Binge commissions drama series about Aussie bank robber Brendan Abbott

Oscar Redding, left, with George Mason as Brenden Abbott

John Platt

Foxtel-owned Australian streamer Binge has commissioned a drama series about infamous Aussie bank robber Brendan Abbott, aka the Postcard Bandit.

Abbott committed a string of bank robberies in the 1980s and, with the exception of inmates convicted of murder, is currently the longest serving prisoner in Australia. The series is based on Derek Pedley’s book Australian Outlaw – The True Story of Postcard Bandit Brenden Abbott.

The 6×60’ as-yet-untitled crime drama is set in the 80s and 90s and features George Mason (The Power of the Dog, The Survivors) as Abbott. Robyn Malcolm (After the Party, The Survivors), Ashleigh Cummings (Citadel, Long Bright River, Hounds of Love) and Keiynan Lonsdale (Swift Street, The Flash) also join the cast.

Warner Bros International Television Production (WBITVP) Australia is producing, with investment from Screenwest and the Western Australian Production Attraction Incentive. ITV Studios is distributing the series internationally.

Filming has begun in Western Australia, with Ben Young (Hounds of Love, The Twelve) and Bonnie Moir (Exposure, Love Me) directing. Young also serves as executive producer, along with Michael Brooks (The Twelve, How to Make Gravy), Foxtel’s director of scripted originals Lana Greenhalgh and Penny Win.

WBITVP Australia’s head of scripted Hamish Lewis is producing, alongside series producer Matt Noonan (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Beyond Goodbye).

The writing team is led by writer and script producer Sarah Walker (The Secrets She Keeps, The Twelve), Matt Cameron (The Clearing, Jack Irish), Scout Cripps and Anthony Hayes.