BINGE commissions Australian scripted series based on infamous bank robber Brenden Abbott
In the 1980s Abbott became a household name, committing a string of bank robberies and evading police, eventually being arrested, convicted and successfully escaping custody - twice. With the exception of inmates convicted of murder, Abbott is currently the longest serving prisoner in Australia.
A propulsive, high-octane, 1980/90s crime drama, the 6 x 1-hour scripted series (as yet untitled) is inspired by the true story of 'The Postcard Bandit' and follows Abbott as a master criminal on the run, eluding police and escaping maximum security prison. Traversing Australia's colourful and unruly past, the series lifts the balaclava on the nation's most successful and ingenious bank robber.
George Mason (The Power of the Dog, The Survivors) leads the cast as Brenden Abbott, with Robyn Malcolm (After The Party, The Survivors), Ashleigh Cummings (Citadel, Long Bright River, Hounds of Love), and Keiynan Lonsdale (Swift Street, The Flash) starring alongside him. Each portrays a pivotal figure in Abbott's turbulent life and the law enforcement network determined to bring him down.
The ensemble cast includes David Howell (Narrow Road to the Deep North, Strife), Mia Artemis (Sweet Tooth, The Secrets She Keeps), Christian Byers (Bump, The Narrow Road to the Deep North), Roxie Mohebbi (He Had It Coming, Critical Incident), Oscar Redding (Top of the Lake, The Twelve), Anthony Hayes (Mystery Road, Gold, The Twelve), and Jayden Popik (Mystery Road, A Perfect Pairing). With cameras now rolling in Western Australia, the series promises a gripping, character-driven take on one of the country's most legendary criminal sagas.
Commissioned by Foxtel Group, produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP) Australia, the series is made with major production investment from Screenwest and the Western Australian Production Attraction Incentive. The series will be produced in association with, and distributed by, ITV Studios.
According to Screenwest, the series is expected to attract a spend of more than $7 million into the WA economy, and the production will employ at least 80 Western Australian crew and 80 WA cast with speaking roles, as well as 400 extras.
Ben Young (Hounds of Love, The Twelve) and Bonnie Moir (Exposure, Love Me) are directing, with Young also serving as executive producer. Hamish Lewis (How to Make Gravy, The Twelve) is producing, alongside series producer Matt Noonan (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Beyond Goodbye), with Michael Brooks (The Twelve, How to Make Gravy) as Executive Producer alongside Lana Greenhalgh and Penny Win as Commissioners and Executive Producers. The writing team is led by writer and script producer Sarah Walker (The Secrets She Keeps, The Twelve), alongside Matt Cameron (The Clearing, Jack Irish) and writers Scout Cripps and Anthony Hayes.
Lana Greenhalgh, Executive Producer and Director of Scripted Originals, Foxtel Group, said: 'The misadventures of the elusive Brenden Abbott is as Australian as it gets and we're proud to be partnering with the team at WBITVP Australia to bring this legendary Aussie story to screen. We're thrilled to have cameras now rolling in WA where the story started nearly 40 years ago.'
Rikki Lea Bestall, Chief Executive Officer, Screenwest, said: "We are pleased to welcome BINGE and WBITVP Australia back to Western Australia for their upcoming scripted series. The production shows the growing momentum in our screen industry and reinforces our growing reputation as a destination for high-quality screen production. We look forward to seeing the talented cast and crew bring this story to life here in Western Australia."
Hamish Lewis, Head of Scripted at WBITVP Australia said: 'We're pumped to be back in Western Australia working with Foxtel and Screenwest again. This is a truly incredible story, too good not to be told. It's the story of extreme resilience, determination and family – with a wild backdrop of '80s and '90s Australia. We can't wait for the world to see this!'
Ben Young, Director and Executive Producer said: 'This story's got everything I love in TV – action, love, violence and complex emotional relationships. If it didn't happen, you wouldn't believe it. After a great experience working with BINGE and WBITVP Australia on The Twelve, I was stoked they felt the same way about this wild ride as I did.'
Production credit: Based on "Australian Outlaw - The True Story of Postcard Bandit Brenden Abbott" by Derek Pedley the 6 x 1-hour drama series is produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia for the Foxtel Group, with major production investment from Screenwest and the Western Australian Production Attraction Incentive. The series will be produced in association with, and distributed by, ITV Studios. Producer is Hamish Lewis alongside Series Producer Matt Noonan and Executive Producers Michael Brooks, Ben Young, Lana Greenhalgh and Penny Win. Directors Ben Young and Bonnie Moir. Written by Sarah L. Walker alongside Matt Cameron, Scout Cripps and Anthony Hayes.
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