Stay updated with the latest happenings in the entertainment industry, including exciting remakes, restructures, and emerging films.
Australian Remake of BBC Dark Comedy ‘Guilt’
Guilt, the acclaimed dark comedy from the BBC in Scotland featuring Mark Bonnar and Jamie Sives, is being remade in Australia. Production has commenced on the Australian adaptation, which is being developed in collaboration with NITV, SBS, Screen Australia, and Screenwest. The writer and executive producer is Kodie Bedford (Return to Paradise, Mystery Road). The show, titled Reckless in Australia, is being produced by BBC Studios Productions Australia. Tasma Walton (The Twelve, Mystery Road) and AACTA Award winner Hunter Page-Lochard (The Newsreader, Critical Incident) will portray the original feuding siblings. They are compelled to collaborate when an accidental hit-and-run incident spirals out of control in their hometown, Fremantle. The cast also includes Jessica De Gouw (The Couple Next Door), Clarence Ryan (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga), Jane Harber (Offspring), Tracy Mann (The Twelve), Duncan Fellows (Deadloch), Perry Mooney (Population 11), Kelton Pell (Mystery Road: Origin), Matthew Dyktynski (Japanese Story), Paul Tassone (The Twelve), Peter Rowsthorn (Kath and Kim), Steve Le Marquand (The Twelve), and newcomer Maddie Young. Directed by Beck Cole (Deadloch) and produced by Andy Walker (Deadloch), the executive producers include BBC Studios’ Kylie Washington, Megan Palinkas (Heartbreak High), and Cole, with Fiona McConaghy (Bay of Fires) as co-producer.
Nine Entertainment Restructures Streaming and Broadcast Division
Amanda Laing has made significant changes at Nine Entertainment, announcing a restructure of the Streaming and Broadcast division just six months after her arrival at the Australian media powerhouse. The new structure will oversee commercial network Channel 9, on-demand service 9Now, and subscription streamer Stan. Michael Healy has been appointed as Executive Director of Entertainment, and former Stan chief Cailah Scobie takes on the role of Executive Director, Entertainment Content Acquisitions. This extensive restructure will also affect news and sports divisions, with recruitment for a new Chief Strategy Officer for Streaming and Broadcast set to begin soon, alongside a new marketing leader. Changes are also happening at the state level, with Kylie Blucher, Clive Bingwa, and Sean O’Brien receiving new roles, while Hamish Turner, Dan Taylor, and Tom Malone will manage P&L responsibilities for channels, 9Now, Stan, and radio, respectively. Laing stated, “There is immense opportunity to drive growth for the Nine Group with strong momentum already underway. While Nine’s streaming and broadcast brands have enjoyed independent success, our strength lies in the power of the Nine Group, and today’s changes are the first step in unlocking that potential.” These changes will take effect on July 1, with all roles reporting directly to Laing.
‘The Lemurian Candidate’ Expands Cast
EXCLUSIVE: The psychedelic indie comedy The Lemurian Candidate has added actress Sofia Masson from Waltzing with Brando and Emily Hall to its cast, with filming completed ahead of a planned fall release. This low-budget indie film, written and directed by Casey Cooper Johnson, follows three former college friends who come together for a backpacking trip that spirals into chaos and a quest for alien contact after one of them introduces hallucinogens. The production houses involved are Crossing Bridges Films and Visual Narrative Films. Masson is recognized for her roles in films like the upcoming Waltzing with Brando, while Hall has appeared in Wrong Numbers. Starring Dakota Shapiro, Ben Groh, and Oliver Cooper, The Lemurian Candidate was among the indie films granted SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement approval to continue filming during the Hollywood strikes in 2023.
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British Short Film Awards Acquired by CenterFrame
The British Short Film Awards have been sold to the filmmaker platform and community CenterFrame for an undisclosed sum. CenterFrame plans to host an annual gala event in central London to highlight emerging talent following the acquisition. “We’re not just acquiring an event; we’re taking on a legacy,” stated Bernhard Pucher, CEO of CenterFrame. “Short films are where bold new voices are born, and with the British Short Film Awards, we aim to elevate the significance of shorts and provide the UK’s best emerging filmmakers with a platform to showcase their talent and advance their careers.” The awards’ founder, Tommy Clarke, expressed excitement for the event’s evolution under new ownership, emphasizing the commitment to championing bold new voices and inspiring the next generation of storytellers. The next edition of the awards is scheduled for February 2026.
