SBS commissions new Australian drama series The Principal
SBS has announced the commission of a new four-part Australian drama series for 2015, The Principal.
The announcement:
SBS is thrilled to announce the commission of a gritty new four-part Australian drama series for 2015, The Principal.
From the producers of RAKE and JACK IRISH and the writers of EAST WEST 101, The Principal is a story of intrigue and personal identity set against the backdrop of a boys’ high school in turmoil in South West Sydney.
Matt Bashir, history teacher and former Deputy at a prestigious girls’ school, is promoted to the position of Principal of Boxdale Boys High. Boxdale is a troubled school with a history of conflict and Matt is determined to turn it around but his attempts at reform are met with scepticism and in some quarters, hostility from his beleaguered colleagues. But just when it seems he is making progress, a 17-year-old student is found dead on the school grounds.
Tony Iffland, SBS Director of Television: “SBS has a strong history of delivering impactful drama with a purpose and above all, exceptional storytelling. Our recent success with multi award-winning series Better Man in 2013 opened a new chapter of drama commissions for SBS and we’re thrilled to be working with Essential Media on our upcoming drama offering.
“The Principal is set in Sydney’s south west where the rich meld of Lebanese, Syrian, Polynesian, African, Asian and Anglo backgrounds are struggling to find their social and cultural equilibrium, and nowhere is this more evident than in the high octane schoolyard of Boxdale Boys High.”
“With a murder mystery at its heart, The Principal brings a stark edge of reality and moral complexity to an inspirational human story and SBS is the perfect home for this powerful and highly engaging human drama and will be proudly showcased in our 2015 schedule.”
Essential Media, Producer, Ian Collie, said: “Essential Media is excited to be working with SBS again, this time on a primetime drama.”
“The Principal explores topical themes of masculinity, identity and community in our society today and should resonate with a wide audience. We are blessed in having such a talented creative team in Kristen Dunphy, Alice Addison and Kriv Stenders to produce what I trust will be a memorable and compelling series – one that will be talked about for a long time”
Produced by Essential Media, The Principal is an SBS invested project with Screen Australia and Screen NSW funding.
Production commences in November and will be filmed in Sydney. Cast announcements will follow in the coming weeks.
The Principal will transmit on SBS ONE in 2015.
Source: SBS media release
