Australian classic “Picnic at Hanging Rock” to be remade as TV series

PanARMENIAN.Net - Classic Australian period drama film “Picnic at Hanging Rock” is to be remade as a six-part TV miniseries, Variety reports.

The show is being produced by Fremantle Australia with pay-TV group Foxtel the commissioning broadcaster. Federal film and TV support body Screen Australia has also committed to part-finance the production.

Directed by Peter Weir, and featuring a young Jacki Weaver, the film told the story of the mysterious disappearances of three schoolgirls and their governess on Valentine’s Day 1900 and the far-reaching aftermath.

“The 1975 film which was pivotal in establishing the modern Australian film industry. This series, based on the classic novel, will take viewers on a new and in depth journey into this incredibly iconic Australian story,” said Foxtel head of drama, Penny Win.

The show’s executive producers are FremantleMedia Australia’s Jo Porter and Anthony Ellis and Foxtel’s Win. The producer is Antonia Barnard and writers are Beatrix Christian and Alice Addison. FremantleMedia International is distributing the series worldwide. Casting is underway.

Picnic at Hanging Rock will premiere as six one hour episodes on Foxtel’s showcase channel in 2017.