Scripted

Keshet International (KI) today announce their partnership with Australia’s ABC and Screen Australia to bring Blackfella Film’s political drama Black B*tch (W/T) to global audiences.

Produced by Blackfella Films for ABC, Black B*tch (W/T) is a story of high stakes ambition, betrayal and treachery, played out in Australia’s capital. Directed by Rachel Perkins (Mystery Road), this six-part returning series will star Rachel Griffiths (Brothers & Sisters, House Husbands, Dead Lucky) alongside Deborah Mailman (The Sapphires, The Secret Life of Us, Radiance). Blackfella Films’ Darren Dale and Miranda Dear produce, with Rachel Griffiths as executive producer. Black B*tch (W/T) will film in Canberra, Sydney and Far North Queensland and air on ABC in 2019.
When Alex Irving (Deborah Mailman), a charismatic and contradictory Indigenous woman, is thrust into the national limelight after a horrific event, Australia’s embattled Prime Minister Rachel Anderson (Rachel Griffiths), sees a publicity goldmine for her party. In a bold power play, she appoints Alex to the Senate. But Alex wants to be more than just a political stunt: she wants to make a difference. So, when the Prime Minister's cynical calculations betray her, Alex sets out for revenge that will send the political establishment into meltdown.
Sebastian Burkhardt, KI’s Managing Director, Global Content, says, “Black B*tch (W/T) is a strong local story with the potential to resonate and connect with audiences around the world, which is why it immediately stood out to us. This second investment by the KI Content Fund reinforces our commitment to bring more high-end dramas to global audiences and also demonstrates our belief in the team behind this compelling story of power, loyalty and betrayal.”

“Following on from our previous successes Redfern Now and Cleverman, ABC Indigenous continues its strategy to redefine how Indigenous people see themselves on the screen, with the impressive Black B*tch (W/T). We look forward to working alongside the talented team at Blackfella Films to produce this invigorating series for our audience,” says ABC Head of Indigenous Kelrick Martin.

Darren Dale from Blackfella Films and Rachel Griffiths say, “This story is one that united us in our shared passion to tell stories about contemporary women and the challenges of leaning in and finding their voice in our times. Our exceptional writing team has created a thrilling story of two complex and gutsy female leads who vie for power in a male dominated world and we cannot wait to take it to a global audience.”
“Black B*tch (W/T) promises to be a ground-breaking series and as such has received a significant funding investment,” said Penny Smallacombe, Head of Indigenous at Screen Australia. “For us this program represents not only an incredible story, but one that will be authentically told with Indigenous talent represented across writing, producing, directing and of course on-screen.”

Black B*tch (W/T) is the second title to benefit from financial support from the KI Content Fund, following its first investment in Ecosse Films’ The Trial Of Christine Keeler, a six part series from award-winning screenwriter Amanda Coe starring Sophie Cookson as Christine Keeler for BBC ONE. Launched earlier this year with several of Israel’s largest holding and asset management companies, KI’s five-year content fund aims to bring high-profile projects with global appeal to a wider audience by also utilising KI’s worldwide distribution prowess.

Keshet International will distribute Black B*tch (W/T) internationally, while working alongside Endeavor Content to co-distribute the six-part series in the US. The partnership to bring Black B*tch (W/T) to global audiences was brokered by Atar Dekel, KI’s VP of Global Drama; Sally Riley, ABC’s Head of Scripted Production; and Blackfella Films’ Managing Director Darren Dale and Producer Miranda Dear.