New Australian drama coming to Channel 7 and ABC with commissioning of ANYONE’S DAUGHTER and THE MESSENGER

Screen Australia has today revealed details of two brand new upcoming Australian drama productions.

The two new projects include a brand new mini-series from the Seven Network title Anyone’s Daughter and an adaptation of Markus Zusak’s best-selling novel The Messenger for the ABC.

The two new television series were included as part of a broader $6.5 million film/online announcement by Screen Australia.

Anyone’s Daughter is described as a four-hour miniseries about a police investigation into the disappearance of young women.

The story has been written by Michaeley O’Brien (Mystery Road) and Justin Monjo (The Code), and will be directed by Peter Andrikidis (Eden). The producers are Kerrie Mainwaring (Informer 3838), Peter Andrikidis (Catching Milat) and Jamie Hilton (Long Story Short).

Channel 7 is expected to confirm further details about the series at its upcoming Upfronts event on October 12.

The Messenger is an eight-part adaptation of Markus Zusak’s best-selling novel of the same name for the ABC, from Lingo Pictures.

The drama follows Ed Kennedy, whose life is one of peaceful routine until playing cards inscribed with cryptic tasks start to arrive in the mail. Ed makes his way through town helping and hurting (when necessary) until only one question remains – who is behind Ed’s mission?

The Messenger is written for the screen by Sarah Lambert (The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart), Kirsty Fisher (Creamerie), Kim Wilson (Total Control) and Magda Wozniak (Mustangs FC). It is produced by Jason Stephens (Lambs of God), and executive produced by Helen Bowden (The Secrets She Keeps), Markus Zusak, Dominika Zusak and Sarah Lambert.

The ABC is yet to confirm a date for its 2022 Upfront announcements.

Screen Australia’s Head of Content Sally Caplan said,

“We are proud to announce this impressive slate from some of Australia’s most celebrated talent”

“Shot all over the country and showcasing a range of genres including relationship drama, mystery, crime, science fiction and comedy, these projects are set to bring engaging and uniquely Australian stories to both big and small screens.”

“This year is proving to once again be incredibly challenging but it’s heartening to see there is no shortage of fantastic ideas that we are thrilled to support and help bring to life. We are impressed by the sustained resolve of the Australian industry through the pandemic, and it’s encouraging to see work continuing on screen projects across the country.”