Netflix is making good on its plans to produce original Australian content with the announcement that the first original show, Tidelands, begins production today.
As Mediaweek reports, the eight-episode series, produced by Brisbane-based company Hoodlum, boasts a talented cast including Home & Away’s Charlotte Best, Fast & The Furious’ Elsa Pataky, Underbelly’s Peter O’Brien and more.
"The Netflix audience demands an international cast, and Tidelands has truly embraced what it means to bring together a stellar, diverse ensemble," Hoodlum chief creative officer and co-founder Nathen Mayfield said.
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"We’re thrilled to be working with Netflix on this first original Australian drama series and can’t wait to share the rich and unique Tidelands universe with audiences around the world,"
The show, which is to be directed by Marvel series alum Toa Fraser, will follow a woman who returns to her small fishing town of Orphelin Bay after 10 years in juvenile detention.
Netflix has been under fire since its national launch in 2015 for not producing any original local content.
The streaming service isn't held to the same stipulations as traditional TV broadcasters, as the Australian Broadcasting Services Act requires all commercial free-to-air channels to broadcast a minimum of 55 percent Australian programming annually.
The news follows on from the announcement that Netflix would be picking up YouTube comedy Rostered On for its second season and an untitled Chris Liley project that recently broke ground on the Gold Coast.
Tidelands will premiere globally.
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