Netflix will adapt Miles Franklin’s 1901 Australian novel “My Brilliant Career” into a series.
The story follows Sybylla Melvyn, an ambitious girl growing up in rural Australia in the 1890s, who desires a grand career as a writer.
Philippa Northeast (Territory) will star as Sybylla, with Christopher Chung (Slow Horses) playing the role of Harry, Anna Chancellor (Outrageous) as Mrs Bossier, Genevieve O’Reilly (Andor) as Helen, and Kate Mulvany (Hunters) as Augusta.
Other cast members include Jake Dunn (The Ballad of Renegade Nell), Alexander England (Black Snow), Sherry-Lee Watson (Heartbreak High) and Miah Madden (Paper Dolls).
The novel was previously adapted into a feature film of the same name in 1979.
Netflix’s series adaptation will be produced with Jungle Entertainment in Adelaide. The period production will take place at Adelaide Studios and various locations across South Australia.
Chloe Rickard, Liz Doran and Alyssa McClelland are executive producers on the series, with McClelland and Anne Renton set to direct. Territory producer Paul Ranford will also produce My Brilliant Career.
“It’s been a privilege to work with so many incredible creatives on this reimagining of Miles Franklin’s rollicking tale of a young woman’s quest to determine her own life,” said Liz Doran, executive producer and writer of Netflix’s My Brilliant Career.
Chloe Rickard, executive producer, added: “It’s thrilling to bring this Australian classic to a whole new audience. Partnering with Netflix and fellow executive producers Liz Doran and Alyssa McClelland, with Philippa Northeast as our rebellious and witty Sybylla, has been the stuff that dreams are made of.”
Minyoung Kim, Netflix’s Vice-President of APAC content (ex-India), said: “‘My Brilliant Career’ is a timeless Australian story with themes as relevant today as when it was originally published. We’re excited to be partnering with some of Australia’s best creatives and talent to bring this story to a whole new generation on Netflix, and with its stunning locations, there’s no better home for this production than South Australia.”
Kate Croser, CEO of South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC), said: “We are delighted to welcome Netflix back to South Australia and Adelaide Studios along with award-winning production company Jungle Entertainment for the new series adaptation of ‘My Brilliant Career.’
“The SAFC is proud to support this exciting new series which will harness the world-class skills of a majority South Australian crew, led by top South Australian producer Paul Ranford, and which will once again provide a showcase for our state’s screen production capability, talent and endlessly beautiful locations,” added Croser.
