Aussie Drama Upright Lands on Sundance Now

AMC Networks’ Sundance Now streaming service has picked up the U.S. rights to the Australian drama series Upright from Entertainment One (eOne).

Produced by Lingo Pictures (Lambs of God, The Secrets She Keeps), Upright is co-written and composed by actor, comedian and musician Tim Minchin, who also stars. The story follows a shabby musician (Minchin) who has to drive across Australia with nothing but a piano and finds his baggage soon increases when a runaway girl comes into his life.

Upright will make its U.S. premiere in a special screening and Q&A with Minchin with the ATX Television Festival in mid-July and begin its exclusive U.S. debut on Sundance Now on Thursday, August 6, with the first two episodes.

Minchin said, “I’m so excited that our show has made it to the U.S., and thrilled that it has landed at Sundance Now. The reactions to Upright in the U.K. and Australia have been like nothing I’ve ever experienced, and I can’t wait for Americans to see it. It’s quintessentially Aussie and, at the same time, utterly universal. And I’m pretty sure it’ll make you really laugh and properly cry, which—for me—is always the goal.”

Shannon Cooper, VP of programming, Sundance Now, said, “With its brilliant mix of humor and heart, plus a spectacular setting and mesmerizing performances by Tim Minchin and Milly Alcock, Upright has all the elements to become a favorite of Sundance Now subscribers. We’re thrilled to work with Tim Minchin and eOne to bring this beloved Australian series to U.S. audiences.”

“We are thrilled for U.S. viewers to see this gem of a series that has captured the attention of audiences and critics around the world,” said Noel Hedges, eOne’s executive VP of acquisitions for international distribution. “Upright is an emotional and layered journey that is a perfect fit for Sundance Now and its audience.”