FremantleMedia Australia’s Paul Hogan Project Receives Funding

SYDNEY: The upcoming Paul Hogan biographical project being made by FremantleMedia Australia (FMA) for Channel Seven has secured significant funding from Screen Australia and Screen Queensland.

The production tells the story of how Hogan, a once poor Australian tradesman, transformed into an Oscar-nominated star. It will be directed by Kevin Carlin (Wentworth), with the script penned by Keith Thompson (The Sapphires) and Marieke Hardy (Packed to the Rafters). Casting is currently underway and filming is slated to begin early next year.

Julie McGauran, Seven’s head of drama, said: “From INXS and Milat to Peter Allen and soon Molly, Seven is proud to tell compelling Australian stories. The Paul Hogan project will be a celebration of a beloved icon; an Aussie battler with a larrikin heart who experienced an unexpected, unprecedented rise to international stardom.”

Jo Porter, FMA’s director of drama and executive producer, noted: “In Kevin, Keith and Marieke we have the perfect combination of creative talent to explore this complex, smart man who helped define Australia’s identity, first on our local television screens and then on the world’s cinematic stage. It is going to be a revealing, heartwarming story that will really get audiences talking. We are extremely grateful to the support of Screen Australia and Screen Queensland in bringing this to life.”

Graeme Mason, the CEO of Screen Australia, stated: “Screen Australia is delighted to be partnering with FremantleMedia Australia and Channel Seven on this project about an Australian legend. Audiences have shown their great support for projects about or inspired by our local icons, and Paul Hogan definitely fits the bill. 2016 is going to be a brilliant year for Australian television.”

Tracey Vieira, the CEO of Screen Queensland (SQ), added: “Screen Queensland is thrilled to be to be partnering with FremantleMedia Australia, Channel Seven and Screen Australia and investing in this production which will create jobs for Queensland crew. The cultural significance of Hoges’ story, a man who took the brand of Australia international; along with the economic significance with employment and upskilling opportunities being afforded to Queensland talent, makes this an important investment for SQ. We are committed to growing quality domestic production in our state, especially television drama, as well as helping Australian stories get told on screen and this is a true celebration of one of Australia’s most beloved and internationally recognized personalities.”