Amanda Higgs has joined Matchbox Pictures as creative producer as she prepares to start production on the ABC TV drama Barracuda.
Higgs, who was script editor on Matchbox Pictures/ABC's The Slap, most recently produced two series of The Time of Our Lives for the public broadcaster.
Before that she served as acting head of drama and commissioning editor at the ABC, where she also executive produced dramas and comedies. She was also consultant EP for Fox8 on SLiDE.
At Southern Star she co-created and produced Network 10’s The Secret Life of Us, the most watched Oz drama in the 16-39 year old demographic.
Based on the book of the same name by Christos Tsiolkas, Barracuda follows young Olympic hopeful Danny Kelly as he deals with the pressure of obsession. Rob Connolly is directing with scripts by Belinda Chayko and Blake Ayshford.
Matchbox MD Chris Oliver-Taylor said: “Amanda’s track record is formidable, and combining her talents with those of Tony Ayres, Penny Chapman, Debbie Lee and our entire scripted team will allow us to create and showcase even more amazing stories for Australian and International audiences to enjoy.”
Higgs said: “I am delighted to be joining Matchbox at such an exciting time. The talent at the company is first rate, as is the calibre and diversity of their scripted content.”
Michael Edelstein, president of Matchbox parent NBCUniversal International Studios, said: “Amanda is a passionate storyteller and talented producer. With the addition of Amanda we are continuing to attract and support the best creative minds working in Australian television.”