin and created by acclaimed playwright Anna Barnes, “Safe Home” was inspired by Barnes’ time working at a family legal center in Melbourne. The series is written by Barnes, Michelle Law and...
- 7/18/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Miranda Otto, Jesse Spence and Guy Pearce are among the high-profile stars featuring on Disney+’s debut slate in Australia and New Zealand.
Announced at an event at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art, the 2022/23 slate comprises three dramas, four documentaries and two lifestyle/general factual entertainment series. Several are for Disney+’s adult vertical Star.
On the scripted drama front, The Clearing is adapted from Jp Pomare’s novel ‘In the Clearing’ and is inspired by Australian cult The Family and its founder Anne Hamilton-Byrne, one of the few female cult leaders in history.
Teresa Palmer (A Discovery of Witches), Miranda Otto (The Usual Suspects) and Guy Pearce (Jack Irish) lead the cast, alongside the lies of Hazem Shammas (Safe Harbour), Mark Coles-Smith (Mystery Road), Tom Budge (Bloom).
Written and created by Matt Cameron (Jack Irish) and Elise McCredie (Stateless) alongside co-writer Osamah Sami (Ali’s Wedding), it comes from...
Announced at an event at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art, the 2022/23 slate comprises three dramas, four documentaries and two lifestyle/general factual entertainment series. Several are for Disney+’s adult vertical Star.
On the scripted drama front, The Clearing is adapted from Jp Pomare’s novel ‘In the Clearing’ and is inspired by Australian cult The Family and its founder Anne Hamilton-Byrne, one of the few female cult leaders in history.
Teresa Palmer (A Discovery of Witches), Miranda Otto (The Usual Suspects) and Guy Pearce (Jack Irish) lead the cast, alongside the lies of Hazem Shammas (Safe Harbour), Mark Coles-Smith (Mystery Road), Tom Budge (Bloom).
Written and created by Matt Cameron (Jack Irish) and Elise McCredie (Stateless) alongside co-writer Osamah Sami (Ali’s Wedding), it comes from...
- 5/17/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Zombie Action-Horror Wyrmwood: Apocalypse has released new BTS photos and gory character posters ahead of the April 14 VOD release from XYZ Films.
Rhys lives in the zombie-infested wasteland. His job is to capture civilians and deliver them to what’s left of the military. When Rhys captures a half-zombie-half-human named Grace, he comes to believe she is the key to ending the apocalypse.
Check out the trailer.
The latest feature from Australian filmmaking brother duo Kiah Roache-Turner and Tristan Roache-Turner, whose previous collaborations include their breakout feature debut Wyrmwood: Road Of The Dead, which premiered at the 2014 Fantastic Fest and put them on the map internationally for their creative use of low-budget gore and highly effective horrific story, and the 2018 TIFF Midnight Madness premiere Nekrotronic. The two share co-writing credits while Kiah handles direction with energetic ease and Tristan produces.
With a mix of new and familiar faces from...
Rhys lives in the zombie-infested wasteland. His job is to capture civilians and deliver them to what’s left of the military. When Rhys captures a half-zombie-half-human named Grace, he comes to believe she is the key to ending the apocalypse.
Check out the trailer.
The latest feature from Australian filmmaking brother duo Kiah Roache-Turner and Tristan Roache-Turner, whose previous collaborations include their breakout feature debut Wyrmwood: Road Of The Dead, which premiered at the 2014 Fantastic Fest and put them on the map internationally for their creative use of low-budget gore and highly effective horrific story, and the 2018 TIFF Midnight Madness premiere Nekrotronic. The two share co-writing credits while Kiah handles direction with energetic ease and Tristan produces.
With a mix of new and familiar faces from...
- 4/5/2022
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Watch the Trailer for Wyrmwood: Apocalypse: "The latest feature from Australian filmmaking brother duo Kiah Roache-Turner and Tristan Roache-Turner, whose previous collaborations include their breakout feature debut Wyrmwood: Road Of The Dead, which premiered at the 2014 Fantastic Fest and put them on the map internationally for their creative use of low-budget gore and highly effective horrific story, and the 2018 TIFF Midnight Madness premiere Nekrotronic. The two share co-writing credits while Kiah handles direction with energetic ease and Tristan produces.
With a mix of new and familiar faces from the creative worlds of the Roache-Turner brothers , Wyrmwood: Apocalypse stars Luke McKenzie, Bianca Bradey (Wyrmwood: Road Of The Dead), Shantae Barnes-Cowan (Total Control), Tasia Zalar (Mystery Road), Jay Gallagher, and Nicholas Boshier (Soul Mates).
Blake Northfield (Streamline) produced alongside Tristan Roache-Turner, and Todd Brown and Maxime Cottray executive produced for XYZ Films.
Synopsis: Rhys lives in the zombie-infested wasteland. His job...
With a mix of new and familiar faces from the creative worlds of the Roache-Turner brothers , Wyrmwood: Apocalypse stars Luke McKenzie, Bianca Bradey (Wyrmwood: Road Of The Dead), Shantae Barnes-Cowan (Total Control), Tasia Zalar (Mystery Road), Jay Gallagher, and Nicholas Boshier (Soul Mates).
Blake Northfield (Streamline) produced alongside Tristan Roache-Turner, and Todd Brown and Maxime Cottray executive produced for XYZ Films.
Synopsis: Rhys lives in the zombie-infested wasteland. His job...
- 3/25/2022
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Jana McKinnon, Markella Kavenagh and Yerin Ha have joined the cast of Australian TV series “Bad Behaviour.”
Filming of the four-part show, which is adapted from the acclaimed book of the same name by writer Rebecca Starford, has now completed in Victoria, Australia. It is expected to play on Australian streaming platform Stan later this year.
McKinnon (“We Children of Bahnhof Zoo”) stars as scholarship student, who arrives at Silver Creek for a year of character building at the wilderness campus of an exclusive girl’s boarding school. Instead, she finds herself in a dormitory of the most volatile and the most vulnerable.
Kavenagh has recent roles in “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” while Ha has credits including “Halo.” Other newly-announced additions to the cast are: Tuuli Narkle (“Mystery Road”), Dan Spielman (“Stateless”), Diana Glenn (“Harrow”), Mantshologane Maile (“The PMs Daughter”), Erana James (“The Wilds”) and newcomers Melissa Kahraman,...
Filming of the four-part show, which is adapted from the acclaimed book of the same name by writer Rebecca Starford, has now completed in Victoria, Australia. It is expected to play on Australian streaming platform Stan later this year.
McKinnon (“We Children of Bahnhof Zoo”) stars as scholarship student, who arrives at Silver Creek for a year of character building at the wilderness campus of an exclusive girl’s boarding school. Instead, she finds herself in a dormitory of the most volatile and the most vulnerable.
Kavenagh has recent roles in “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” while Ha has credits including “Halo.” Other newly-announced additions to the cast are: Tuuli Narkle (“Mystery Road”), Dan Spielman (“Stateless”), Diana Glenn (“Harrow”), Mantshologane Maile (“The PMs Daughter”), Erana James (“The Wilds”) and newcomers Melissa Kahraman,...
- 3/24/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
HBO Max announced the March 3 premiere of its mini-series “The Tourist,” starring Golden Globe nominee Jamie Dornan (“Belfast”). Dornan stars as a British man who is pursued by a large tank truck in the Australian outback, ending with him waking up in the hospital with no memory of his identity. As people from his past follow him around, he begins to look for answers.
The cast also includes Danielle Macdonald (“Dumplin’”), Shalom Brune-Franklin (“Line of Duty”), Damon Herriman (“Mindhunter”), Alex Dimitriades (“Total Control”), Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (“Eurovision Song Contest”), and Kamil Ellis (“Bushwacked!”).
“The Tourist” was written by Emmy and Golden Globe winners Harry and Jack Williams (“Baptiste”), who also executive produce alongside Christopher Aird (“Liar”). Lisa Scott (“The Hunting”) is a producer and Chris Sweeney (“Back to Life”) is an EP and director. The show is produced by Two Brothers Pictures (an All3Media company) for the BBC, in association with Highview Productions,...
The cast also includes Danielle Macdonald (“Dumplin’”), Shalom Brune-Franklin (“Line of Duty”), Damon Herriman (“Mindhunter”), Alex Dimitriades (“Total Control”), Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (“Eurovision Song Contest”), and Kamil Ellis (“Bushwacked!”).
“The Tourist” was written by Emmy and Golden Globe winners Harry and Jack Williams (“Baptiste”), who also executive produce alongside Christopher Aird (“Liar”). Lisa Scott (“The Hunting”) is a producer and Chris Sweeney (“Back to Life”) is an EP and director. The show is produced by Two Brothers Pictures (an All3Media company) for the BBC, in association with Highview Productions,...
- 2/11/2022
- by Wilson Chapman, Wyatte Grantham-Philips and Sasha Urban
- Variety Film + TV
Since launching in 2015, Keshet Studios, the U.S. division of Keshet International (Ki), has proved a model worth copying for international content producers looking to make it big in Hollywood. The company now develops and produces content for all the biggest broadcasters and streamers in several languages for both U.S. and international audiences. Led by president Peter Traugott, the outfit leans on Ki’s existing international catalog while also acquiring third party IP and developing new originals. Below, 10 Keshet Studio titles currently in development or production.
“La Brea” Ordered by NBC at the beginning of 2021, this original series was created by David Applebaum (“The Mentalist”) and Keshet Studios, which co-produces alongside Universal Television. Already picked up for a second season, it was this fall’s top-rated series among audiences 18-49 in the U.S., with more than 47 million viewers tuning in to the L.A.-based disaster thriller.
“The Missing...
“La Brea” Ordered by NBC at the beginning of 2021, this original series was created by David Applebaum (“The Mentalist”) and Keshet Studios, which co-produces alongside Universal Television. Already picked up for a second season, it was this fall’s top-rated series among audiences 18-49 in the U.S., with more than 47 million viewers tuning in to the L.A.-based disaster thriller.
“The Missing...
- 12/15/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Keshet International (Ki) launched its U.S.-based production arm Keshet Studios (Ks) in 2015 with the idea of building a small, independent-style studio that could develop and produce original content for the U.S. and global marketplaces by supporting diverse voices, stories and talent. Since then, the label has generated content for the biggest streamers and networks in the U.S. and abroad and has entered into a lucrative first-look partnership with Universal Television which was renewed in February of this year.
One of the founding fathers – despite only being in his mid-20s at the time – of that original Ks venture was Asher Landay. Landay, director of scripted programming for Ks, has since been involved in developing and producing the company’s scripted slate including standout projects such as Apple TV Plus’ “Echo 3,” HBO’s “Our Boys,” David E. Kelly’s “The Missing” at Peacock and “La Brea,” a...
One of the founding fathers – despite only being in his mid-20s at the time – of that original Ks venture was Asher Landay. Landay, director of scripted programming for Ks, has since been involved in developing and producing the company’s scripted slate including standout projects such as Apple TV Plus’ “Echo 3,” HBO’s “Our Boys,” David E. Kelly’s “The Missing” at Peacock and “La Brea,” a...
- 12/15/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Australian contemporary political thriller series “Total Control” has been licensed by broadcasters and streamers across Asia and Latin America, following the recent launch of a second season.
Starring Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths, the show confronts a range of issues around race, diversity and First Nations rights. Produced by Blackfella Films, the narrative depicts a fearless Indigenous senator facing an election and the judgement of the people, after engineering a remarkable coup that unseated the Prime Minister.
Rights licensing outside North America is handled by independent distributor All3Media International. At the Asia Television Forum & Market in Singapore this week, the company announced that HBO Max Latin America has licensed both seasons.
In Asia, Korean streamer Watcha has secured rights for Japan. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has signed a multi-territory deal covering territories including Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Pakistan and Malaysia for the second season.
Acorn premiers the show in U.
Starring Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths, the show confronts a range of issues around race, diversity and First Nations rights. Produced by Blackfella Films, the narrative depicts a fearless Indigenous senator facing an election and the judgement of the people, after engineering a remarkable coup that unseated the Prime Minister.
Rights licensing outside North America is handled by independent distributor All3Media International. At the Asia Television Forum & Market in Singapore this week, the company announced that HBO Max Latin America has licensed both seasons.
In Asia, Korean streamer Watcha has secured rights for Japan. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has signed a multi-territory deal covering territories including Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Pakistan and Malaysia for the second season.
Acorn premiers the show in U.
- 12/1/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
ABC’s The Newsreader has collected a further six Aacta Award nominations, taking its total to 16, with the academy unveiling the technical craft nominees today.
Nitram now leads in film after picking up another eight nominations, taking its total to 15. High Ground gathered four further nods, taking its tally to 12, tying it with The Dry, which gained another six today.
This year’s Industry Awards will again be virtual, broadcast online on Aacta TV as part of the 2021 ScreenFest Program, as well as Binge and Foxtel Arena, December 6. The ceremony will then be held two days later at the Sydney Opera House.
This year, key film prizes as best supporting actor and actress in a film, as well as best original and adapted screenplays, will be presented during the industry awards, rather than the main ceremony as has been the case in previous years. Other key TV prizes will also...
Nitram now leads in film after picking up another eight nominations, taking its total to 15. High Ground gathered four further nods, taking its tally to 12, tying it with The Dry, which gained another six today.
This year’s Industry Awards will again be virtual, broadcast online on Aacta TV as part of the 2021 ScreenFest Program, as well as Binge and Foxtel Arena, December 6. The ceremony will then be held two days later at the Sydney Opera House.
This year, key film prizes as best supporting actor and actress in a film, as well as best original and adapted screenplays, will be presented during the industry awards, rather than the main ceremony as has been the case in previous years. Other key TV prizes will also...
- 11/4/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Aacta has revealed those in contention for the major film, television and short-form prizes at this year’s awards, with High Ground leading the charge in the film categories and The Newsreader ahead in television.
The nominations follow those revealed for feature documentary in July, with the technical craft categories still to come.
Aacta also announced today that this year’s awards will move from The Star to the Sydney Opera House, with the ceremony to be held December 8.
There has also been a change in broadcast partners from Seven to 10, where the ceremony will air first followed by an encore on Fox Arena on Foxtel, Binge, and Aacta TV.
High Ground has earned eight nominations, including Best Film. Also nominated for the night’s major prize are Nitram, which earned seven nods, The Dry, which has six, as well as The Furnace, Penguin Bloom and Rams.
The Best Indie Film Award,...
The nominations follow those revealed for feature documentary in July, with the technical craft categories still to come.
Aacta also announced today that this year’s awards will move from The Star to the Sydney Opera House, with the ceremony to be held December 8.
There has also been a change in broadcast partners from Seven to 10, where the ceremony will air first followed by an encore on Fox Arena on Foxtel, Binge, and Aacta TV.
High Ground has earned eight nominations, including Best Film. Also nominated for the night’s major prize are Nitram, which earned seven nods, The Dry, which has six, as well as The Furnace, Penguin Bloom and Rams.
The Best Indie Film Award,...
- 10/30/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
The second season of Total Control will launch on the ABC November 7.
In the first season, political newcomer Alex Irving (Deborah Mailman) engineered a coup against Rachel Anderson (Rachel Griffiths), the Prime Minister who appointed her to the Senate.
In season two, both Alex and Rachel find themselves treading different political paths. After being dumped by her own party, Rachel relies on strategist Nick Pearce (Alex Dimitriades) to guide her political ambitions, while Alex finds herself surrounded by a new team, led by her brother Charlie (Rob Collins). But politics can be a nasty business. Will Alex’s determination and the tenacity of her grass-roots driven team be enough? Can she survive a system determined to shake everything she values? And can these political adversaries become political allies?
Reprising their roles in the Blackfella Films series are Rob Collins, Wes Patten, Anthony Hayes, William McInnes, Huw Higginson and Lisa Flanagan,...
In the first season, political newcomer Alex Irving (Deborah Mailman) engineered a coup against Rachel Anderson (Rachel Griffiths), the Prime Minister who appointed her to the Senate.
In season two, both Alex and Rachel find themselves treading different political paths. After being dumped by her own party, Rachel relies on strategist Nick Pearce (Alex Dimitriades) to guide her political ambitions, while Alex finds herself surrounded by a new team, led by her brother Charlie (Rob Collins). But politics can be a nasty business. Will Alex’s determination and the tenacity of her grass-roots driven team be enough? Can she survive a system determined to shake everything she values? And can these political adversaries become political allies?
Reprising their roles in the Blackfella Films series are Rob Collins, Wes Patten, Anthony Hayes, William McInnes, Huw Higginson and Lisa Flanagan,...
- 10/7/2021
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Newly-appointed Screen Australia head of First Nations Angela Bates is taking an ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach to the role, insisting her focus is on furthering the strides made by her predecessors.
Bates, who first joined the department in early 2019 as development and investment manager, had the opportunity to work closely with previous head Penny Smallacombe, who vacated the position in May after more than six years.
Speaking to If, she said she would draw on the five strategic pillars identified in The Next 25 Years, a strategy that Smallacombe developed in consultation with filmmakers and industry stakeholders during the department’s 25th anniversary year in 2018.
“I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel here,” she said.
“There are five key pillars that underpin The Next 25 Years strategy – Indigenous storytelling, identifying stories and talent, developing talent, connecting talent, and advocating for indigenous representation and leadership.
“I...
Bates, who first joined the department in early 2019 as development and investment manager, had the opportunity to work closely with previous head Penny Smallacombe, who vacated the position in May after more than six years.
Speaking to If, she said she would draw on the five strategic pillars identified in The Next 25 Years, a strategy that Smallacombe developed in consultation with filmmakers and industry stakeholders during the department’s 25th anniversary year in 2018.
“I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel here,” she said.
“There are five key pillars that underpin The Next 25 Years strategy – Indigenous storytelling, identifying stories and talent, developing talent, connecting talent, and advocating for indigenous representation and leadership.
“I...
- 10/5/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
The second season of ABC/Blackfella Films’ Total Control will headline this year’s Series Mania Melbourne, which will be held online next month.
Organised by Acmi and Film Victoria, in partnership with Series Mania France, the four-day event includes a public screening program comprising a mix of web series, comedy, and drama.
The festival also features a Screen Industry Day on October 14 that incorporates craft-focused panels, keynotes, and masterclasses with global creators.
Series Mania Melbourne will commence with the opening two episodes from political drama Total Control, starring Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths. The second instalment picks up where Senator Alex Irving’s (Mailman) crusade left off, as she vies to hold everyone to account. Mailman and Griffiths are joined by a host of new cast members for the second season, including Wayne Blair, who is also directing.
Other program highlights include ABC doomsday comedy Preppers from writers/creators Nakkiah Lui and Gabriel Dowrick.
Organised by Acmi and Film Victoria, in partnership with Series Mania France, the four-day event includes a public screening program comprising a mix of web series, comedy, and drama.
The festival also features a Screen Industry Day on October 14 that incorporates craft-focused panels, keynotes, and masterclasses with global creators.
Series Mania Melbourne will commence with the opening two episodes from political drama Total Control, starring Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths. The second instalment picks up where Senator Alex Irving’s (Mailman) crusade left off, as she vies to hold everyone to account. Mailman and Griffiths are joined by a host of new cast members for the second season, including Wayne Blair, who is also directing.
Other program highlights include ABC doomsday comedy Preppers from writers/creators Nakkiah Lui and Gabriel Dowrick.
- 9/28/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Screen Australia has promoted Angela Bates to head of First Nations following the departure of Penny Smallacombe in May.
Bates steps into the role after almost three years as development and investment manager for the First Nations department, during which time she supported titles such as Looky Looky Here Comes Cooky, the second season of Total Control, the third season of Little J & Big Cuz, as well as Indigenous initiative Cook 2020: Our Right of Reply, and the pilot of the First Nations Creator Program.
She has more than two decades of experience in the media sector as a TV producer, writer, journalist, and documentary filmmaker, with her career including multiple roles at Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (Caama radio), Sydney’s Koori Radio, Sbs’s Living Black program, and Nitv.
While at Nitv, she was the inaugural executive producer for Nitv National News, where she set up the first...
Bates steps into the role after almost three years as development and investment manager for the First Nations department, during which time she supported titles such as Looky Looky Here Comes Cooky, the second season of Total Control, the third season of Little J & Big Cuz, as well as Indigenous initiative Cook 2020: Our Right of Reply, and the pilot of the First Nations Creator Program.
She has more than two decades of experience in the media sector as a TV producer, writer, journalist, and documentary filmmaker, with her career including multiple roles at Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (Caama radio), Sydney’s Koori Radio, Sbs’s Living Black program, and Nitv.
While at Nitv, she was the inaugural executive producer for Nitv National News, where she set up the first...
- 9/24/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Chris Hemsworth, Jacki Weaver, Alia Shawkat, Total Control director Rachel Perkins and casting director Nina Gold (Solo: A Star Wars Story) are set to judge the Heath Ledger Scholarship, Australians in Film revealed Wednesday.
Gregor Jordan, who directed Ledger in Two Hands and Ned Kelly and was a longtime friend of the late actor, will serve as Patron of the acting prize.
Prior to the decision of the aforementioned judges, a panel of first-round judges comprised of Australian and American casting directors including Barbara McCarthy (The Spectacular Now), Alyssa Weisberg (X-Men: Dark Phoenix), will determine a group of five finalists.
“We are thrilled at the ...
Gregor Jordan, who directed Ledger in Two Hands and Ned Kelly and was a longtime friend of the late actor, will serve as Patron of the acting prize.
Prior to the decision of the aforementioned judges, a panel of first-round judges comprised of Australian and American casting directors including Barbara McCarthy (The Spectacular Now), Alyssa Weisberg (X-Men: Dark Phoenix), will determine a group of five finalists.
“We are thrilled at the ...
- 9/23/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Chris Hemsworth, Jacki Weaver, Alia Shawkat, Total Control director Rachel Perkins and casting director Nina Gold (Solo: A Star Wars Story) are set to judge the Heath Ledger Scholarship, Australians in Film revealed Wednesday.
Gregor Jordan, who directed Ledger in Two Hands and Ned Kelly and was a longtime friend of the late actor, will serve as Patron of the acting prize.
Prior to the decision of the aforementioned judges, a panel of first-round judges comprising Australian and American casting directors, including Barbara McCarthy (The Spectacular Now) and Alyssa Weisberg (X-Men: Dark Phoenix), will determine a group of five finalists.
“We are thrilled at the ...
Gregor Jordan, who directed Ledger in Two Hands and Ned Kelly and was a longtime friend of the late actor, will serve as Patron of the acting prize.
Prior to the decision of the aforementioned judges, a panel of first-round judges comprising Australian and American casting directors, including Barbara McCarthy (The Spectacular Now) and Alyssa Weisberg (X-Men: Dark Phoenix), will determine a group of five finalists.
“We are thrilled at the ...
- 9/23/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Yael Stone, Rob Collins, Callan Mulvey and Shantae Barnes-Cowan are the topline cast for AMC Studios and See-Saw Films’ vampire series, Firebite, now shooting in South Australia.
The brainchild of Warwick Thornton and Brendan Fletcher, the eight-part series follows two Indigenous Australian hunters, Tyson (Collins) and Shanika (Barnes-Cowan), on their quest to battle the last colony of vampires in the middle of the Sa desert.
It is set in a remote desert mining town, a hive for the last vampire stronghold shipped from Britain to Australia in 1788 by the colonial superpower to eradicate the Indigenous populations. Sheltering from the sun in the underground mines and tunnels that surround the town until the present day, the colony’s numbers and hunger is growing. War is coming. Tyson and Shanika stand vanguard to the war. But what hope does an expertly reckless man full of bravado and a 17-year-old orphan possibly have...
The brainchild of Warwick Thornton and Brendan Fletcher, the eight-part series follows two Indigenous Australian hunters, Tyson (Collins) and Shanika (Barnes-Cowan), on their quest to battle the last colony of vampires in the middle of the Sa desert.
It is set in a remote desert mining town, a hive for the last vampire stronghold shipped from Britain to Australia in 1788 by the colonial superpower to eradicate the Indigenous populations. Sheltering from the sun in the underground mines and tunnels that surround the town until the present day, the colony’s numbers and hunger is growing. War is coming. Tyson and Shanika stand vanguard to the war. But what hope does an expertly reckless man full of bravado and a 17-year-old orphan possibly have...
- 8/24/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
The Act Government is taking steps to attract more productions to the nation’s capital, announcing more than $800,000 for a new sound stage and virtual production studio in Canberra.
Delivered in conjunction with the Academy of Interactive Entertainment, the facility will be retrofitted onto an existing structure at a location to be determined.
It comes after the government committed $500,000 in the 2020-21 budget to establish the Canberra Screen Attraction Fund pilot scheme, offering location incentives of up to 10 per cent for productions that spend more than $2 million in the Act.
Screen Canberra CEO Monica Penders told If the studio space would allow the city to build on the success of productions, such as Secret City, Blacklight, and Total Control.
“There are three things we are aiming for,” she said.
“If I had my way, there would be much more Canberran IP up on screens and that is something we are working toward.
Delivered in conjunction with the Academy of Interactive Entertainment, the facility will be retrofitted onto an existing structure at a location to be determined.
It comes after the government committed $500,000 in the 2020-21 budget to establish the Canberra Screen Attraction Fund pilot scheme, offering location incentives of up to 10 per cent for productions that spend more than $2 million in the Act.
Screen Canberra CEO Monica Penders told If the studio space would allow the city to build on the success of productions, such as Secret City, Blacklight, and Total Control.
“There are three things we are aiming for,” she said.
“If I had my way, there would be much more Canberran IP up on screens and that is something we are working toward.
- 8/17/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Shantae Barnes-Cowan leads the cast of Jub Clerc’s debut feature Sweet As, about to wrap a five week shoot in Port Hedland, Western Australia.
The young actor, who has had roles in Total Control, Operation Buffalo and the upcoming Wyrmwood: Apocalypse, plays 16-year-old Indigenous girl, Murra.
After a volatile fight with her mother, Murra is abandoned, but with intervention from her uncle, she ventures on a journey of self-discovery.
Starring alongside the 2019 Casting Guild of Australia Rising Star are Tasma Walton, Mark Coles Smith and Ngaire Pigram.
A Nyul Nyul and Yawuru writer/director, Clerc penned the script with long-time collaborator Steve Rodgers, the dramaturge on her first play, ‘The Fever and the Fret’.
The film is partly based on her own experience growing up in the Pilbara and The Kimberley. It stems from a long-standing ambition between her and close friend, Arenamedia producer Liz Kearney, to create a feature together.
The young actor, who has had roles in Total Control, Operation Buffalo and the upcoming Wyrmwood: Apocalypse, plays 16-year-old Indigenous girl, Murra.
After a volatile fight with her mother, Murra is abandoned, but with intervention from her uncle, she ventures on a journey of self-discovery.
Starring alongside the 2019 Casting Guild of Australia Rising Star are Tasma Walton, Mark Coles Smith and Ngaire Pigram.
A Nyul Nyul and Yawuru writer/director, Clerc penned the script with long-time collaborator Steve Rodgers, the dramaturge on her first play, ‘The Fever and the Fret’.
The film is partly based on her own experience growing up in the Pilbara and The Kimberley. It stems from a long-standing ambition between her and close friend, Arenamedia producer Liz Kearney, to create a feature together.
- 7/23/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
The rich landscape of Western Australia’s Pilbara region will be showcased around Australia during Naidoc Week as Weerianna Street Media’s Red Dirt Riders premieres on ABC Me.
Told across five 15-minute episodes, the factual series follows a group of bike-obsessed Roebourne kids aged between 10-13 on their two and four-wheeled adventures across Ngarluma country.
The riders experience Pilbara’s first traffic jam, take a trip to a coastal ghost town, discover some local history about a famous dog and hear stories of the spirits of the country, all whilst avoiding getting bogged in the bush.
Thalu stars Logan Adams, Cherry Rose Hubert, Sharliya Mowarin and Penesha Wally are joined by newcomers Isaac Guinness, Toby Cedar, Haseem May, Layne Smith, Fabian Dhu, Rj Parker and Johnita Sandy as subjects for the series.
Red Dirt Riders was written and produced by Robyn Marais and directed and co-produced by Ngarluma man,...
Told across five 15-minute episodes, the factual series follows a group of bike-obsessed Roebourne kids aged between 10-13 on their two and four-wheeled adventures across Ngarluma country.
The riders experience Pilbara’s first traffic jam, take a trip to a coastal ghost town, discover some local history about a famous dog and hear stories of the spirits of the country, all whilst avoiding getting bogged in the bush.
Thalu stars Logan Adams, Cherry Rose Hubert, Sharliya Mowarin and Penesha Wally are joined by newcomers Isaac Guinness, Toby Cedar, Haseem May, Layne Smith, Fabian Dhu, Rj Parker and Johnita Sandy as subjects for the series.
Red Dirt Riders was written and produced by Robyn Marais and directed and co-produced by Ngarluma man,...
- 6/30/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
The Denver-based TV festival SeriesFest is once again going virtual this year, unveiling a lineup of events that include the world premiere of Peacock’s docuseries “Epstein’s Shadow: Ghislaine Maxwell,” as well as conversations with guests including actors Jennifer Garner and Mark Duplass, and YouTube chief business officer Robert Kyncl, and panels dissecting “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” and much more.
The seventh year of the event, dubbed “SeriesFest: Season 7,” takes place from June 24 to July 11 and revolves around the theme “What’s Next?” and includes several panels and screenings that dive into the future of programming.
Also, as part of the festival, actor Ann Dowd will receive the inaugural “SeriesFest Impact in Television Award,” which SeriesFest describes as “recognizing trailblazers who have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance in television.”
“This past year left an indelible imprint on our narratives,” co-founders Randi Kleiner and Kaily Smith Westbrook...
The seventh year of the event, dubbed “SeriesFest: Season 7,” takes place from June 24 to July 11 and revolves around the theme “What’s Next?” and includes several panels and screenings that dive into the future of programming.
Also, as part of the festival, actor Ann Dowd will receive the inaugural “SeriesFest Impact in Television Award,” which SeriesFest describes as “recognizing trailblazers who have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance in television.”
“This past year left an indelible imprint on our narratives,” co-founders Randi Kleiner and Kaily Smith Westbrook...
- 6/10/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Outgoing Screen Australia head of First Nations Penny Smallacombe is set to join Bunya Media Group as a producer.
Smallacombe will produce a number of the company’s upcoming projects, including Sbs drama series Copping It Black, working with directors Erica Glynn and Steven McGregor, who both penned the script with Danielle Maclean.
While at Screen Australia, Smallacombe helped shepherd to screen several Bunya Productions projects, including ABC series Mystery Road, Warwick Thornton’s Sweet Country and Ivan Sen’s Goldstone, as well as helping to facilitate Bunya Talent Hub LA.
Smallacombe, a Maramanindji woman from the Northern Territory, tells If she has loved Bunya’s “big, bold” output over the past few years, and considers it a privilege to join the team. She is keen to use her new role to continue to bring authentic First Nations stories to screen, particularly from exciting new talent.
“They’re a trusted...
Smallacombe will produce a number of the company’s upcoming projects, including Sbs drama series Copping It Black, working with directors Erica Glynn and Steven McGregor, who both penned the script with Danielle Maclean.
While at Screen Australia, Smallacombe helped shepherd to screen several Bunya Productions projects, including ABC series Mystery Road, Warwick Thornton’s Sweet Country and Ivan Sen’s Goldstone, as well as helping to facilitate Bunya Talent Hub LA.
Smallacombe, a Maramanindji woman from the Northern Territory, tells If she has loved Bunya’s “big, bold” output over the past few years, and considers it a privilege to join the team. She is keen to use her new role to continue to bring authentic First Nations stories to screen, particularly from exciting new talent.
“They’re a trusted...
- 5/26/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
ABC’s Kelrick Martin and Sbs’s Michelle Cheng will co-chair the Screen Diversity Inclusion Network (Sdin) for 2021-22, succeeding Benjamin Law and Jo Dillon.
The ABC’s head of Indigenous, Martin is a Ngarluma man from Broome Wa. His commissions at the pubcaster include Cleverman S2, Kiki and Kitty, Black Comedy S3 and S4, Maralinga Tjarutja and Total Control.
Martin was the inaugural presenter of ABC TV’s Message Stick. In 2002 he completed his Masters in Documentary Writing and Directing at Aftrs, and in 2007 returned to Wa to become Nitv’s commissioning editor. He formed Spear Point Productions in 2010, with credits including Prison Songs. Prior to joining the ABC in 2016, he was the Indigenous manager for Screenwest.
Cheng is the Sbs content industry diversity manager for TV and online. Her role sees her work to improve career pathways for diverse TV creatives and investigate international best practice for screen diversity.
The ABC’s head of Indigenous, Martin is a Ngarluma man from Broome Wa. His commissions at the pubcaster include Cleverman S2, Kiki and Kitty, Black Comedy S3 and S4, Maralinga Tjarutja and Total Control.
Martin was the inaugural presenter of ABC TV’s Message Stick. In 2002 he completed his Masters in Documentary Writing and Directing at Aftrs, and in 2007 returned to Wa to become Nitv’s commissioning editor. He formed Spear Point Productions in 2010, with credits including Prison Songs. Prior to joining the ABC in 2016, he was the Indigenous manager for Screenwest.
Cheng is the Sbs content industry diversity manager for TV and online. Her role sees her work to improve career pathways for diverse TV creatives and investigate international best practice for screen diversity.
- 5/18/2021
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
It’s been a busy day at ABC.
The network has handed series pickups to pilots The Wonder Years, Queens, Maggie and Abbott Elementary and passed on pilots including Sam Esmail’s Acts of Crime and comedies Black Don’t Crack and Bucktown.
But there are five pilots that are still in consideration for the 2021-22 broadcast season, including Kevin Costner’s National Parks Investigation, that will be considered for midseason.
These also include Dark Horse, Epic, Promised Land and Triage.
Dark Hose, Epic and Promised Land have yet to be filmed and will be considered after the upfronts, while the off-cycle Triage pilot was produced and went through a rollercoaster ride of a poorly received first cut, highly testing second cut and so-so screening response. National Parks Investigation was considered a wildcard for fall consideration but a final, broadcast-length cut of the pilot, was not delivered in time.
National Parks Investigation,...
The network has handed series pickups to pilots The Wonder Years, Queens, Maggie and Abbott Elementary and passed on pilots including Sam Esmail’s Acts of Crime and comedies Black Don’t Crack and Bucktown.
But there are five pilots that are still in consideration for the 2021-22 broadcast season, including Kevin Costner’s National Parks Investigation, that will be considered for midseason.
These also include Dark Horse, Epic, Promised Land and Triage.
Dark Hose, Epic and Promised Land have yet to be filmed and will be considered after the upfronts, while the off-cycle Triage pilot was produced and went through a rollercoaster ride of a poorly received first cut, highly testing second cut and so-so screening response. National Parks Investigation was considered a wildcard for fall consideration but a final, broadcast-length cut of the pilot, was not delivered in time.
National Parks Investigation,...
- 5/14/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Production in and around Sydney, Australia has started on “Preppers,” a comedy series about the end of the world.
Directed by Steven McGregor (“Black Comedy”), “Preppers” follows a young Aboriginal woman whose world crumbles around her after experiencing a personal, cataclysmic event. Escaping the fallout, she finds herself at the center of a mismatched community of doomsday preppers.
“Preppers” stars Nakkiah Lui who also co-wrote the series with Gabriel Dowrick.
Penny Smallacombe, head of the First Nations Department at Screen Australia said: “Nakkiah Lui has a track record of creating boundary-pushing comedy and we’re proud to support her and the rest of the talented creative team in bringing this hilarious and clever series to life. Who doesn’t need a few lessons in Prepping!”
The show is a Porchlight Films production in association with Spirit Pictures. The series producer is Sylvia Warmer, with Porchlight’s Liz Watts and the...
Directed by Steven McGregor (“Black Comedy”), “Preppers” follows a young Aboriginal woman whose world crumbles around her after experiencing a personal, cataclysmic event. Escaping the fallout, she finds herself at the center of a mismatched community of doomsday preppers.
“Preppers” stars Nakkiah Lui who also co-wrote the series with Gabriel Dowrick.
Penny Smallacombe, head of the First Nations Department at Screen Australia said: “Nakkiah Lui has a track record of creating boundary-pushing comedy and we’re proud to support her and the rest of the talented creative team in bringing this hilarious and clever series to life. Who doesn’t need a few lessons in Prepping!”
The show is a Porchlight Films production in association with Spirit Pictures. The series producer is Sylvia Warmer, with Porchlight’s Liz Watts and the...
- 5/6/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths will be joined on screen by a host of new faces for the second season of the ABC/Blackfella Films’ Total Control, including Wayne Blair, who will also direct all six episodes.
Steph Tisdell stars in her first dramatic role, alongside other new cast members such as Alex Dimitriades, Colin Friels, Harry Greenwood, Rob Carlton, Daniella Farinacci, Brenna Harding, Benedict Hardie, and Anita Hegh.
Returning are Rob Collins, Anthony Hayes, William McInnes, Huw Higginson, Wes Patten, Lisa Flanagan and Harry Richardson.
Filming is currently underway, with production to take place across Sydney; Canberra, including at Parliament House, and Broken Hill.
The first season of the multiple Aacta Award-winning drama saw political newcomer Alex Irving (Mailman) engineer a coup against Rachel Anderson (Griffiths), the Prime Minister who appointed her to the Senate.
Season two sees Alex running as an independent. She’ll be ready for the...
Steph Tisdell stars in her first dramatic role, alongside other new cast members such as Alex Dimitriades, Colin Friels, Harry Greenwood, Rob Carlton, Daniella Farinacci, Brenna Harding, Benedict Hardie, and Anita Hegh.
Returning are Rob Collins, Anthony Hayes, William McInnes, Huw Higginson, Wes Patten, Lisa Flanagan and Harry Richardson.
Filming is currently underway, with production to take place across Sydney; Canberra, including at Parliament House, and Broken Hill.
The first season of the multiple Aacta Award-winning drama saw political newcomer Alex Irving (Mailman) engineer a coup against Rachel Anderson (Griffiths), the Prime Minister who appointed her to the Senate.
Season two sees Alex running as an independent. She’ll be ready for the...
- 3/25/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Aaron Pedersen’s professional acting journey has looked a little different compared to many of his contemporaries, but that’s always been part of what makes him special. For the last four decades, Aaron has lit up screens with his immense talent. His ability to act across genres and play all sorts of different characters has given him the chance to work on a variety of projects. Most people will know him from a wide variety of roles movie including City Homicide and Water Rats. He is also known for his recent TV roles in Jack Irish and Total Control. Regardless of
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Aaron Pedersen...
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Aaron Pedersen...
- 3/20/2021
- by Camille Moore
- TVovermind.com
ABC is remaking Australian political drama Total Control and has handed the project a pilot order.
The Disney-owned network is piloting Dark Horse, written by Stumptown story editor William Jehu Garroutte with The Path creator Jessica Goldberg set as showrunner.
The original show, which was commissioned by ABC Australia with the working title Black Bitch, was co-created by Rachel Griffiths, who starred in HBO’s Six Feet Under and ABC’s Brothers & Sisters.
Dark Horse comes from Keshet Studios, Universal Television, where the U.S. arm of the Israeli company has a first-look deal, and ABC Signature.
The drama follows Alex Irving, a passionate Indigenous woman, on her unconventional journey into politics. As Alex reckons with her own troubled past, she juggles obligations to her family, to her culture, and to a political system that’s never seen anybody quite like her.
2021 ABC Pilots & Series Orders
Jehu Garroutte (left...
The Disney-owned network is piloting Dark Horse, written by Stumptown story editor William Jehu Garroutte with The Path creator Jessica Goldberg set as showrunner.
The original show, which was commissioned by ABC Australia with the working title Black Bitch, was co-created by Rachel Griffiths, who starred in HBO’s Six Feet Under and ABC’s Brothers & Sisters.
Dark Horse comes from Keshet Studios, Universal Television, where the U.S. arm of the Israeli company has a first-look deal, and ABC Signature.
The drama follows Alex Irving, a passionate Indigenous woman, on her unconventional journey into politics. As Alex reckons with her own troubled past, she juggles obligations to her family, to her culture, and to a political system that’s never seen anybody quite like her.
2021 ABC Pilots & Series Orders
Jehu Garroutte (left...
- 3/9/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC has ordered a pilot for a political drama centered on an Indigenous woman.
The project, Dark Horse, is based on an Australian series titled Total Control. Stumptown veteran William Jehu Garroutte, a citizen of the Cherokee nation, is writing the script and will be an executive producer. Jessica Goldberg (Netflix’s Away, Hulu’s The Path) will serve as showrunner.
Dark Horse revolves around Alex Irving, a passionate Indigenous woman who takes an unconventional journey into politics. As Alex reckons with her own troubled past, she juggles obligations to her family, her culture, and a political system that’s never seen anybody quite like her....
The project, Dark Horse, is based on an Australian series titled Total Control. Stumptown veteran William Jehu Garroutte, a citizen of the Cherokee nation, is writing the script and will be an executive producer. Jessica Goldberg (Netflix’s Away, Hulu’s The Path) will serve as showrunner.
Dark Horse revolves around Alex Irving, a passionate Indigenous woman who takes an unconventional journey into politics. As Alex reckons with her own troubled past, she juggles obligations to her family, her culture, and a political system that’s never seen anybody quite like her....
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