Margot Robbie will be one of the EPs on the currently untitled project. (Photo: Gage Skidmore, via Flickr).
A 10-part series that will retell works of Shakespeare from female perspectives is the first project to be announced from a new partnership between the ABC, ABC Studios International, Margot Robbie’s production company LuckyChap Entertainment (I, Tonya) and Hoodlum.
Robbie and Brett Hedblom from LuckyChap, Tracey Robertson and Nathan Mayfield from Hoodlum, ABC Studios International’s Keli Lee, and Sally Riley from the ABC are the EPs on the project, with Aran Michael from Aran Michael Management an associate producer.
Currently untitled, the project will be led by a female creative team who will create 10 standalone episodes based on different Shakespeare works, updated to a modern context. Series concept creator Giula Sandler will work across the series and pen one episode.
LuckyChap Entertainment said: “We are thrilled about this Australian partnership as an opportunity to showcase unique, distinctly female voices in writing, and to demonstrate the high quality of the Australian film and television industry. The project will share diverse points of view, from writers representing the different cultures and areas within Australia, which many would not readily associate with works of Shakespeare.”
David Anderson direct of entertainment and specialist for the ABC said: “The ABC is thrilled to be able to develop this locally produced drama in partnership with LuckyChap Entertainment, Hoodlum and ABC Studios International.
“The ABC is dedicated to delivering high quality, relevant storytelling free to all Australians. We are excited that this female-led team celebrates strong female creative talent, transforming traditional classic tales from a very different era into modern and culturally diverse stories.”
Robertson said: “This project will bring together leading and emerging female voices in Australian screen to re-imagine Shakespeare in a modern context.
“We’re delighted to partner with ABC, ABC Studios International and LuckyChap on such an ambitious and exciting project. This is an incredibly original and bold approach for a television series and I can’t wait to see the stories that will emerge.”
ABC Studios International, the ABC and Hoodlum have previously worked together on Ioan Gruffudd-starrer Harrow, which is currently airing on the ABC.
This project will be produced in Australia, with filming anticipated to commence later this year.
Disney Media Distribution will handle international distribution.