BBC picks up Cleverman

BBC Three has picked up ABC’s new Cleverman series which debuts in Australia next month.

The deal marks the BBC’s first drama acquisition for BBC Three since it shifted from broadcast to online platform in February.

The 6 part series by Goalpost Pictures and New Zealand’s Pukeko Pictures has its world premiere on SundanceTV in the US on 1 June and on ABC on 2 June.

Henrik Pabst, Managing Director of distributor Red Arrow International, said: “We are delighted that the BBC is the broadcaster to bring Cleverman to UK viewers. Cleverman is one of the biggest and most ambitious shows to come out of Australia, and speaks to a growing world audience unafraid of adventurous TV.”

Sue Deeks, Head of Programme Acquisition at the BBC, said: “Cleverman is an incredibly original and ambitious drama which is gripping from the very start – we are very excited to bring it to BBC Three viewers.”

Set in the near future, “Cleverman” is a thrilling new high-stakes drama that sees a species from ancient mythology living amongst humans and battling for survival in a world that wants to silence, exploit and destroy them.

At the heart of the story are two estranged brothers, Koen and Waruu West, who are forced together to fight against terrifying enemies – both human and not of this world. But can Koen, a man bestowed with a powerful gift and destined to become the Cleverman, learn to harness his power before everything around him crumbles?

Based on an original concept by Ryan Griffen, “Cleverman” is directed by Wayne Blair (The Sapphires) and Leah Purcell, and features an acclaimed ensemble cast including Scottish actor Iain Glen (Game of Thrones), Golden Globe nominee Frances O’Connor (The Missing), Logie Award winner Deborah Mailman (The Sapphires), Hunter Page-Lochard (The Sapphires), Rob Collins (The Lion King) and Stef Dawson (The Hunger Games). Creatures and effects are by the Oscar-winning Weta Workshop (Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit trilogy).

“Cleverman” is produced by Goalpost Pictures Australia and Pukeko Pictures New Zealand for ABC TV Australia in co-production with SundanceTV and Red Arrow International, with the assistance of Screen Australia, Screen NSW and the New Zealand Screen Production Grant.