A disgraced barrister, a dangerous dog and a fight for animal rights are at the centre of an unusual new Australian drama heading to ABC.
The broadcaster has today announced production is underway on The Great White, a six part legal dramedy starring Hugo Weaving and currently filming in Sydney.
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The ABC, Screen Australia and Screen NSW are thrilled to announce that production has commenced on The Great White. A six-part legal workplace drama with heart and humour, from Academy Award-winning See-Saw Films (Slow Horses, Apple Cider Vinegar), which is part of the Mediawan group, directed by recent BAFTA winning director Alyssa McClelland (Amandaland), and led by one of Australia’s most acclaimed and beloved actors, Hugo Weaving (7 Types of Ambiguity, Love Me).
Currently filming in Sydney, The Great White tells the story of a brilliant but disgraced barrister Alan Armstrong (Weaving) who is slapped with a twelve-month supervision order for professional misconduct, and finds himself working out of a struggling law office above a panel beater’s shop in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Crushed by debt and desperate to restore his reputation, Alan reluctantly takes on a dangerous dog case he considers far beneath him.
What begins as a fight to save a dog’s life draws Alan into the unexpected world of animal law and becomes a series of cases on behalf of animals, culminating in an audacious Supreme Court challenge to free a zoo elephant.
Weaving leads an impressive ensemble cast including Eamon Farren (Jimpa, The Witcher), Arlo Green (Nautilus, Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant), Sacha Horler (The Dressmaker, Peter Rabbit), Brigid Zengeni (The Artful Dodger, Missing You), Miranda Otto (Talk To Me,The Lord Of The Rings), James Majoos (Heartbreak High), Emily Barclay (Babyteeth, Inbetween ) and introducing Dinasha Perera.
The Great White brings together a stellar creative team, with Alyssa McClelland (Sex Education, My Brilliant Career)serving as set-up director, acclaimed actor and filmmaker Mia Wasikowska making her television directing debut, and Cannes-selected Samantha Lang (The Well, Carlotta also directing. The series was originated and developed by Samantha Lang and created by acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Ange Betzien – both Executive Producers. Writers are Ange Betzien, Nick Coyle and Andrew Anastasios.
ABC Head of Scripted, Rachel Okine said:
“The Great White instantly caught our attention as one of the most distinctive and surprising stories we’ve ever read and the team at See-Saw has assembled the perfect powerhouse of creatives, both in front of and behind the camera, to bring it to life. Audiences can expect to laugh, to cry and to reflect.”
Executive Producer Samantha Lang said:
“The Great White is a dramedy about perspectives, human and animal. Through Alan’s journey, the series explores justice, compassion and our relationship with the natural world, while remaining funny, surprising and deeply human.”
“It’s a thrill to be working on See-Saw Films’ first collaboration with the ABC – as well as with Screen Australia and Screen NSW – on a show that brilliantly blends sharp wit, emotional depth and compelling courtroom storytelling, delivered by an exceptional team of cast and creatives representing Australia’s finest screen talent.”
Screen Australia Chief Operating Officer Grainne Brunsdon said:
“Led by Hugo Weaving and an outstanding ensemble cast, The Great White is a clever comedic drama that reframes redemption with wit, heart and originality.”
“The experienced and highly successful creative team is set to deliver a story that is both entertaining and resonant, poised to connect powerfully with audiences locally and globally.”
Screen NSW Executive Director Kylie Munnich said:
“Screen NSW is thrilled to support The Great White, from powerhouse producers See-Saw Films. They continue to produce work of the highest quality, which is globally celebrated and critically acclaimed.”
“The Great White reinforces NSW as a hub for screen production in Australia, with the series creating over 700 jobs and generating significant expenditure for the state.”
“With a powerhouse creative team, The Great White will captivate audiences in Australia and internationally.”
Funny, provocative and deeply human, The Great White is a distinctive legal drama about a great man who loses his status only to discover the humanity he’s lost.
Production credit: The Great White is a See-Saw Films production for The Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Major production investment from the ABC and Screen Australia, in association with Screen NSW. International sales are handled by Mediawan Rights and Entourage Media.
Written by Ange Betzien, Nick Coyle and Andrew Anastasios. Directed by Alyssa McClelland, Samantha Lang and Mia Wasikowska. Produced by Angela Littlejohn. Co-Produced by Libby Sharpe.
Executive Produced by Samantha Lang, Liz Watts, Emile Sherman, Iain Canning, Helen Gregory and Hugo Weaving. Creator, Writer, Executive Producer Ange Betzien. Co-Executive Produced by Alyssa McClelland and Simon Gillis.
ABC Executive Producer Rachel Okine.
