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Foxtel also said it will launch a new kids app in December, and has commissioned the production of drama series Picnic at Hanging Rock.
The 6x60mins drama is now in pre-production at FremantleMedia Australia following investment from Screen Australia.
Directed by Peter Weir, and featuring a young Jacki Weaver, the film told the story of the mysterious disappearances of three schoolgirls and their governess on Valentine’s Day 1900 and the far-reaching aftermath. Like many others, I am a fan of the 1975 Australian film which was pivotal in establishing the modern Australian film industry.
“Bea Christian and Alice Addison’s incredible scripts are both brilliant renderings of this mystery and provocative explorations of the underlying themes of gender, control, identity and burgeoning sexuality”. The opportunity to again see this mythic tale on screens for a whole new generation was irresistible, especially in the capable hands of Australian producer Antonia Barnard and FremantleMedia executive producers Jo Porter and Anthony Ellis. FremantleMedia International is distributing the series worldwide.
Foxtel’s take on Picnic At Hanging Rock will encompass 6 hour-long episodes that will debut on Foxtel’s showcase channel in 2017.
Meanwhile, Foxtel has extended its agreement with United States premium cable network HBO.
This means “rest periods” now in existence are removed. Not that we condone illegal torrenting (we swear, please don’t arrest us!), but even Australia’s Productivity Commission thinks TV shows are too expensive in our fair nation and acknowledges that piracy is the natural response.
“Together, we’ve recognised the changing ways subscribers are enjoying and re-enjoying their favourite series, and our newly strengthened relationship enables us to deliver our customers all of the fantastic HBO stories they love, whenever and wherever they want”.
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Foxtel – which is 50/50 owned by Telstra and News Corp and boasts about three million customers- also said on Tuesday that it has struck a new content deal with USA cable television firm HBO.
