The Postcard Bandit

[TV.Cynic]

BINGE COMMISSIONS DOCUMENTARY BASED ON INFAMOUS BANK ROBBER BRENDEN ABBOTT

BINGE announces the commission of a new documentary series THE POSTCARD BANDIT a 2 x 1-hour documentary series which follows the true story of infamous bank robber Brenden Abbott (AKA ‘Postcard Bandit’), whose plea for an early release from prison after serving 28 years behind bars is before the supreme court of Western Australia.

THE POSTCARD BANDIT lifts the balaclava on Australia’s most notorious criminal mastermind – from 1962 up to the present day. This cinematic, fast-paced and compelling true crime series reflects on the petty teenage thief who became the felon who charmed Australia and outwitted the police until the day he was caught (and after).

Abbott is the longest serving prisoner in Australia not convicted of murder, with his release still to be determined after 28 years in jail.

THE POSTCARD BANDIT announcement comes after previously announced 6 x 1-hour crime drama series RUN, based on Brenden Abbott, and which stars George Mason (The Power of the Dog, The Survivors), Robyn Malcolm (After The Party, The Survivors), Ashleigh Cummings (Citadel, Long Bright River, Hounds of Love) and Keiynan Lonsdale *(Swift Street, The Flash),*meaning viewers will get the ultimate deep dive into one of the country’s most legendary criminal sagas.

Howard Myers-Rifai, Executive Producer and Head of Unscripted, Foxtel Group, said: “From heists to escapes and the personal lives of those caught in the crossfire, this documentary

series is the most unbelievable true crime story brought to life. Producing a premium true crime series alongside the scripted series*,* we will give viewers an in-depth account of Abbott’s life and outrageous escapades, insight into the mind of a criminal, as well as the price he paid personally and for the people and loved ones left behind.”

Johnny Lowry, Head of Original Content, WBITVP Australia, said, “This is one of the most extraordinary and gripping true crime stories in Australian history, and with our unparalleled access, it’s set to be an unforgettable documentary series. We’ll take viewers on a fast-paced journey into Abbott’s life of crime, whilst also exploring the ongoing ramifications on himself and his family.”

Commissioned by the Foxtel Group, the 2 x 1-hour documentary series is produced by WBITVP Australia. Produced and directed by Stephen McCallum. Executive Producers are

Johnny Lowry and Tom Rohr, WBITVP Australia and Howard Myers-Rifai, The Foxtel Group.

[TV.Cynic]

Official trailer released for BINGE Original Documentary Series The Postcard Bandit

The Postcard Bandit | Official Trailer | New Documentary Series | January 7 | BINGE

BINGE today released the trailer for original documentary series THE POSTCARD BANDIT that follows the true story of the man behind the myth of ‘The Postcard Bandit’, Brenden Abbott premiering Wednesday 7 January on BINGE.

THE POSTCARD BANDIT is the adrenaline-charged true story of Brenden Abbott, Australia’s most notorious bank robber who held up over forty banks, escaped from maximum security prison twice, spent nearly six years on the run and made off with an estimated $5 million in cash covering his early years to present day.

This compelling true crime series offers unprecedented access and exclusive footage of Abbott, marking the very first time he has spoken about his exploits and features candid interviews with individuals on both sides of the law who crossed his path, close family members impacted by his actions, and eyewitnesses to his incredible story. It meticulously examines each pivotal moment, from his ingenious escapes to his multiple bank robberies.

At its core, the documentary explores the complex relationship between Abbott and his son, James, who has known his infamous father only through prison bars. After three decades behind bars, Brenden Abbott remains Australia’s longest-serving prisoner not convicted of murder.

THE POSTCARD BANDIT follows the premiere of the dramatisation of the unbelievable true story BINGE Original RUN a 6-part scripted series which stars George Mason (The Power of the Dog, The Survivors), Robyn Malcolm (After The Party, The Survivors), Ashleigh Cummings (Citadel, Long Bright River, Hounds of Love) and Keiynan Lonsdale (Swift Street, The Flash), giving viewers an all-encompassing view of the master criminal eluding police and escaping maximum security prison.

Commissioned by the Foxtel Group, THE POSTCARD BANDIT is a 2 x 1-hour documentary series produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia. Produced and directed by Stephen McCallum. Executive Producers are Johnny Lowry, Tom Rohr and Greg Swanborough, WBITVP Australia and Howard Myers-Rifai, The Foxtel Group.

[JohnsonTV]

James Manning’s interview with Foxtel Group’s head of unscripted originals Howard Myers-Rifai, on the making of The Postcard Bandit and Run.

Notorious bank robber fails to gain release in time for his big Foxtel premiere

Some of the most compelling footage in The Postcard Bandit are the video discussions Brenden Abbott has with his son James as the two discuss legal maneuvers to have him freed.

“In the first episode the story we’re telling is a story of a father and son, and the estranged and strange relationship that they’ve had to deal with for all those years that Brenden’s been in prison.”

Myers-Rifai added the production was conscious not to glamourise Abbott as any Ned Kelly or Robin Hood-like character.

“In episode two we follow the policeman’s perspectives on what Abbott did and then beyond.

“When you make these kinds of documentaries, you have to stay removed enough to have perspective for all sides of the story. But you can’t help but feel the emotional response for a son who’s never really known his father and for somebody who says that he’s paid his dues and spent more than the time that he feels is correct for the punishment he deserves.”