US streaming service Sundance Now has acquired U.S. rights to the universally adored Australian eight-part drama series Upright.
Upright is co-written, composed by and stars internationally renowned Australian actor, comedian, and musician Tim Minchin. The series premiered in Australia on Foxtel and was produced by Lingo Pictures
Upright follows a shabby musician (Minchin) who has to drive across Australia with nothing but a piano, and finds his baggage soon increases when a runaway girl comes into his life.
Following its hugely successful and critically acclaimed premieres in Australia and the U.K., Upright will make its U.S. Premiere in a special screening and Q&A with Minchin with the ATX Television Festival in mid-July and begin its exclusive U.S. premiere on Sundance Now on Thursday, August 6, 2020 with the first two episodes.
Star, composer, executive producer and co-writer Tim Minchin, said,
“I’m so excited that our show has made it to the US, and thrilled that it has landed at Sundance Now. The reactions to Upright in the UK and Australia have been like nothing I’ve ever experienced, and I can’t wait for Americans to see it. It’s quintessentially Aussie and, at the same time, utterly universal. And I’m pretty sure it’ll make you really laugh and properly cry, which – for me – is always the goal.”
Shannon Cooper, VP of Programming, Sundance Now, said,
“With its brilliant mix of humor and heart, plus a spectacular setting and mesmerizing performances by Tim Minchin and Milly Alcock, Upright has all the elements to become a favorite of Sundance Now subscribers. We’re thrilled to work with Tim Minchin and eOne to bring this beloved Australian series to U.S. audiences.”
UPRIGHT is a Lingo Pictures production for Foxtel and Sky UK, with major production investment from Foxtel, Sky UK, and Screen Australia in association with the South Australian Film Corporation plus financed with support from Create NSW and Screenwest. The deal was brokered by Rosanna Canonigo, Director, US, International Distribution, eOne, which handles international television rights.
Besides Minchin, the stellar creative team behind UPRIGHT includes Chris Taylor (satirical comedy group The Chaser) and award-winning writer-actors Kate Mulvany (Fighting Season) and Leon Ford (Offspring, No Activity). The director is Matthew Saville (Please Like Me). Minchin has also written the music for the series and is Executive Producer with Penny Win and Helen Bowden. UPRIGHT is produced by Jason Stephens from Lingo Pictures with Melissa Kelly (Hounds of Love) and Chris Taylor also as producers.
