Australian SVOD service Stan is planning on making a significant mark in the competitive video on demand market with its own original production based on the Wolf Creek films.
Looking to separate itself from Foxtel’s Presto and Netflix’s upcoming launch Down Under, Stan has secured creative members behind the Wolf Creek film and the popular Underbelly crime TV series, including star John Jarratt who will reprise his role as psychopathic outback killer Mick Taylor.
“Wolf Creek and the character of Mick Taylor [Jarratt] have become household names, and the opportunity to tell a rich and complex story in his world in a high-quality drama series is a thrilling creative opportunity,” writer Greg McLean said.
Writer and director McLean (Wolf Creek, Rogue) will head the six part spin-off project alongside Underbelly writers and producers Greg Haddrick, Peter Gawler and Felicity Packard.
“Original productions have always been part of Stan’s programming plans,” Stan director of content and product Nick Forward said. “Before we move to the commissioning stage, we are thrilled to be working with such talented local writers and producers to kick off the development slate.”
Filming of the pilot will begin later this year should Stan, a $100 million joint venture between the Nine Network and Fairfax Media, give the series the thumbs up.
Stan is reportedly also considering another original content series based on former Australian High Court Justice Lionel Murphy, titled Enemies of the State.
