SBS commissions new local drama, Swift Street.

SBS has commissioned of a new crime drama series Swift Street, described as an ‘Afro-Punk heist drama.’

Excitingly, the eight-part series is written and created by short film auteur, Tig Terera (Tinashé, Chenge) and produced by Magpie Pictures.

Swift Street is conceived as a fast, funny, and gritty family crime drama, set in inner-city Melbourne, where the rich and poor collide. It tells the story of 21-year-old street smart Elsie who must team up with her jaded old-school hustler father, Robert, to get him out of debt and save him from a merciless crime boss who wants her money NOW.

The pair embark on a series of hectic scrapes and near misses as Elsie commits to help Robert hustle for the money. But with an unhinged gang of debt collectors on the trail the duo must carry out a series of increasingly serious crimes, against a ticking clock while fumbling through their dysfunctional relationship.

Swift Street is produced by Lois Randall (Black Snow, Seriously Red) and Ivy Mak (Sydney Sleuthers).

SBS Head of Scripted Julie Eckersley said: “Swift Street is a fresh take on the crime drama. It is authored, fun and has amazing energy; think Shameless meets Run Lola Run with the heart of Reservation Dogs. Launching this series continues our agenda at SBS Scripted to take exciting creative risks, back new voices and make dramas not seen anywhere else on Australian TV. We’re really thrilled to be launching superstar creator Tig Terera with his first television series as well as working with the wonderful team at Magpie Pictures.

Tig Terera (pictured) said “It’s truly exciting to have the opportunity to tell a heartfelt and unapologetic black and brown story. Inspired by my sister and the Melbourne community I have grown up with, Swift Street is about embracing our innate hustle and punkness. Thanks so much to Magpie Pictures for supporting me from the start and to SBS for giving us a platform to be bold and fresh.”

Producers Lois Randall and Ivy Mak of Magpie Pictures, said: “Swift Street takes audiences on a wild ride with our rebellious young female protagonist in an authentic world created by Tig Terera. At heart, it’s a story about survival, reconciliation and hope. Magpie Pictures is excited to be taking this creative journey with Tig, and so thrilled to have the support of SBS and our other partners to bring Swift Street to life.

Screen Australia’s Head of Content, Grainne Brunsdon, said: “Tig Terera has created a clever and compelling story that’s unlike any other crime drama we’ve seen before. Set against the gritty backdrops of urban Australia, the series brings to life themes of family and personal identity in a playful and powerful way, and I’m confident it will engage viewers on SBS.”

VicScreen CEO, Caroline Pitcher, said: “We are beyond excited to support Swift Street, an exhilarating collaboration between Tig Terera and Magpie Pictures. The project is set to pack a punch and have audiences rooting for Elsie throughout her various escapades. Filming is set to commence in Victoria this year, adding to our vibrant pipeline of screen projects.”

Prentiss Fraser, EVP, Television Distribution at Fifth Season said: “We are driven to champion fresh voices on a global stage, recognising the importance of raising up the next generation of creators with new perspectives and stories to tell. We look forward to working alongside SBS, Screen Australia and Magpie Pictures to ensure Tig’s brilliant Afro-Punk heist drama finds audiences far and wide.”

Production will commence in 2023 and will be filmed in Victoria. Cast announcements will follow in the coming months.

Swift Street is a Magpie Pictures production for SBS. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with SBS. Financed with support from VicScreen. Fifth Season are managing international sales.