Antarctic drama for the small screen

The first television drama series set at an Australian Antarctic research station will be developed this summer as part of the Australian Antarctic Arts Fellowship.

Leading TV screenwriter Jane Allen (Cleverman, Janet King, Wentworth, Love Child) and award-winning novelist Dr Jesse Blackadder (Sixty Seconds, Chasing the Light) have been jointly awarded the 2018 Fellowship.

During their three month trip to Mawson research station they will research, devise and write a TV series, The A-Factor, which will delve into the daily life of expeditioners at an Antarctic research station.

“This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in an Antarctic community, working alongside other expeditioners and hearing stories first-hand, which will bring an intimate authenticity to the project,” Ms Allen said.

The A-Factor will explore the challenge, thrill, beauty and character of the icy continent and those that live and work there.”

In addition to the TV program the pair will also write an Antarctic adventure book series for young readers.

“In our series of adventure novels, six kids are chosen from an international competition to stay at the first children’s station in Antarctica, where they are unexpectedly forced to survive on their own,” Dr Blackadder said.

Dr Blackadder has written nine novels for adults and children. She is founder of StoryBoard creative writing and is an emerging screenwriter.

Ms Allen is one of Australia’s most experienced television writers, producers and creators. She has written for over twenty different TV series, including Australian classicsBlue Heelers, McLeod’s Daughters, Secret Life of Us, and Neighbours.

Arts Fellows receive financial support through a partnership with the Australian Network for Art and Technology. Create NSW will also provide development funding for the TV series.

Sachie Yasuda

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