Asher Keddie and Richard Roxburgh to star in new SBS drama The Hunting

Seven-time Logie winner Asher Keddie (, ) and AACTA / Logie winner Richard Roxburgh (, ) lead an ensemble cast in the new four-part SBS original drama The Hunting, which goes into production tomorrow in Adelaide.

Joining these screen icons are Sam Reid (, ), Jessica De Gouw (Arrow, ), Luca Sardelis (, ), Yazeed Daher (, ), and newcomers Kavitha Anandasivam and Alex Cusack. Rounding out this superb ensemble are Pamela Rabe (), Leah Vandenberg (), Rodney Afif (), Sachin Joab () Elena Carapetis () and Anni Lindner ().

Produced by Closer Productions for SBS, with major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the South Australian Film Corporation, The Hunting intimately and dramatically imagines the lives of four teenagers, their teachers and families throughout the lead up, revelation and aftermath of a nude teen photo scandal.

When two high school teachers discover students are sharing explicit photos of their underage friends and peers online, the revelation has unbearable consequences for the students and their families. Tackling themes of misogyny, privacy, sexuality and sexualisation, online exploitation, toxic masculinity and gender, the series uses this singular event as a way of exploring some of the most pressing issues of our time and offering a vital portrait of modern, multicultural Australia.

SBS Director of Television and Online Content, Marshall Heald said:

“SBS is committed to telling stories that spark debate and drive understanding about some of the uncomfortable and often untold realities impacting contemporary Australia. The Hunting joins SBS’s critically acclaimed slate of local dramas, including Safe Harbour, and as an intense and compelling series that delves into what is arguably one of the biggest issues of our ‘social media era’ – cyberbullying.

“We are delighted to be partnering with the hugely talented team at Closer Productions, who bring their impressive film and television credentials to this new series.”

Producer/ Director Sophie Hyde said:

“With The Hunting we explore teens using technology within sexual context and reframe the conversation to be about trust and consent, considering how we are culturally responsible and exploring how we all navigate this. As co-creator and producer of the show I couldn’t be more delighted to work with our skilled, empathetic team and partners to tell this story, and to be joined in directing by Ana Kokkinos, a filmmaking hero of mine, who brings her considerable skills and talent to this vital work.”

Director Ana Kokkinos said:

“This is a powerful, thought-provoking story, imbued with complex characters, and drama with big ideas and questions. It is exciting to be working with such high calibre experienced actors as well as talented newcomers, who between them all, reflect the rich cultural diversity of our society.”

Screen Australia’s Head of Production, Sally Caplan said:

“Directors Ana Kokkinos and Sophie Hyde are two filmmakers at the top of their game. This pair have proven their ability to bring challenging themes to screen audiences and this new series told from the perspective of high school girls from diverse cultural backgrounds will offer an important insight into current social and ethical issues facing our society.”

South Australian Film Corporation’s Head of Production, Development, Attraction and Studios, Amanda Duthie added:

“Congratulations to Closer for achieving the first network-commissioned primetime long-form drama fully created in South Australia. In telling this timely story they have attracted outstanding cast, crew and creatives to the production, and with a 60 per cent female representation.”

The Hunting is created by Sophie Hyde (, ) and Matthew Cormack (52 Tuesdays, ), directed by Ana Kokkinos (, ) and Sophie Hyde, and produced by Rebecca Summerton (Animals, F*!#ing Adelaide), Sophie Hyde and Lisa Scott (, ). The series is written by Matthew Cormack and Niki Aken (, Janet King), executive produced by Sue Masters (SBS). Director of Photography is Bonnie Elliott (, ) and Editor is Bryan Mason (Animals, 52 Tuesdays).

The Hunting is a Closer Productions production for SBS, with major production investment from SBS and Screen Australia, in association with the South Australian Film Corporation. International sales are handled by DCD Rights.

The Hunting will premiere on SBS and SBS On Demand later in 2019.