From scripted drama to documentaries, film to reality shows, and everything in-between, DEADSET is all about Australian-made television and film content for a worldwide audience.
Script & Drama Executive, Dan Bennett (Molly, Winners & Losers, Home and Away, Tripping Over, The Informant, Emerald Falls, Neighbours), five time Walkley Award winning journalist and Australian Media Hall of Fame recipient, Steve Pennells (Sunday Night, Spotlight, The West Australian, Seven News, Foxtel), and former Network 10 TV presenter & producer Craig McMahon (CEO, McMahon Entertainment Group), have today announced the launch of new production company DEADSET Pictures.
The expertise among the three founders covers all aspects of the television and film processes, with nearly 100 years of combined experience in scripting, producing, casting, acting, presenting, and journalism. This situates DEADSET uniquely as a production house in the Australian market.
For long-time TV Blackbox Podcast listeners, you’ll also remember Dan Bennett as having previously been a panellist, providing invaluable insight particularly into scripted dramas.
Dedicated to a strong focus on international co-productions, diversity and inclusivity, and on keenly looking for new voices and new talents both in front of and behind the camera – the next generation of Australian storytellers – the DEADSET team is excited to reveal a captivating development slate that will have audiences all around the world desperate to engage in Aussie content.
Speaking from their offices in Albert Park, Melbourne, company founder and Head of Scripted Content, Dan Bennett, explains why now is the right time to leap into the private production sector.
“I’ve been truly blessed to have had a long and successful run in network TV but as the television and film landscapes continue to evolve, it feels the perfect time to take all I’ve learned and team with like-minded creatives to produce tailor-made content that will sit comfortably on platforms worldwide. The extraordinary pool of Australian writers, crews and performers also allows us the opportunity to challenge traditional production methodologies, providing the ability to produce more content for less dollars. We can’t wait to reveal what we have up our sleeves.”
Head of Documentary and News, Steve Pennells, added:
“DEADSET marks a bold leap into the heart of Aussie storytelling. It will showcase Australian tales that will resonate globally. We’ve got an exciting slate of dramas, documentaries and reality showsthat we can’t wait to unveil over the coming months. After three decades at the forefront of international journalism and long-form storytelling, I’ve never been more excited than I am by what we’ve got planned in this space. Deadset on making a mark, we are here to reshape the landscape of Australian content for the international audience.”
For Craig McMahon, Head of Business Affairs, the team dynamic is one of the things exciting him most.
“Our industry is now, more than ever, changing at a rapid pace. Between the three of us, we’ve made thousands and thousands of hours of top-rating and award-winning television. With our shared passion and vision, DEADSET Pictures promises to bring the world entertaining and thought-provoking content in all genres.”
Programming announcements and additional staff appointments to follow.
