Whodunits and Comedies Lead Breakout Australian Hits
The Australian television industry is currently experiencing a period of change and uncertainty, with production levels falling from historic highs, executive shuffles impacting the content pipeline, and overseas challenges beginning to affect the local market. Despite these challenges, Australian stories are still resonating with international audiences, and recent breakout hits have been centered around mystery or humor with a bite.
A recent survey conducted by Screen Australia revealed a mix of emotions within the industry, with words like “worried,” “frustrated,” and “disappointed” being mentioned alongside the word “hopeful.” While concerns about job security and declining production numbers have been raised, there is a general sense of optimism about the future of diverse storytelling on screen and collaboration within the industry.
In the 2023-2024 period, only 15 Australian free-to-air TV and broadcast video-on-demand dramas were produced for general audiences, marking a significant decline from previous decades. However, industry experts like Carly Heaton, head of scripted at Fremantle Australia, believe that the current period of uncertainty will lead to opportunities for bold and distinctive projects in the future.
Despite the challenges, Kate Marks, CEO of Ausfilm, highlights the strength of Australia as a producer of quality content and a reliable international production partner. She notes that Australian talent has been involved in key creative roles on international projects, showcasing the country’s capabilities across various genres and formats.
Louise Gough, director of narrative content at Screen Australia, is confident about the rebound of the industry and proud of the breakout successes of recent years. She points to shows like “The Narrow Road to the Deep North,” “Newsreader,” and “Bluey” as examples of Australian content that has performed well globally. Gough emphasizes the importance of creating content that is identifiably Australian but with global themes to resonate with international audiences.
One genre that continues to perform well is crime dramas, with shows like “Black Snow” and “High Country” finding success both locally and internationally. Rosemary Blight of Goalpost Pictures highlights the popularity of detective dramas and the appeal of taking audiences into unfamiliar worlds. The industry recognizes that crime dramas have a timeless appeal and continue to attract viewers both in Australia and abroad.
Overall, while the Australian TV sector is facing challenges and changes, there is a sense of optimism and resilience within the industry. Industry professionals are hopeful about the future of storytelling on screen and are working towards creating bold and distinctive content that will resonate with audiences both locally and internationally. Comedic crime series “Deadloch” takes a humorous approach to the familiar genre, poking fun at the cliches of police and forensic procedurals. Created by comedians Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan, known as “The Kates,” the show is currently in production for its second season. Kevin Whyte, producer at Guesswork, emphasizes the importance of having a clear creative vision in order to attract audiences.
According to Whyte, empowering creators to tell unique and surprising stories is key to the success of a show. This sentiment is echoed by Rob Gibson, CEO of Easy Tiger Productions, whose series “Colin From Accounts” has garnered international acclaim, challenging the notion that comedy doesn’t travel well. The success of Australian comedies like “Colin From Accounts” has opened up new opportunities for collaboration with overseas markets.
In addition to comedy, lighter and more escapist content is becoming increasingly popular with audiences. Production companies like Fremantle and Goalpost are focusing on developing shows with heart and humor, offering viewers a break from the real world. Shows like “Top End Bub” and “Black Snow” have found success by showcasing unique Australian settings and stories, resonating with both domestic and international audiences.
The support of local partners, such as streaming platforms like Amazon and Stan, is crucial in promoting Australian content on a global scale. By backing shows like “Top End Bub” and “Black Snow,” these platforms help to elevate Australian storytelling and bring it to a wider audience. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has also shown a renewed commitment to supporting local content, signaling a positive shift in the industry.
Overall, the Australian television industry is experiencing a resurgence, with a focus on original and diverse storytelling. The success of shows like “Deadloch” and “Colin From Accounts” is proof that Australian content can compete on a global stage. With a growing appetite for unique and engaging stories, Australian producers are poised to make a significant impact in the international market.
