The Foxtel Group has revealed details of a new eight-part original Australian mystery thriller drama series, HIGH COUNTRY.
Developed in partnership with Screen Australia, VicScreen and Curio Pictures, HIGH COUNTRY is set to star an impressive cast featuring Leah Purcell AM, Aaron Pedersen, Sara Wiseman and Ian McElhinney.
Set and filmed in a rarely captured region of Victoria, HIGH COUNTRY will follow Detective Andrea Whitford, played by Leah Purcell, who is transferred to the Victorian High Country and investigates the baffling mystery of five missing persons who have vanished into the wilderness. Through a high-stakes investigation, Andie uncovers a complex web involving murder, deceit and revenge.
Commissioned by Brian Walsh, the series will showcase the epic, ancient landscape of conflicting mythologies and stark contrasts, set to become a character itself.
Foxtel Group Chief Content and Commercial Officer, Amanda Laing, said the series is an original Australian story inspired by the cultures, identities and landscapes of the Victorian Alps, a setting rarely seen on screen.
“Foxtel Group remains committed to investing in high-quality Australian content and are thrilled to partner with Screen Australia, VicScreen and Curio Pictures on HIGH COUNTRY so viewers in Australia and around the world can enjoy this authentically Australian story – filled with twists and turns, mystery and an undeniable sense of place.”
Lead Actor and Executive Producer, Leah Purcell, said she is thrilled to go to work in the Victorian Alps delving into scripts with adventurous and thrilling storylines.
“The opportunity to act and work alongside the talented creative team and my amazing co-stars is incredible.
I look forward to bringing this first-class new series to local and international audiences where Country and Australian-ness are central to the story.”
The production will create jobs for 250 Victorians and inject close to $15 million into the economy. Victoria’s Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos said it is another coup for Victoria’s booming screen industry.
“We are thrilled to welcome this production to Victoria and can’t wait for the series to hit our screens.”
Screen Australia CEO Graeme Mason added that the series is sure to be a landmark television series. He added that they are proud to support this exceptionally strong creative team to bring to life a fast-paced thriller with complex, real characters and a well-crafted script that will keep viewers hooked.
