As the glitter settles on Sydney WorldPride and the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, the ABC, Screen Australia and Screen Queensland are proud to announce In Our Blood – four-part musical drama series inspired by Australia’s radical response to AIDS in the early 1980’s, screens on ABC TV on Sunday 19 March 2023.
Starring an ensemble cast led by Tim Draxl (A Place to Call Home, Summer Love), Matt Day (Rake, Harrow), Jada Alberts (Mystery Road, The Stranger), Nicholas Brown (A Perfect Pairing, Christmas On The Farm), Anna McGahan (Spirited, House Husbands) and Oscar Leal (Bump, Black Snow), In Our Blood tells the story of people from politics, medicine and affected communities grappling separately with a terrifying new disease.
With no cure in sight, they realise they must all work together to succeed, requiring something truly radical: trust. In the face of moral crusaders and public panic, these courageous, disparate groups join forces to stop the spread of AIDS and save thousands of lives.
The series is written by Adriano Cappelleta, Jane Allen and Jonathan Gavin and produced by Hoodlum Entertainment. Fremantle are handling global distribution for the series.
“We are thrilled to be presenting this genre-defying take on an important and inspiring story,” said Sally Riley, ABC’ s Head of Drama, Entertainment and Indigenous.
“Produced by Hoodlum Entertainment and lead by an exciting ensemble cast including the superb Tim Draxl, Matt Day and Jada Alberts, we look forward to sharing this captivating series with ABC audiences off the back of our WorldPride programming,” said Riley.
“We are so excited to bring this ambitious and compelling musical drama to life,” said Hoodlum Entertainment’s CCO and series Executive Producer/Producer, Nathan Mayfield.
“Based on Adriano Cappelletta’s play and set against the backdrop of the anthemic songs of the time, In Our Blood is inspired by those in government, the LGBTQIA+ community, and benevolent supporters who together led the world in their response to AIDS in the 80s,” said Mayfield.
“Series creator and writer Adriano Cappelletta alongside writers Jane Allen and Jonathan Garvin have created a moving story of hope and how individuals have the power to make systemic change,” said Screen Australia’s Head of Content, Grainne Brunsdon.
“With Hoodlum Entertainment producing, this original and compelling story about a seminal moment in Australian history is set to inspire and resonate with audiences when it premieres on ABC,” said Brunsdon.
“Produced by Queensland-based Hoodlum Entertainment, In Our Blood follows a pivotal moment in Australia’s history, which had a significant impact on our country’s political landscape and the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Screen Queensland’s Chief Creative Officer Dr Belinda Burns.
“We are thrilled to support the production through Screen Queensland’s Screen Finance program, and look forward to seeing this important story come to life,” said Burns.
In Our Blood is a Hoodlum Entertainment production for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation & Fremantle. Major production investment from Screen Australia and the ABC. Financed with support from Screen Queensland. Distributed by Freemantle.
Executive Producers: Nathan Mayfield, Tracey Robertson, Tracey Vieira and Adriano Cappelletta. Co-Executive Producer: Jane Allen. Producers: Nathan Mayfield, Tracey Robertson and Tracey Vieira. Co-Producer: Ben McNeil. ABC Executive Producer: Sally Riley and Andrew Gregory. Directors: John Sheedy and Nick Verso.
In Our Blood screens on ABC TV and ABC iview on Sunday 19 March 2023 – 8.30pm (AEDT). For more information, visit: www.abc.net.au for details. Checkout the trailer here!
Image: In Our Blood stars Oscar Leal and Tim Draxl – courtesy of ABC TV