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FilmVic backs Olivia Newton-John drama

Next TV bio-drama gets the greenlight, even if its star subject has been less enthusiastic about it.

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A bio drama on the career of Olivia Newton-John has received funding from Film Victoria.

The project, which first made news last year, is believed to be produced by FremantleMedia for Seven.

According to a FilmVic statement, “The story of Olivia Newton-John will chart her remarkable path through one of the world’s toughest industries, and provide a glimpse into the extraordinary achievements of one of Australia’s most loved icons.”

Delta Goodrem has been tipped to portray the legendary songstress, but Olivia Newton-John had urged her last year not to participate. Reports last year suggested Newton-John had issued a “Cease and Desist” letter to the production. Goodrem was announced last week as returning to TV drama in Nine’s House Husbands.

But public figures are unable to stop cameras from rolling. As TV networks scour over potential biography drama subjects, John Farnham recently said “Can’t they wait until I’m dead?” over the idea of books and potential screen projects on his private life.

Meanwhile FilmVic has also announced untitled documentary projects:

Two music men from two different worlds, each battling to shape a legacy in Westwind: Djalu’s Legacy
A candid and personal insight into the rise of world-renowned street artist with Lister: Adventure Painter
An exploration of the Middle-Aged Men in Lycra cycling phenomenon, in MAMIL.

Funding will also see the return of Kuu Kuu Harajuku for a third season of the popular animation series, with crazy-talented musical group HJ5 boarding their Teleporting Tour Bus for a successful world (and galactic)  tour.

CEO of Film Victoria Jenni Tosi said, “Documentaries feature strongly in this investment round, whilst the Olivia Newton John story is bound to attract widespread interest and the return of entertaining series Kuu Kuu Harajuku is sure to delight young audiences.

“We’re thrilled to support the teams who continue to create entertaining and diverse content for Australian and International audiences.”

2 Responses

  1. Was Livvy more concerned about the whole idea or just Delta playing her? I’d be more interested if the casting found someone who resembled her more, but required lip synch for the music. Delta’s voice is nothing like Olivia’s, so for it to be accessible, an actress who can inhabit the character and the journey she takes would be preferable. It’s pretty hard to get the casting right. Olivia is just so well known. And it’s an interesting life, but i get that she may not want her story told.

    1. She doesn’t want the film done at all and she was really angry with Delta when she was going to take the role because they were friends so Olivia thought Delta shouldn’t be helping the project move forward.

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