Press release from TV1 and FremantleMedia Australia
Promising to be one of the most talked about dramas of 2010, TV1 and FremantleMedia Australia (FMA) are pleased to announce the commissioning of Killing Time; a 10 x 1 hour crime drama based on the incredible true story of disgraced lawyer Andrew Fraser.
FMA Director of Development and Killing Time Executive Producer, Jason Stephens, said: "I’ve been fortunate enough to assemble the A-team for Killing Time. Already the scripts are generating a genuine buzz within the industry. TV1 and I enjoy a unique, creative relationship which paves the way for Killing Time to be something very different to anything that has come before it."
Ian David (Blue Murder, 3 Acts of Murder) heads the writing team which includes Mac Gudgeon (Last Ride, Halifax, Stingers) and Katherine Thompson (Satisfaction, Answered by Fire).
"This is our biggest production commitment to date and we are delighted to reunite our association with the outstanding production team at FremantleMedia. Killing Time will be the feature production for TV1 and a must see for all STV subscribers in 2010" said TV1 CEO, Peter Hudson.
Killing Time follows the story of Andrew Fraser’s rise from small time lawyer to successfully defending the most infamous criminals this country has ever seen, and then his ultimate downfall and imprisonment for five years in maximum security. His clients included Dennis Allen, Jimmy Krakouer, Alan Bond and those accused of the Walsh Street murders.
From the creators of the critically acclaimed The King, Killing Time gives a fascinating insight into the workings of the Australian justice system in a time of brutal upheaval and the war between the criminal class and a corrupt police force.
At the top of his game, Fraser commanded a huge salary and lived the dream. But when his cocaine addiction spiralled into a thousand dollar-a-day habit, he lost everything and his life became intertwined with villains, larrikins and soldiers of justice. He was disbarred, discredited, broken financially and his marriage was destroyed.
Caged amongst serial killers and psychopaths, Fraser is forced to reflect on where it all went so wrong, and try to salvage his shattered reputation.
"When approached to write this story it was impossible to pass," said Ian David. "For years I’ve wanted to work on a series that lifts the lino on the so-called criminal justice system from the streets to the courts to the prison yard. This is it."
Production on Killing Time is due to begin filming in Melbourne in 2010 with production investment from Film Victoria.
Killing Time is a FremantleMedia Australia production for TV1.
FremantleMedia Enterprises holds the exclusive worldwide distribution, licensing and home entertainment rights for Killing Time.