Screen Aus funding for new seasons of Last King of the Cross, Spooky Files.

Screen Australia this week announced funding for two local dramas, both of which have been confirmed by broadcasters.

Last King of the Cross season 2: (Paramount+)

Following on from season 1, John Ibrahim sets his sights on capturing a new kingdom after returning to Sydney – the glittering prize of Oxford Street. With it comes new challenges and enemies, along with the relentless scrutiny of Liz Doyle and the full force of the Sydney police. Freshly released from jail, Sam builds the largest bikie chapter in Australian history, putting John on a collision course with the entire criminal world.

Last King of the Cross season 2 for Paramount+ is directed by Grant Brown and Ian Watson of Last King of the Cross season 1 and Tori Garrett (Doctor, Doctor). It is written by Sam Meikle (Wakefield), Sarah Smith (Amazing Grace), Fin Edquist (MaveriX), Jane Allen (In Our Blood), Tim Pye (Bali 2002) and James Pope (Last King of the Cross season 1). Alexandra Doering and Mark Fennessy of Last King of the Cross season 1 are producing and executive producing respectively, with Rick Maier from Paramount also executive producing.

It has received major production investment from Paramount Australia and is financed with support from Screen NSW. International sales are managed by Cineflix Rights, with post, digital and visual effects supported by Screen NSW and Screen Queensland.

Spooky Files season 2: (ABC ME)

In this second iteration of the popular ABC and BBC series, the funny and spooky adventure continues. After closing a portal to a spooky dimension in season 1, the Spooky Crew has their work cut out for them when the portal reopens six months later in Season 2. They must regroup to save their town from Spooky mayhem yet again, whilst learning there’s a big difference between the fears that keep you safe and the ones that hold you back.

Returning from Spooky Files season 1 are creators/writers Guy Edmonds and Matt Zeremes, and writers Marisa Nanakhorn Brown, Emma Gordon, Clem Bastow, alongside Tim Williams (The Heights season 2) and Alexander Andreotti.

From the makers of hit shows Hardball and Nowhere Boys, the series is a Tony Ayres Productions (TAP) and Megaboom Pictures production. It is produced by Paul Watters and executive produced by Tony Ayres and Andrea Denholm, whose credits include Spooky Files season 1. TAP is backed by Matchbox Pictures and Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group. The series is financed in association with the ABC, BBC and VicScreen, with international sales being managed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution.