Acorn & Sky NZ Commission New Zealand Thriller

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Acorn Media Enterprises (AME) and Sky NZ have commissioned the New Zealand thriller The Sounds, with all3media’s New Zealand production company South Pacific Pictures and the Toronto-based Shaftesbury co-producing.

An eight-part psychological thriller, The Sounds is set against the backdrop of New Zealand’s South Island and the exotic landscape of Marlborough Sounds. When Maggie (Rachelle Lefevre; Proven Innocent, White House Down) and Tom Cabbott (Matt Whelan; The Luminaries, Narcos) move to the town of Pelorus to escape the oppressive influence of Tom’s family, they plan to start a new business venture that will reinvigorate the local economy and set them on a new life path. But when Tom disappears, unsettling facts about him soon come to light, and the search brings long-buried wounds to the surface.

The Sounds is created by best-selling author Sarah-Kate Lynch, who is also the lead writer, with Peter Stebbings directing the series. Acorn Media Enterprises has secured all rights in the U.S., Ireland and the U.K.; secondary rights in Australia; and home entertainment and non-exclusive SVOD rights in New Zealand. The series is produced in association with CBC, who have the Canadian broadcast rights, while Acorn TV has the home entertainment rights and will offer the series to its Canadian subscribers. all3media international will distribute the series in the rest of the world.

Catherine Mackin, managing director of Acorn Media Enterprises, said, “We’re thrilled to work with our partners at South Pacific Pictures, Shaftesbury, Sky NZ, and all3media on another exciting drama. With its beautiful setting, taut script, and stellar ensemble cast, The Sounds will absolutely thrill Acorn TV subscribers around the world.”

Kelly Martin, CEO of South Pacific Pictures and executive producer of The Sounds, added, “South Pacific Pictures is privileged to be working with Sarah-Kate on this series. It’s an intriguing and intense tale from start to finish, one that will keep audiences guessing right up to the last frame. It’s a testament to the quality of the material that we have such a great lineup of partners on board with Shaftesbury, Acorn TV, Sky NZ, all3media and CBC and that we have been able to attract such a stellar cast.”

Christina Jennings, chairman and CEO of Shaftesbury and executive producer of The Sounds, said: “Sarah-Kate Lynch has created a gripping, character-driven tale of intrigue in The Sounds—perfect material for director Peter Stebbings. This series is a thrill ride from start to finish, set in one of the most beautiful regions in the world. We are thrilled to work with such talented partners worldwide, including South Pacific Pictures, CBC, Acorn TV, all3media, Sky NZ, Sarah-Kate Lynch and Peter Stebbings, as well as the brilliant cast led by the wonderful Rachelle Lefevre.”