The Set Up, the recently-announced TV venture from Bruna Papandrea’s Made Up Stories and Alison Hurbert-Burns, has today announced it will adapt Lisa Wilkinson’s bestselling historical non-fiction book, “The Titanic Story of Evelyn,” for the small screen.
Released in April of this year, the book tells the true story of the only Australian-born survivor of the Titanic.
Per the book synposis: “Born in rural South Australia, Evelyn was an accomplished horsewoman and a champion rower with an extraordinary sense of adventure. In her quest to see the world, Evelyn took up a role as a stewardess on ocean liners before meeting and falling madly in love with a handsome ships doctor, Dr William Abel James. When fate separates the couple and Evelyn boards the RMS Titanic alone for its maiden voyage, she applies her true Australian grit and courageously helps save the lives of many distressed passengers in the face of one of the greatest maritime tragedies the world has ever known.”
The acclaimed TV presenter and journalist said she is thrilled to team with Papandrea and Hurbert-Burns for the TV adaption.
“From ‘Big Little Lies’ to ‘Colin From Accounts,’ I’m a huge fan of their award-winning work, and I know that Bruna and Alison will be the very best team to bring Evelyn’s truly titanic story of adventure, heroism, tragedy and love-in-another-time, to the screen.”
Papandrea, Hurbert-Burns and Steve Hutensky added: “The power of Lisa Wilkinson as a storyteller and a trusted voice for Australians throughout her long and celebrated career is unmatched. She has done an incredible job of bringing Evelyn’s remarkable, previously untold story to life. It’s the Titanic as we’ve never seen it, told through Evelyn’s eyes and those of the many extraordinary women on that ship, with a beautiful love story at its heart. We’re excited to bring it to the screen.”
All three will produce the show, alongside Wilkinson, Nick Fordham and agent/producer Lee-Anne Higgins. A release date is yet to be confirmed.
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The Set Up launched this past August, with a key focus of packaging premium Australian series for broadcasters and streaming platforms around the world.
The company will bring together Australian stories, creative talent and financing with the aim of building series for both local and international audiences, while pursuing global co-productions and partnerships with broadcasters and platforms.
While Made Up Stories will continue developing its broader film and television slate with US and international partners, The Set Up will operate as a dedicated Australian venture, drawing on local creative and production talent, locations and production incentives.
Recent Made Up Stories projects include second seasons of “Nine Perfect Strangers” and “Strife” as well as “The Last Anniversary” and the film “Addiction”. Upcoming in 2026 is Peacock series “The Good Daughter”, the company’s second collaboration with author Karin Slaughter.