Stan today announced that production has commenced on the four-part Stan Original Careless, a gripping and provocative thriller produced in association with Channel 4, Nine Network, All3Media International and Screen Scotland, supported by Screen NSW, and led by Solly McLeod (House of the Dragon), Robyn Malcolm (After The Party), Katie Leung (Bridgerton) and Richard Roxburgh (Rake).
From creators Helen Fitzgerald (author of The Cry) and Louise Fox (Broadchurch) and produced by Easy Tiger Productions and Synchronicity Films, the Stan Original Careless will also star Mabel Li (The Testaments), Thomas Weatherall (The Narrow Road To The Deep North) and Alison Peebles (Dept. Q).
Nine Entertainment’s Executive Director, Entertainment Content Commissioning, Michael Healy said: “Careless is a riveting and relentlessly compelling thriller. We’re excited to collaborate once again with Easy Tiger Productions and Synchronicity Films, whose creative excellence brought us Scrublands, Doctor Doctor, and The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Anchored by a remarkable cast, the Stan Original Careless is exceptional storytelling and we look forward to sharing this series with viewers soon.”
Polly Scates, Head of Acquisitions at Channel 4, said: “Careless has all the ingredients of a great psychological thriller – a pacy script, layered characters, and plenty of menace and intrigue. But it also shines a light on how people can be failed by the very systems meant to protect them, and I think this combination will appeal to our viewers. We feel privileged to be working with such an exceptional cast and creative team… and of course getting Robyn Malcolm back on the channel was a no brainer.”
Ian Collie and Rob Gibson, founder and CEO of Easy Tiger respectively, said: “From the seed of the idea over a random London lunch with author Helen Fitzgerald to its evolution as a compelling psychosexual thriller, it has been our privilege and joy to support the talented writing team of Lou Fox and Christian White and the brilliant direction of Stevie Cruz-Martin and her gifted cast and crew. Big shout out to our Scottish co producer partners Synchronicity, producer Angela Littlejohn and to Stan, Channel Four, All3Media International, Screen NSW, and Screen Scotland.”
Claire Mundell, Founder and Creative Director of Synchronicity Films, said: “Careless is exactly the kind of bold, emotionally complex storytelling that Synchronicity is passionate about championing and it’s a co-pro with our favourite territory- Australia! Louise and Helen have created a provocative, character-led thriller that asks difficult questions about power, intimacy and trust, and we’re thrilled to be bringing it to the screen with such outstanding creative partners. Working alongside our partners Stan, Channel 4, All3, Screen Scotland, and Easy Tiger, and filming in Glasgow and Sydney.”
Maartje Horchner, EVP Content, All3Media International, said:“A dream collaboration between Synchronicity and Easy Tiger – an exciting glossy thriller with an amazing cast in the most beautiful locations.
Working with Claire, Ian and Rob has been a delight, they are a creative force and we – with partners Stan and Channel 4 are eager for the content they make together.”
Screen NSW Acting Executive Director, Karla Lampe said: “Easy Tiger continue to deliver high quality Australian projects. With a standout creative team, including NSW based co-creator and writer Louise Fox and director Stevie Cruz-Martin, Careless promises to be a compelling series with strong appeal for audiences locally and internationally. It’s great to welcome another high-end Australian screen project to our state, and with the support of the Made in NSW – TV Drama Fund, Careless is set to create over 450 jobs in NSW.”
Kieran Hannigan, Head of Scripted at Screen Scotland, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to support Claire and the team at Synchronicity Films in Glasgow to deliver another incredibly strong Scottish/Australian co-production. Just like the international hit, that was The Cry, we know Careless is sure to have audiences hooked.”
About Careless:
When Scottish backpacker Robbie (Solly McLeod) finds himself in Sydney, he is determined to become a live-in carer for a notorious rock’n’roll legend, Mike (Richard Roxburgh), who has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. To his delight, he nails the interview and gets the gig.
But, as he grows closer to Mike, he also grows closer to Mike’s wife Angela (Robyn Malcolm), and becomes a confidante to both Mike and Angela. As Robbie integrates himself further in their relationship, it becomes clear there’s something in Robbie’s past which may put Mike and Angela in serious danger.
The Stan Original Careless is written by Louise Fox (Glitch) (Episodes 1,2 and 4) and Christian White (Relic) (Episode 3), directed by Stevie Cruz-Martin (Safe Home) and produced by Easy Tiger (Colin From Accounts) and Synchronicity Films (Tattooist of Auschwitz, a Sky and Stan Original).
Produced by Angela Littlejohn with Ian Collie and Rob Gibson as Executive Producers for Easy Tiger, alongside Claire Mundell and Deanne Cunningham who are Executive Producers for Synchronicity. Louise Fox and Adrian Burns are also Executive Producers. International sales for the series will be handled by All3Media International, with major production investment from Screen Scotland’s Broadcast Content Fund and Screen NSW’s Made in NSW TV Drama Fund. Stan Executive Producers are Michael Healy and Andy Ryan, Polly Scates has pre-bought the series for Channel 4, and Kieran Hannigan executive produces for Screen Scotland.
