Amazon Picks Up Foxtel’s Picnic At Hanging Rock Reboot

Amazon have acquired US distribution rights for Foxtel’s upcoming TV series reboot of Picnic at Hanging Rock.

Described as “the largest U.S. commercial deal ever for an Australian television series”, Amazon will make the series available through its Amazon Prime Video service in the US in 2018.

“Negotiations between Foxtel, the distributor, Fremantle, and four major American based networks/streaming services, have been in train for many weeks, said Foxtel’s executive director of television Brian Walsh.

“The partnership with Amazon marks the most lucrative programme sale ever struck for a locally produced television series and Foxtel is delighted with the outcome. The placement ensures that U.S audiences will see the outstanding craftsmanship of the Australian film and television industry on display, including the performances of an illustrious group of acting newcomers, who will now have their careers launched on the world stage.”

Foxtel has previously secured other major agreements for its shows in the US, with Wentworth available on Netflix, The Kettering Incident available on Amazon Prime Video, and A Place To Call Home shown on Acorn and American Public Television.

According to Foxtel, the Picnic at Hanging Rock TV show will be a “re-imagining” of Joan Lindsay’s Australian novel, and features Game of Thrones‘ Natalie Dormer among its cast.

It will have its world premiere on Foxtel sometime in 2018.