“Paper Dolls” has revealed its ensemble cast as filming kicks off.
The eight-part scripted drama is based on a concept created by Belinda Chapple. It takes place during the cusp of the new millennium, when five aspiring singers are brought together on a music reality television show “Pop Rush” to form the band Harlow.
Chapple herself found fame on “Popstars” in 1999, ultimately becoming part of a female pop group known as Bardot.
“Paper Dolls” will feature Emalia (“Australian Gangster”), Naomi Sequeira (“Evermoor Chronicles”), Miah Madden (“Redfern Now”), Courtney Clarke (“Last King of The Cross”) and Courtney Monsma (“Frozen The Musical”) as the five band members.
It will be executive produced by Chapple and Mark Fennessy (“Last King of The Cross”) from Helium Pictures. Jessica Carrera (“Seriously Red”) and Kerrie Mainwaring (“Bali 2002”) are producers.
The show will screen on Paramount ANZ’s Network 10 and 10 Play.
Sophie Mogford, executive producer of drama and comedy at Paramount ANZ, said the show is going to be groundbreaking.
“Australians are going to love this premium drama that highlights what goes on behind the scenes in the making of a girl pop group,” she said.
“It is a fascinating and extraordinary insight which pulls back the showbiz curtain to reveal the dark side of fame. With a stellar ensemble cast of fresh new talent, we can’t wait for audiences to watch “Paper Dolls”.”
Producer Carrera added: “With an assembly of so many bright creative talents and brilliant music, we are thrilled to introduce audiences to the nostalgic Y2K world of “Paper Dolls”. The series charts the euphoria and complexity of striving for pop stardom, while asking the question: How far would you go to get to the top?”
The production had major investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen NSW.
Screen Australia’s COO, Michael Brealey, said: “We’re pleased to support this talented creative team who has crafted an intriguing and gritty drama. Celebrating the nostalgia of pop music and the search for talent on reality TV, this series is set to engage audiences, taking them behind closed doors of the music industry.”