One Night shines as Paramount+ joins TV streaming giants with Aussie show
Australia’s still burgeoning streaming industry is poised to make waves on the global stage.
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With our evolving cultural identity, distinct way of storytelling and carousel of different landscapes, Australia has long been a trove of potential for the entertainment world.
While satellite studios and lower production costs began to lure Hollywood down under over the past two decades, streaming here is still a trickle.
Last year, the Australian government introduced the Streaming Services Reporting and Investment Scheme, aiming to bolster local content production. This initiative has received a significant boost with the Australian government allocating an additional $3.3 million in funding to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for its role in implementing and administering the scheme.
The policy framework emphasises the importance of streaming services investing in key genres, including children’s content, scripted drama, and documentaries.
The Albanese government wants to ensure that large streaming services report annually on their expenditure and contribution to Australian content, and has committed to enforcing quotas no later than July 1, 2024, although the precise share of local Australian content that global streaming services will be required to produce and distribute is still subject to negotiation.
Paramount+, one such giant, is this month making significant strides in supporting such content with the release of its compelling series, One Night, a six-part mystery-drama that unfolds in a small coastal town on the NSW South Coast.
Sophia Mogford, executive producer, drama and comedy, Paramount ANZ, said: “One Night is a fantastic drama, and such a timely, yet timeless story set against the dramatic backdrop of the NSW coastline, and brought to life by a great cast of local actors.
“Local productions are a priority for us, and One Night joins The Last King of The Cross, as another Paramount+ Original to get excited about.”
The story revolves around three women – Simone (Nicole da Silva), Hat (Yael Stone), and Tess (Jodie Whittaker) – who share a traumatic event from their childhood, an event that continues to haunt them.
Created and written by the award-winning Emily Ballou (known for The Slap), the narrative begins when Simone pens an anonymous “fictional” novel that becomes an overnight sensation. This literary success triggers a cascade of revelations and buried memories, reopening old wounds and straining their once unbreakable bond.
Simone grapples with tormenting memories of that fateful night, Tess battles with dissociative amnesia, and Hat is consumed by guilt. This single event has indelibly shaped their lives, but what really transpired that night remains a mystery.
The success of Simone’s book disrupts the tranquillity of their small coastal community and unsettles those who wish to keep the past buried. The lines between reality and fiction blur as personal memories and stories intertwine, eventually leading to a legal dispute.
The narrative is skilfully woven through a series of flashbacks, with each episode peeling back the layers of truth, revealing the chilling events in this seemingly idyllic setting. Set against the backdrop of the NSW coastline and iconic Sydney locations, the mystery unfolds in sun-drenched scenes, highlighting the cinematic beauty of Australia’s own backyard.
The buzz around this exceptional series is a testament to the reality that Australians are increasingly turning to streaming platforms for their content consumption. In 2021, the local subscription video industry saw a staggering 50 per cent growth, reaching a total revenue of $A2.4 billion.
One Night was created with backing by Screen Australia, is produced by Sydney-based Easy Tiger’s Ian Collie, Rob Gibson and Ally Henville (Colin From Accounts, The Twelve) and written by Australian / American poet and writer Emily Ballou, who also serves as executive producer.
Grainne Brunsdon, Screen Australia’s head of content, said of the production, “Easy Tiger have an impressive track record of creating fresh Australian dramas that connect with audiences here and around the world, and we’re pleased to support them on this thrilling series. One Night is sure to engage audiences with its complex intertwining storyline, relatable characters and of course the stunning Wollongong coastline as its backdrop.”
As the Australian entertainment industry catches up, Paramount+’s One Night shines as a shining example of the quality content that can emerge from the region. With its captivating narrative, talented cast, and stunning locations, this drama series exemplifies the potential of Australian storytelling on the global stage.
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This content was produced for Paramount+. Stream all episodes of One Night now, only on Paramount+. Read our policy on commercial content here.
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