Binge has announced production has begun in Sydney on Strife, inspired by Mia Freedman’s memoir, Work, Strife, Balance.
The new Australian series is commissioned by the Foxtel Group from production company Made Up Stories in partnership with global film and TV studio FIFTH SEASON.
Joining as series lead and acclaimed Australian actress Asher Keddie is an ensemble of established and up-and-coming talent, including Matt Day, Jonathan LaPaglia, Tina Bursill, Emma Lung, Maria Angelico, Rhys Mitchell, Olivia Junkeer, BeBe Bettencourt, Bryony Skillington, Lucy Ansell, Darcy Tadich and Willow Speers.
Set in the dynamic and ever-changing world of publishing, digital media and its origins, the series is written and adapted for screen by Australian screenwriter Sarah Scheller and directed by Stuart Bowen.
The comedic drama series tells the story of a modern, imperfect woman and publisher named Evelyn Jones (Keddie) and her journey from lounge room blogger to becoming a force in women’s media.
Binge Executive Director, Alison Hurbert-Burns, said: “We are so excited for the cameras to start rolling on Strife. A series that is led by an incredible collection of creatives, including the formidable line-up of women helmed by Bruna, Jodi, Asher and Mia. Strife is a strong, character-driven Australian story, the likes of which Binge seeks to tell, stories that delight both local audiences and capture global appeal.”
Mia Freedman, Steve Hutensky, Sarah Scheller, Jodi Matterson and Asher Keddie
Bruna Papandrea, Jodi Matterson and Steve Hutensky serve as executive producers for Made Up Stories, alongside Freedman, Keddie and Scheller, and Alison Hurbert-Burns for Binge. Commissioning editor is Lana Greenhalgh. Brian Walsh was a commissioner and executive producer of Strife.
Papandrea, Matterson and Hutensky said, “We have had so much fun developing Mia’s brilliant book for the screen with Asher, Sarah and Stuart and our friends at Binge. We cannot wait for audiences to fall in love with STRIFE and with these characters, brought to life by an incredible cast lead by Asher.”
FIFTH SEASON SVP Sales, APAC, Alistair Jennings, said: “We are excited to partner on this series that captures a brilliant, fresh take on women juggling work, family and relationships, envisioned by the dynamic female-led creative team and brought to life by the incredibly talented Asher Keddie. Audiences around the world will relate to the authentic storytelling around the lives of these perfectly imperfect characters.”
Strife is commissioned by the Foxtel Group for Binge and will also be available on Foxtel.