Amazon’s Prime Video has unveiled six new Australian Amazon Originals, which will hit the service in 2023.
In total, nine new Australian Amazon Originals will be released in 2023, taking its total since launch to 23.
The global streaming giant said its biggest ever local content slate underlines its commitment to the Australian production sector.
Hushidar Kharas, head of Prime Video Australia and New Zealand, said: “Prime Video is proud to announce that 2023 will be the biggest year for launching Australian content to local and international customers, with a record nine new Australian Amazon Originals launching next year.
“We continue to be incredibly focused on investing in and developing the world’s best talent, to deliver the highest quality content for our Prime Video customers in Australia and around the world.”
One of the new commissions announced on Tuesday night was Season 2 of “The Test”, produced by Amazon Studios, Cricket Australia and Whooshka Media. The documentary will show an “intimate side” to the Australian men’s cricket team as they strive to be the best in the world.
Another documentary coming to Prime Video in 2023 is “Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles“, a feature-length offering which will chart the band’s rise, evolution and re-emergence into the cultural zeitgeist.
The next title announced was also a documentary, “Dance Life“. The five-part series will give a sneak-peek behind the curtain of the Australian dance institution, Brent Street.
“The Defenders“, meanwhile”, is a feature-length documentary telling the true story of how Hakeem al-Araibi, a Bahraini footballer turned political refugee, was arrested while on his honeymoon in Thailand under an invalid Interpol warrant.
“Hugh van Cuylenberg G.E.M.”, will see van Culyenberg share stories, tips and research for positive mental health and resilience across a 90-minute special.
And finally, there will be a series of five stand-up specials from Dave ‘Hughesy’ Hughes, Tommy Little, Lizzy Hoo, Joel Creasey and Rhys Nicholson.
The six new content offerings from Prime Video join the list of those already announced for 2023, “Class of ’07”, “Deadloch” and “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart”.
Tyler Bern, head of content for Prime Video Australia, New Zealand and Canada, said: “Prime Video has announced 23 Australian Amazon Original commissions since 2019. We have been actively developing, commissioning and acquiring local projects, and we are thrilled that our Australian customers are connecting with our local content.
“From world-famous musicians with legions of fans, like The Wiggles, to the gripping story of refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi, and the Australian cricket team back for “The Test” Season 2, 2023 will showcase a diverse breadth of stories we have to tell here in Australia.”
The announcement of local content comes amidst a war of words between industry body Screen Producers Australia (SPA) and a number of the streaming giants over local streaming quotas and the streaming giants’ obligations when it comes to serving the local sector.