Script & Drama Executive, Dan Bennett (Molly, Winners & Losers, Home and Away, Tripping Over, The Informant, Emerald Falls, Neighbours), five time Walkley Award winning journalist and Australian Media Hall of Fame recipient, Steve Pennells (Sunday Night, Spotlight, The West Australian, Seven News, Foxtel), and former Network 10 TV presenter & producer Craig McMahon (CEO, McMahon Entertainment Group), are proud to announce the launch of new production company DEADSET Pictures – creating Australian-made television and film content for a worldwide audience.
From scripted drama to documentaries, from film to reality television to scripted comedy and everything in-between, the team members have been specifically chosen to each bring a unique skillset to the table, allowing DEADSET to successfully traverse different genres and mediums.
With nearly 100 years of combined experience – in scripting, producing, casting, acting, presenting and journalism – DEADSET stands apart as a unique production house, covering all aspects of the television and film processes.
Dedicated to a strong focus on international co-productions, diversity and inclusivity, and on keenly looking for new voices and new talents both in front of and behind the camera – the next generation of Australian storytellers – the DEADSET team is excited to reveal a captivating development slate that will have audiences all around the world desperate to engage in Aussie content.
Speaking from their offices in Albert Park, Melbourne, company founder and Head of Scripted Content, Dan Bennett, explains why now is the right time to leap into the private production sector.
“I’ve been truly blessed to have had a long and successful run in network TV but as the television and film landscapes continue to evolve, it feels the perfect time to take all I’ve learned and team with like-minded creatives to produce tailor-made content that will sit comfortably on platforms worldwide. The extraordinary pool of Australian writers, crews and performers also allows us the opportunity to challenge traditional production methodologies, providing the ability to produce more content for less dollars. We can’t wait to reveal what we have up our sleeves.”
Head of Documentary and News, Steve Pennells, added:
“DEADSET marks a bold leap into the heart of Aussie storytelling. It will showcase Australian tales that will resonate globally. We’ve got an exciting slate of dramas, documentaries and reality shows that we can’t wait to unveil over the coming months. After three decades at the forefront of international journalism and long-form storytelling, I’ve never been more excited than I am by what we’ve got planned in this space. Deadset on making a mark, we are here to reshape the landscape of Australian content for the international audience.”
For Craig McMahon, Head of Business Affairs, the team dynamic is one of the things exciting him most.
“Our industry is now, more than ever, changing at a rapid pace. Between the three of us, we’ve made thousands and thousands of hours of top-rating and award-winning television. With our shared passion and vision, DEADSET Pictures promises to bring the world entertaining and thought-provoking content in all genres.” Programming announcements and additional staff appointments to follow
