EXCLUSIVE: Netflix has given a straight-to-series order to the 8-episode scripted drama project Queenstown from creator, writer, and executive producer Chloe Stearns (Wolf Like Me), Silent Firework, and Runaway Unicorn. The project was developed by Stearns alongside producers Jodi Matterson (Nine Perfect Strangers, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart) and Libbie Doherty (Bluey).

Rufus Sewell (The Diplomat, Scoop), Frances O’Connor (Wednesday, The Missing), Alycia Debnam-Carey (Apple Cider Vinegar, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart), and Te Kohe Tuhaka (Chief of War, The Convert) will lead the series.

The official logline: Beneath the glamour of Queenstown’s luxury ski scene, a privileged family and the people who work for them collide over power, loyalty and desire. 

Details regarding who the quad will play are under wraps.

“When creating The Silent Firework Group and Runaway Unicorn, our vision was to champion bold, distinctive storytelling, and Queenstown delivers on every front,” said executive producers Matterson and Doherty.

“In Chloe Stearns, we’ve found an extraordinary new voice, and we’re thrilled to have our partner, Glendyn Ivin, at the helm alongside an exceptional cast. We’re incredibly grateful to Amanda Duthie and the entire Netflix team for backing our vision to help bring what we believe will become audiences’ next obsession,” the duo added.

Production is already underway in Queenstown, New Zealand, heralding the first Netflix series from its Australia and New Zealand branch to be set and shot in New Zealand. Glendyn Ivin (The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, Penguin Bloom) will executive produce and take the lead on directing, with Roseanne Liang (Avatar – The Last Airbender) also directing.

“Queenstown draws an exceptional team of talent and creatives, surrounded by this breathtaking environment. Shooting our first locally-commissioned series here in New Zealand is a huge moment for us,” shared Amanda Duthie, Netflix ANZ Content Director.

She continued, “This is a bold, propulsive story of power, class and family set against the opulent world of a luxury ski town, and we can’t wait for our members to fall in love with this series the way we have. Along with a terrific screen sector, and with support from the New Zealand Film Commission and the Screen Production Rebate, we’re delighted that this production is creating opportunities for local crew, businesses and emerging talent while bringing this story to life.”

In addition to Stears, Matterson, Doherty and Ivin, Jeremy Platt (Hap and  Leonard) and Erika North (Serangoon Road) also executive produce. Mel Turner, Ricci Swart, Andrew Low, John Hamm and John Wynn co-executive produce. Axel Paton serves as co-producer. The production companies are Silent Firework and Runaway Unicorn.

Sewell is repped by CAA; O’Connor is repped by WME, Shanahan Management, and The Artists Partnership; Debnam-Carey is repped by Gersh, Management 360, United Management (Australia) and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller; Tuhaka is repped by Lion Rock Management and Brave Artists Management.

Stearns is represented by Untitled and Myman Greenspan Fox; Ivin is represented by Independent Talent Group and HLA Management; Liang is represented by CAA, Untitled, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.

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