As part of its commitment to release more than 20 Stan Originals annually, the streaming platform has announced Prosper to be made by Lingo Pictures.
The production, a co-commission with Lionsgate, sounds like it might tap into the audience which is enjoying programs like Succession, but with religion replacing media as the core family activity.
The producers are billing Prosper as an epic family drama: “A razor-sharp drama of faith, ambition and divided loyalties, Prosper is set in the inner sanctum of a family bound together by unfathomable wealth and unchecked power as they build an evangelical megachurch hell-bent on global domination.”
Helping to get the new series to air is Screen Australia with a major production investment.
There are no casting details yet for Prosper, but the creative A-team assembled is impressive. The series is written by lead creative and executive producer Matt Cameron (Jack Irish, Secret City), Liz Doran (Barons, Please Like Me), Louise Fox (Glitch, Broadchurch) and Belinda Chayko (Fires, Stateless).
Prosper creative team [L-R] Belinda Chayko, Liz Doran, Louise Fox and Matt Cameron
The series is produced by Jason Stephens (Lambs of God, Upright) and Helen Bowden (The Secret She Keeps) for Lingo Pictures and Andrew Walker (Deadloch, Rosehaven).
Comments from Prosper production partners
Stan chief content officer Cailah Scobie: “When we announced we were expanding our partnership with the world-class Hollywood studio Lionsgate to include development of new projects, we knew we would have some outstanding Stan Original Series on the way. Prosper will be a prestige drama that explores the consequences of unbridled power and desire, with Lingo Pictures and the creative team having developed both a brilliant – and timely – series. Today’s commissioning announcement marks only the beginning of our expanded partnership with Lionsgate, as we continue to work together to develop and commission even more premium Stan Originals.”
Lionsgate president of international television and digital distribution Agapy Kapouranis: “We’re excited to kick off our pact with Stan with such a powerful drama. This is just the first of the many opportunities our collaboration can tap in Australia and around the world.”
Lingo Pictures creative director and producer Jason Stephens: “Lingo Pictures is thrilled to be partnering with Stan and Lionsgate to bring this timely series to the screen. They share our ambition to create a landmark television series for audiences in Australia and around the world.”
Screen Australia’s head of content Grainne Brunsdon: “Lingo Pictures has made a name for themselves creating premium Australian dramas and working together with a formidable team of writers this series will be unmissable. Prosper is set to draw audiences into the intrigue and the inner workings of the church, and the people jostling for power.”
Kyas Hepworth, head of Screen NSW: “The talented creatives behind Prosper, backed by the stellar team at Lingo Pictures, are set to deliver a gripping, high-end drama. Screen NSW is thrilled that Prosper is being produced in NSW, bringing more local stories and talent to both Australian and global audiences.”
Other Stan Original Series currently in development through Stan’s partnership with Lionsgate include drama series The Geography of Friendship, which is being jointly developed and produced by Aquarius Films and Rose Byrne’s Dollhouse Pictures; and outback comedy crime series Population: 11, which is being developed by Jungle Entertainment.
The Stan Original Series Prosper is produced by Lingo Pictures, with major production investment from Screen Australia with the assistance of the NSW Government via Screen NSW and the Made in NSW Fund. Cailah Scobie and Amanda Duthie will executive produce for Stan. Lionsgate will manage international sales.
Top photo: Jason Stephens and Helen Bowden from Lingo Pictures
See also: Stan and Nine’s first co-commission, Bali 2002, now streaming on Stan