Live-Action Series Hardball Kicks Off Production in Oz

Northern Pictures has begun filming in Sydney for the live-action scripted show Hardball, which is slated for broadcast on ABC Me in Australia.

Created by Guy Edmonds and Matt Zermes, Hardball is about a boy who is learning how to master the schoolyard game of handball. The series is meant for young viewers between the ages of 7 and 11. It is being internationally distributed by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF).

Bernadette O’Mahony, executive producer for the ACTF, commented: “Hardball is seriously funny, and Guy and Matt have tapped into a sport every kid knows how to play, whether they call it handball, four square or something else—it’s universal—and the audience will all want Mikey on their team. It’s a series with real heart and warmth to it; these characters have such a great friendship and way of dealing with life’s ups and downs.”

Catherine Nebauer, executive producer for Northern Pictures, added: “For Northern Pictures, there was never any doubt who to approach about both further developing and then distributing our first comedy series—ACTF was always top of mind. Bernadette and the team there absolutely understand what we, as producers, need to deliver to the local market, as well as for the international marketplace. We are delighted to be working with the ACTF, who have been instrumental in helping us craft the series, and [we are] excited to have commenced shooting.”