Foxtel commissions new drama High Country
One of Brian Walsh’s latest projects commissioned for the Foxtel group has been announced: highlandsa mystery thriller filmed in the Victorian Alps.
The 8 part series created by the team behind it WentworthStars Leah Purcell (The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson, Wentworth), Aaron Pedersen (Mystery Road, Jack Irish), Sara Wiseman (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, A place to call home) and Ian McElhinney (Game of Thrones, Derry Girls).
When Detective Andrea (Andie) Whitford (Leah Purcell) is transferred to the Victorian highlands, she is thrust into a perplexing mystery of five missing people who have disappeared into the wilderness. Through a shrewd, high-stakes investigation, Andie uncovers a complex web of murder, betrayal and revenge.
Amanda Laing, Foxtel Group’s Chief Content and Commercial Officer, said: “highlands is an original Australian story inspired by the cultures, identities and landscapes of the Victorian Alps – a setting seldom seen on screen.”
“Foxtel Group remains committed to investing in quality Australian content and is delighted to partner with Screen Australia, VicScreen and Curio Pictures on High Country to bring viewers in Australia and around the world the pleasure of this authentically Australian story – full of twists and mystery and an undeniable sense of place.”
Graeme Mason, CEO of Screen Australia said: “We are proud to support this exceptionally strong creative team in bringing to life a fast-paced thriller with complex, real characters and a well-crafted script that will captivate viewers. Set against the vast, majestic landscape of the Victorian Alps and steeped in First Nations cultural histories, highlands sure to be a groundbreaking television series.”
Victoria’s Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos said: “highlands is another coup for Victoria’s booming canvas industry. The production will create jobs for 250 Victorians and bring nearly $15 million to our economy, all while telling a story set against the beauty of our alpine region. We are delighted to welcome this production to Victoria and can’t wait for the series to hit our screens.”
Leah Purcell said, “The opportunity to work and act alongside the talented creative team and my amazing co-stars is incredible. I can’t wait to go to work in the Victorian Alps and immerse myself in screenplays with adventurous and suspenseful storylines. I look forward to bringing this premier new series to local and international audiences where country and Aussie are at the heart of the story.”
Curio Pictures executive director Jo Porter said: “highlands got under our skin from the moment creators Marcia Gardner and John Ridley first described their ambition to create a one-of-a-kind series that redefines and plays with the mystery thriller genre. They have delivered an engaging blend of gripping storytelling set in a beguiling landscape, along with a compelling journey for the central character, created with and for the indomitable Leah Purcell.
“Creative Director Rachel Gardner and I are delighted to be working again with Penny Win and the Foxtel Group, producers Pino Amenta and Sue Edwards and the entire talented cast and crew. We can’t wait to get started.”
highlands will begin production in Victoria this month and will air on Foxtel and Binge.
Production Credit: High Country is a Curio Pictures Production for Foxtel Group and commissioned by Brian Walsh. Major production investment by Screen Australia and Foxtel Group in association with VicScreen. Created by Marcia Gardner and John Ridley, the eight-episode series is produced by Curio Pictures, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Pictures Television (SPT), the series’ worldwide distributor, in association with Rage Media. Curio Pictures’ Jo Porter and Rachel Gardner are executive producers with Pino Amenta and Sue Edwards as producers along with executive producers Marcia Gardner and John Ridley, who are also the series’ lead writers. Foxtel Group Executive Producer is Penny Win.
