Stan, the Australian subscription video-on-demand service, today announced the first two production development deals under its original programming plans.
The first of several deals to be announced in the coming months, these two high-profile projects are currently in development with the Stan programming team who are committed to producing high-quality content.
The Wolf Creek drama series comes from the creative forces behind the phenomenally successful Wolf Creek films and the smash-hit Underbelly television series. This series is being developed by writer/director Greg Mclean (Wolf Creek, Rogue), writer/producer Peter Gawler (Underbelly), writer Felicity Packard (Underbelly) and executive producer Greg Haddrick (Underbelly, Anzac Girls).
Also in development, from the producers of the award-winning Rake, is the political drama Enemies of the State, based on the life of Lionel Murphy, one of Australia’s most controversial political figures. The series will be developed by writer/producer Peter Duncan (Rake), writers Tony Jones (Q&A Host) and Robert Connolly (Paper Planes, Gallipoli) and producer Ian Collie (Rake, Jack Irish, Saving Mr Banks).
Screentime and Mclean's Emu Creek Pictures are collaborating on the Wolf Creek series. Screentime MD Bob Campbell tells IF he hopes the first draft screenplay will be completed by Easter and, assuming the project gets the greenlight, the aim is to go into production before the end of the year.
Given the global recognition of the Wolf Creek brand, he thinks the material is ripe for international pre-sales or the participation of an international co-production partner and he believes the TV series has franchise potential.
“Original productions have always been part of Stan’s programming plans. Before we move to the commissioning stage, we are thrilled to be working with such talented local writers and producers to kick off the development slate,” Nick Forward, Stan’s Director of Content and Product, said.
“The opportunity to create world-class shows outside the constraints of the traditional TV schedule is a fantastic brief for any producer, and we look forward to working with the best local and international creatives to bring fresh and exciting stories to the screen.”
Wolf Creek is planned as a six-part series. Wolf Creek reimagined for television will be a compelling, psychologically complex and visually spectacular suspense series driven by a young woman’s quest for justice. Star of the Wolf Creek films, John Jarratt, is attached to reprise his role of the iconic villain Mick Taylor.
Campbell added, “We are delighted to be working with the team at Stan and joining with Greg Mclean and Emu Creek Pictures to develop Wolf Creek as a drama series.
“Under Greg Haddrick’s leadership Screentime has produced some of the most creative and commercially successful drama series in recent years – including Underbelly, Janet King and Anzac Girls. Combine this with Greg Mclean’s unique skills in this genre and you have the potential for a compelling, edge-of-the-seat series.”
Mclean said: “Wolf Creek and the character of Mick Taylor have become household names, and the opportunity to tell a rich and complex story in his world in a high-quality drama series is a thrilling creative opportunity. Plus, I couldn’t be more excited about collaborating with the Screentime team who consistently create outstanding entertainment.”
From Essential Media and Entertainment and Little Mates, Enemies of the State is also planned as a six- part series. The story of controversial Australian High Court Judge and Attorney-General Lionel Murphy has all the elements of a Shakespearean drama: a charming and brilliant hero, political plotting and intrigue, police spies, assassination attempts, dedicated enemies and beloved friends in power, a beautiful young wife, scandal, public denouncement and redemption.
Peter Duncan, writer and producer, said: “Tony Jones, Robert Connolly and I are bringing to life one of the great untold stories of Australian political drama. Lionel Murphy changed the nation in his time. And in pursuit of that change he brought against himself forces of enormous power who were determined to destroy him, but one of Lionel Murphy’s greatest enemies was himself. It’s very exciting to be working with Stan who are game-changers in entertainment and the way Australians view television.”