Netflix and ABC commission political thriller from Screentime

Netflix and the ABC have commissioned Screentime to produce a six-hour drama series entitled Pine Gap.

Created by showrunner Greg Haddrick and co-writer Felicity Packard, the international political thriller is set in and around the enigmatic US/Australia joint defence facility situated in central Australia.

Pine Gap will commence pre-production in Adelaide in November and will film across multiple locations in SA and the NT in 2018.

The series will be produced by Lisa Scott and Felicity Packard, and executive produced by Screentime’s Bob Campbell, Rory Callaghan and Greg Haddrick, and the ABC’s Sally Riley and Kym Goldsworthy.

Executive Chairman of Screentime Bob Campbell said “Screentime is delighted that Netflix and the ABC have come together to commission this production that has been in development by the Screentime drama team for a number of years.”

Creator, executive producer, writer and showrunner Greg Haddrick said: “A compelling work of fiction inspired by modern geopolitical tensions – we are delighted to be working with Netflix and the ABC to produce an original concept for a worldwide audience.”

Elizabeth Bradley, Netflix Vice President of Content, said: “Greg Haddrick is a magnificent voice in television in Australia and around the world. We can’t wait for Greg to bring Pine Gap’s story of secrecy and deceit to Netflix members around the world.”

The ABC’s Director of Television David Anderson said: “This partnership enables a high-end Australian drama to be produced for all Australians, and for locally produced content to be delivered to an international audience. We look forward to working with all our partners on this new venture.”

A Screentime production, Pine Gap is financed by Netflix and the ABC, in association with the South Australian Film Corporation. Additional financial support is being provided by a grant from Screen Territory.