Foxtel’s tradition of great Australian storytelling is set to continue with the announcement today of a major new Foxtel Original series, The Twelve, to be produced in partnership with Warner Bros. International Television Australia and Spirit Pictures.
The Twelve tells of 12 ordinary people who are selected for jury duty in a murder trial as traumatising as it is controversial, in which a woman stands accused of killing a child. Behind the façade of their anonymity, these twelve ordinary people bring with them their own histories. Lives that are as complex as the trial, full of fractured dreams, shameful secrets, hope, fears, personal trauma and prejudice. Through the multiple lenses of these jurors, we see the fragility and imbalances of the law, and the chaotic and flawed way we attempt to determine justice in our society.
Brian Walsh, Executive Director of Television, said: “Foxtel is proud to continue its long-standing commitment to local content with the announcement of this new drama series, The Twelve.
“In one of the most challenging of times for our industry there has never been a more important moment to consolidate our energies, talent and passion, and reaffirm our commitment to local drama. We have been looking for the ideal vehicle to replace our popular series, Wentworth, and we have every confidence that The Twelve will continue the tradition of bringing gripping Australian drama to the screen.
“The series takes on the crime genre through the lens of jurors. It is a bold and fresh approach to the classic murder mystery story and will boast a big ensemble cast and an equally impressive team of writers and creatives. We look forward to working with Michael Brooks, Hamish Lewis and the team at Warner Bros. International Television in Sydney, and Liz Watts at Spirit Pictures,” he said.
Michael Brooks, Managing Director of Warner Bros. International Television Australia, added: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Foxtel on The Twelve, which will mark the launch of our domestic drama business. Warner Bros. is committed to telling Australian stories and working with the incredible creative talent we have in this country. Our partnership with Liz Watts at Spirit Pictures is the first of many to come and we are excited to work alongside Brian Walsh and the wonderful team at Foxtel.”
The Twelve will join an impressive slate of exclusive Australian drama produced for Foxtel over the past 25 years, from the award-winning Love My Way; the ground breaking and critically acclaimed prison drama Wentworth, seen in over 175 countries; period drama A Place To Call Home; Mr Inbetween, created, written and starring Scott Ryan; Tim Minchin’s Upright; last year’s hugely successful Lambs of God; and the upcoming series from See-Saw Films, The End.
The Twelve is a 10 x one-hour crime drama based on the Belgian series of the same name. Executive Producers are Michael Brooks and Hamish Lewis from Warner Bros. International Television Australia Liz Watts from Spirit Pictures and Brian Walsh for Foxtel
The Twelve is now in development, with production slated for 2021.
