Network Ten has announced its first joint primetime content initiative with its sister broadcaster, Channel 5 in the UK, since the completion of the ViacomCBS merger.
The two broadcasters will work together to fund a four episode mini-series, Breathless, which will be produced by Fremantle, starring former EastEnders star Charlie Brooks and Australian actor Brett Tucker from US series The Americans, Station 19 and Mistresses, and best known locally for his lead roles in McLeod’s Daughters and Neighbours.
The show is centred on a British woman and her husband seeking a fresh start in Australia after infidelity rocks their marriage – that’s the plan until they hire a young local nanny who isn’t as innocent as she appears and there are deadly consequences.
The series will commence production early 2020, with the series’ creator, Jason Herbison, executive producing for Fremantle and Greg Barnett acting as Commissioning Editor for Channel 5.
“Having worked with Channel 5 on a number of projects previously, we’re really excited to be working with them once again to bring this captivating new drama to Australian audiences, this time as a sister company. It’s a great example of the opportunities the ViacomCBS merger can bring to markets around the world," Network Ten chief content officer Beverley McGarvey, says.
Breathless will be filmed in Melbourne, Australia, with funding assistance from Film Victoria, and directed by ADG Award recipient Scott Major (Neighbours, Playing For Keeps).
The commission builds on existing links between Network Tehn and Channel 5 with Australia’s longest running drama Neighbours, and follows the networks’ recent collaboration on Neighbours spin-off series, Neighbours: Erinsborough High, which premiered on their respective digital streaming services, 10 Play and My5.
“First and foremost, Breathless promises to be a really compelling addition to our expanding line-up of quality drama that is proving popular with British audiences across both our TV networks and streaming services," ViacomCBS’s UK networks director of programmes Ben Flow says.
"At the same time, it’s a great way of extending our partnership with Network 10 – with a shared language and such strong cultural connections between the UK and Australia, there is obvious potential to explore further opportunities for content sharing now Channel 5 and Network 10 are part of the same family.”
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