Picnic At Hanging Rock reboot goes international as the popular drama gets picked up by the US
FOXTEL’S Picnic At Hanging Rock reboot is shaping up to be a hit before it is even released.
Confidential
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FOXTEL’S Picnic At Hanging Rock reboot is shaping up to be a hit before it is even released.
The TV drama has been picked up for distribution in the United States by Amazon Prime Video following a deal with Fremantle Media International.
“The sale of Picnic At Hanging Rock marks the largest US commercial deal ever for an Australian television series,” Foxtel director of television Brian Walsh said.
“Negotiations between Foxtel, the distributor, Fremantle, and four major American based networks/streaming services, have been in train for many weeks. The partnership with Amazon marks the most lucrative program sale ever struck for a locally produced television series and Foxtel is delighted with the outcome.”
More than 40 years after Peter Weir’s chilling original, based on Joan Lindsay’s 1967 novel, Foxtel wrapped production on the six-part miniseries at the end of May with the small-screen reboot to air later this year.
Madeleine Madden, Ruby Rees and Lily Sullivan play students from Appleyard College with Natalie Dormer and Lola Bessis also in the cast.
While the original film was shot in South Australia, Foxtel’s version was filmed entirely in Victoria.
“The placement ensures that US audiences will see the outstanding craftsmanship of the Australian film and television industry on display, including the performances of an illustrious group of acting newcomers, who will now have their careers launched on the world stage,” Walsh said.
“This is a landmark moment for our industry and for Australian storytelling. We are absolutely thrilled for everyone involved.”
Picnic is Foxtel’s third major Aussie drama sold to the United States following the success of Wentworth, The Kettering Incident and A Place To Call Home. A further deal for political thriller Secret City is also in the works with news expected soon.
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