Canberra-based political thrillers to be adapted into TV miniseries

Chris Uhlmann and Steve Lewis’ political thriller The Marmalade Files, along with the newly released sequel The Mandarin Code (both HarperCollins), are being adapted into a TV mini-series by Matchbox Pictures and Foxtel.

The six-part TV series, to be called Secret City, is ‘set amidst rising tension between China and America’ and ‘follows Helen, a political journalist, who uncovers a conspiracy which leads her into the underground world of political deception with deadly consequences’. The series has received funding from Screen Australia and will be adapted by writers Belinda Chayko, Matt Cameron, Marieke Hardy, Alice Addison, Tommy Murphy, Kris Mrksa and Greg Waters, and producer Joanna Werner.

‘It’s incredibly exciting that The Marmalade Files and The Mandarin Code will be coming to life on the small screen,’ said HarperCollins publishing director Shona Martyn. ‘Enough of thrillers set in London, Berlin, Washington and cold Scandinavian wastes… this is Canberra’s moment in the spotlight. I can’t wait to see who they cast!’

Lewis said he and Uhlmann ‘have been working with scriptwriters from Matchbox Pictures for more than a year and believe they are developing a mini-series of international quality. And Foxtel has fast gained a reputation for making some of the best and most innovative drama produced in Australia.’

Tags: adaptationsscreenaustralia

Category: Local news