“Strife” is the latest commission from Foxtel’s entertainment streaming service Binge.
The series is based on the memoir of media identity, entrepreneur and founder of Mamamia Mia Freedman, “Work Strife Balance”, first published in 2017.
The comedy drama series will tell the story of a modern, imperfect woman and publisher named Evelyn Jones, played by Asher Keddie, who moves from lounge room blogger to one of the most influential forces in women’s media.
Screenwriter Sarah Scheller (“The Letdown”) wrote the series, while Made Up Stories will be responsible for production in 2023. Producers Bruna Papandrea, Jodi Matterson and Steve Hutensky will work alongside Keddie, Scheller and Freedman.
Producer and founder of Made Up Stories Papandrea said: “I have been privileged to bring many incredible stories to the screen, from bases around the world but Australia is my home, and I am passionate about telling our stories – Australian stories – and so thrilled to be working with the Foxtel Group on this new original for Binge.
“We have assembled an incredible team to bring this project to life, including the amazing Asher Keddie, who is both our series’ star and producing partner, the brilliant Sarah Scheller who leads the writer’s room and will be our showrunner and the awesome Mia Freedman whose compelling memoir and trail-blazing career is the inspiration for this series.”
Alison Hurbert-Burns, executive director of Binge, said “Strife” is a story full of heart and humour which she can’t wait to bring to viewers next year.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with such a formidable force in Bruna Papandrea and Made Up Stories – a production company that champions women on and off screen throughout the world, the incredible Asher Keddie, and of course Mia Freedman, who has been a strong inspiration for this series,” she said.
The series will be made in partnership with Fifth Season, which will also handle international distribution.
President of TV distribution at the global studio, Prentiss Fraser, said: “We are delighted to join our partners at Made Up Stories on our first drama series commission with the ideal collaborators, the Foxtel Group. “Strife” is a timely and relatable series inspired by Mia Freedman’s powerful memoir and showcases Australia’s best creative talents in front of and behind the camera.”
