Phoebe Tonkin has landed the lead role in a new Australian TV crime drama series called “The Dark Lake.” Based on a novel by Sarah Bailey, the series will not only see Tonkin in front of the camera but also serve as one of its executive producers.
Produced by Brouhaha Entertainment, the Australia-U.K. production company headed by experienced producers Gabrielle Tana, Troy Lum, and Andrew Mason, “The Dark Lake” is set to captivate audiences with its intriguing storyline. Brouhaha Entertainment has recently delivered the popular Netflix series “Boy Swallows Universe,” which also features Tonkin.
While details about the production and financing remain undisclosed, the series has not yet announced its director or any broadcast or streaming partnerships. Nonetheless, fans can anticipate an enthralling narrative that follows Gemma, played by Tonkin, as she is assigned to investigate the murder of her high school nemesis in her small, close-knit hometown. Gemma’s pursuit of justice forces her to confront the secrets of her past, leading her on a path of redemption and self-discovery.
According to Brouhaha Entertainment, “The series investigates the moral workings of a grief-engulfed woman torn between the dedication to her work, the love for her son, and the temptation of her indulgences.”
“The Dark Lake” is an adaptation of Sarah Bailey’s debut novel, which shares the same title. The novel is the first book in “The Gemma Woodstock” series and received critical acclaim, winning both the 2018 Davitt Award for best crime debut and the 2018 Ned Kelly award for best first crime. Bailey has since written two additional books in the series, titled “Into the Night,” set in the dark alleyways of Melbourne, and “Where the Dead Go,” based in a small coastal community. Bailey is currently working on a fourth book in the series.
Bailey will collaborate closely on the adaptation with screenwriter Becca Johnstone, known for her work on the feature films “Addition” and “Ascent.” This collaboration ensures that the essence of Bailey’s writing will be preserved and translated seamlessly onto the screen.
Phoebe Tonkin is widely recognized for her performances in popular shows such as “The Vampire Diaries,” “Babylon,” and “Safe Harbour.” Her recent work in “Boy Swallows Universe,” where she portrays a mother and recovering drug addict, solidified her talent and range as an actress. According to Troy Lum, one of Brouhaha’s producers, Tonkin is the perfect fit for the character Gemma Woodstock, describing her as feisty, complex, and brilliant.
Tonkin herself expressed excitement about the project and the opportunity to continue her creative collaboration with the team behind “Boy Swallows Universe.” Her previous experience with the production company left a lasting impression, making her eager to embark on this new venture.
Brouhaha Entertainment, backed by U.K. investor Calculus Creative Entertainment, has been involved in various successful projects. They recently produced Karim Ainouz’s first English-language film, “Firebrand,” and are currently in post-production for “The Convert,” an action feature set in New Zealand and starring Guy Pearce.
“The Dark Lake” promises to be an enthralling crime drama that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. With Tonkin’s talent and the team behind Brouhaha Entertainment at the helm, this series is sure to make a lasting impact.
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