Foxtel’s upcoming event drama series Picnic at Hanging Rock is the latest Australian series to be added to the Amazon Prime Video U.S. line-up following a deal with FremantleMedia International. The epic new series, starring Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Parts 1 and 2, In Darkness) as English headmistress Mrs. Hester Appleyard, is a re-imagining of Joan Lindsay’s timeless Australian novel. The Appleyard College student roles are filled with an exciting contingent of rising stars, including Lily Sullivan as Miranda Reid, Madeleine Madden as Marion Quade, Samara Weaving as Irma Leopold, Ruby Rees as Edith Horton and introducing Inez Curro as Sara Waybourne.
Picnic at Hanging Rock will have its world premiere on Foxtel in Australia in 2018. It is a FremantleMedia Australia production made with key production investment from Screen Australia. The series was shot in Victoria, with the significant assistance of the Victorian Government through Film Victoria.
Brian Walsh, Foxtel’s Executive Director of Television, suggests the sale of Picnic At Hanging Rock marks the largest U.S. commercial deal ever for an Australian television series.
“The placement ensures that U.S. 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,” Mr. Walsh commented “This is a landmark moment for our industry and for Australian storytelling. We are absolutely thrilled for everyone involved.”
Commenting on the deal, Caroline Kusser, SVP, Sales & Distribution for FremantleMedia International in North America said, “The stylish re-imagining of the provocative Picnic at Hanging Rock story will no doubt capture contemporary audiences across the U.S. With fantastic scripts, outstanding cast and bold editorial direction from Larysa Kondracki, Picnic at Hanging Rock is set to be a must-see series in 2018. We are thrilled to be working with Amazon Prime Video to bring this powerful drama to U.S. screens.”