Rachel Griffiths drama “Madam” has sold to a slew of territories across the Asia-Pacific region including Hong Kong and Philippines.
The comedic drama stars Griffiths as New Zealand local Mack Leigh who discovers her husband has been visiting sex workers, prompting her to open her own “feminist, ethical brothel.”
Rima Te Wiata (“The Wheel of Time”), Danielle Cormack (“Wentworth”), Robbie Magasiva (“Bad Behaviour”), Martin Henderson (“Virgin River”) and Ariāna Osborne also star.
Based on Antonia Murphy’s memoir, which has been adapted for screen by showrunners Shoshana McCallum (“Inside”) and Harry McNaughton (“The Pact”), the show is directed by Kacie Anning, Madeleine Sami and Peter Salmon and produced by Tavake and XYZ Films for Warner Bros. Discovery ANZ in association with Fifth Season, who are handling worldwide distribution.
They have now secured deals with Australia’s Nine Network, Hong Kong’s Now TV and Philippines’ Lionsgate Play.
Executive producers are Tom Hern (“Shadow in the Cloud”) and Halaifonua Finau (“The Panthers”) for Tavake. Aumua Crystal Vaega (“The Panthers”) is co-executive producer and Belindalee Hope (“Shadow in the Cloud”) produces. Nick Spicer (“Run Rabbit Run”), Aram Tertzakian (“The Raid 2”) and Marci Wiseman (“Sharp Objects”) exec produce for XYZ.
“Following a stellar debut in New Zealand, ‘Madam’ has drawn significant interest across the Asia Pacific region – due to its internationally known cast, freshness and authentic storytelling,” said Fifth Season’s SVP for APAC sales Alistair Jennings. “The series has also picked up multiple award wins and nominations – and we’re looking forward to bringing the series to ATF and introducing it to more buyers in the region, where its touchingly comic and boldly inspired true story has really struck a chord.”
