In a newly sealed negotiation with Oscar winning actress Cate Blanchett, Amazon Prime Video has secured rights over Blanchett’s bush fire feature documentary ‘Burning’.
The documentary will be executive produced by Blanchett and Eva Orner, who is also directing. It offers a comprehensive account of the 2019-20 Australian bushfires from the perspective of victims, activists and scientists.
The acquisition forms part of the global streaming platform’s move of expanding local content in Australia.
‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ executive produced by Nicole Kidman has also been acquired by the international streamer. Based on Liane Moriarty’s novel of the same title, the eight-part series is set at a boutique health-and-wellness resort that promises healing and transformation to nine stressed city dwellers. Starring alongside Kidman is Melissa McCarthy, Luke Evans, Asher Keddie, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Shannon, Regina Hall, Manny Jacinto, Grace Van Patten and Samara Weaving.
The platform has also commissioned six other original shows including the eight-part comedy series ‘Class of 07’ written by Kacie Anning, ‘Deadloch’ written by Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan, ‘The Moth Effect’, ‘Warriors On The Field’, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart’ and ‘Head Above Water’.
The developing and acquired shows estimate that Amazon Prime Video has invested a total A$150 million ($120 million) in 14 local productions in Australia since 2019. Announced projects include: The Test: ‘A New Era for Australia’s Team,’ ‘Making Their Mark,’ a series of 10 stand-up comedy specials by some of Australia’s best comedians, ‘LOL: Last One Laughing AU,’ with Rebel Wilson and the second season of ‘The Wilds’.
“We know that viewers in Australia want to see new, fresh, unique and authentic stories that they can connect with, and we’re committed to producing diverse Australian programming for Prime members globally,” said Tyler Bern, head of content, Prime Video Australia.
Image Credit: variety.com
