The Seven Network, Screen Australia and Every Cloud Productions today announced that Ms Fisher’s MODern Murder Mysteries, a glamorous new television series set in swinging 60’s Melbourne, will go into production in October.
Ms Fisher’s MODern Murder Mysteries is the spin-off from one of Australia’s most loved and successful television series, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.
Set in 1964, audiences will meet the gorgeously reckless Peregrine Fisher who inherits a windfall when the famous aunt she never knew goes missing over the highlands of New Guinea. Peregrine must prove herself brilliant enough to become a world class private detective in her own right.
The series is created by Every Cloud Productions’ Deb Cox and Fiona Eagger.
“We’re very excited to tell our legion of Australian and international fans that we’re expanding the world of Miss Fisher into the fabulous era of the 1960s. The series will be full of the usual three F’s our fans have come to expect - feminism, fashion and fun!” Fiona says.
“Ms Fisher, next generation,will be as glamorous as her aunt, brandishing her signature pearl-handled pistol and bantering endlessly with the main man in her life - but her stylish apartment, her sleek sports-car and her cutting-edge wardrobe have certainly moved with the times,” Deb Cox adds.
Author of the original Phryne Fisher Books, Kerry Greenwood, is delighted. “To see fabulous Phryne inspire a whole new generation of murder mysteries and for the Fisher family to expand in this way gives our lovely fans even more of what they crave. The 1960’s was another decade of exciting change for women and we’re all in for a real treat,” she says.
Head of Production at Screen Australia, Sally Caplan said: “The Miss Fisher TV Series has had extraordinary success with international sales in over 170 territories. Recent data published by Screen Australia shows the first two series of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries attracted the second and third most returns for dramas that Screen Australia invested in for 2017.
“It’s fantastic to see such a clever reimagining of this popular series involving strong female characters, which will appeal to a highly engaged fan base and will be driven by a talented female creative team. I look forward to seeing director, Fiona Banks, and producers Fiona Eagger, Deb Cox (also writing) and Beth Frey, bring to life the action-packed world of 1960s Melbourne and our new heroine Peregrine Fisher.”
Maartje Horchner, EVP Content at all3media international, said: “all3media international are thrilled to be involved in the new Ms Fisher venture Ms Fisher MODern Murder Mysteries. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Every Cloud on this brand for more than eight years now and we look forward to continuing our collaboration for many years to come. We believe the international fans will embrace the vibrant character of Peregrine Fisher.”
Victoria’s Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley said: “The Miss Fisher story is a thrilling tale, both on screen and off - one that features Victorian creativity every step of the way. From the books by Victoria’s own Kerry Greenwood to the much loved locally-made series, it’s connected our creative industries with a global audience. We are very proud to support this production, which continues the tradition, and will bring an exciting new chapter of this story to the screen.”
Later this year, the feature film Miss Fisher & The Crypt of Tears, set in 1929 and starring Essie Davis, the star of the original Miss Fisher series, will also go into production.
Information from the 2019 Upfronts
Geraldine Hakewill ( Wanted ), Joel Jackson ( Peter Allen: Not The Boy Next Door, Deadline Gallipoli ) and Catherine McClements ( Wentworth ) headline this spin-off of one of Australia’s most loved and successful series. Set in swinging ’60s Melbourne, Hakewill portrays the gorgeously reckless Peregrine Fisher who inherits a windfall when the famous aunt she never knew, Phryne Fisher, goes missing over the highlands of New Guinea. Detective James Steed (Jackson) is a smart, ambitious cop constantly hamstrung by the rigid leadership of his immoral boss but respectful of the hierarchy. Instantly attracted to Peregrine, he’s dazzled by her audacity and often drawn into her mad plans. With a mind like a steel trap, and ex-member of WW2 Special Forces, Birdie (McClements) is the ‘M’ of The Adventuresses’ operation and club president. A tough woman of high expectations, she recognises the ’60s are changing and they need new blood – but having Peregrine under her wing is also a way of staying connected to the old friend she misses desperately.
That’s a good link with some good details about the premise of the show.
Has Catherine Clements done nothing since Wentworth? She was only in the first episode
She was a regular in Sisters last year.
According to Seven’s Director of Network Programming, Angus Ross it will be in Q1, as 4 x 2 hour telemovies.
Geraldine wrote on her Instagram last night:
I’m overwhelmed and over the moon to be joining the Fisher family, and I feel deeply honoured to be leading Miss Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries. I only hope I can carry on the family legacy with an ounce of Essie Davis’s charm. I can’t wait for the world to meet Peregrine Fisher and to fall in love with her as much as I have. Also, working alongside @joeljacksonofficial Catherine McClements @louloumig @tobytruslove @katiearobertson Greg Stone and the whole cast, crew and creative team is a dream come true. I’m one lucky lady, and I hope people enjoy it as much as we think you will!
Family Legacy? It’s fiction FFS.
You can have a fictional legacy.
Well, I have.
This show sounds promising with a great cast, would’ve preferred one hour episodes.
Definitely looking forward to this show in 2019.
Same here. I don’t understand Seven’s obsession with double episodes and movie length episodes. People have shorter attention spans these days and a lot of fans of this type of show don’t stay up late. If Seven pushes the start time to 8.40, 8.45, 9pm then they’re not going to stay up late for it.
Many viewers find the ads off putting as well. Over one hour it’s tolerable, not quite so over two. I also think that a lot of 2 hour shows have too much padding.
Further cast members revealed.
Yep. A constant peeve of mine. The old saying “less is more” applies.
I’d say most of these movie length ones are done as a work around to get government funding. It’s cheeky, but I guess it works. Still a shame the TV drama industry has been relegated to this though, and we no longer have any long-form prime time Australian drama.
Seven have started advertising. Saw a 1 minute ad last night. Looks very good.
Let’s hope that 7 doesn’t overpromote it for months on end. That seems to turn many people off.
I saw the Coming in 2019 promo last night straight after Blake Mysteries looks really good.
I’m definitely looking forward to watching this show next year.
Here is the promo. I have to say it looks good!