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Stan announces new Ludo Studio series Thou Shalt Not Steal for South Australia
30 August 2023
Australian streamer Stan and Screen Australia have today announced a new Stan Original series from multi-Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning Ludo Studio (Bluey) has been commissioned for production in South Australia, with the support of the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC).
Directed by AACTA Award-winning filmmaker Dylan River (Mystery Road: Origin, Robbie Hood) who also serves as co-creator alongside AACTA Award-winning executive producer Tanith Glynn-Maloney (Finding Jedda, She Who Must Be Loved, Robbie Hood), Thou Shalt Not Steal is an eight-episode road series set in Central and South Australia in the 1980s.
On a search for the truth behind a mysterious family secret, Robyn, a young Aboriginal delinquent, escapes from detention and reluctantly teams up with awkward teenager Gidge. Together they flee her small central desert community on a perilous journey across the outback, finding answers and learning some hard life lessons along the way. Hot on their heels are Maxine, a sex trafficker whose taxi Robyn stole, and Gidge’s domineering father Robert, a fraudulent preacher.
Commissioned by Stan and distributed by DCD Rights, Thou Shalt Not Steal has received major production investment from Screen Australia with support from the South Australian Film Corporation, Screen Territory and by Screen Queensland’s Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) Incentive. Developed with assistance of Stan and Screen Australia, the series is executive produced for Ludo Studio by Charlie Aspinwall and Daley Pearson (Bluey, Robbie Hood), alongside producer Sam Moor (Bluey).
Stan announced the new series today as part of a slate announcement of three new Stan Original Series alongside Exposure, a mystery-thriller set in coastal New South Wales and Invisible Boys, based on the LGBTQIA+ novel set in the regional town of Geraldton, Western Australia.
Stan Chief Content Officer Cailah Scobie said: “Bound to captivate a diverse range of Australian audiences, these three new Stan Original Series highlight our strong commitment to invest in local content that champions Australian voices and narratives. These unique dramas have attracted prestigious international partners – DCD Rights, All3Media International and Banijay Rights – signifying the global reach and relevance of Stan Original content. We are thankful to the Australian writers, directors, producers and filmmakers involved in the projects, and the ongoing support of Screen Australia, alongside our other key partners Screen NSW, Screenwest, Lotterywest, the WA Regional Screen Fund, Screen Territory and the South Australian Film Corporation.”
Screen Australia Head of Content Grainne Brunsdon said: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the power of Australian storytelling! We’re thrilled to partner once again with Stan to invest in Australian storytelling with these three compelling series. Each of these projects represents the rich tapestry of our local talent and narratives, and we are incredibly proud to support them. The collaboration between Stan, Screen Australia, and our state funding partners demonstrates a collective commitment to championing authentic and original storytelling. We look forward to seeing these series captivate audiences both locally and on a global scale, showcasing the depth and creativity of our local screen industry.”
South Australian Film Corporation CEO Kate Croser said: “The SAFC is delighted to welcome Stan back to South Australia for Thou Shalt Not Steal, the latest exciting series to come from our successful production partnership following international hit series The Tourist and feature films Gold and A Sunburnt Christmas. We are pleased to welcome multi-Emmy Award winning Ludo Studio to the state as they establish their production base for the series here in Adelaide, bringing with them the exceptional talents of NT writer/director/producer team Dylan River and Tanith Glynn-Maloney. This thrilling new First Nations-led production will take advantage of iconic road trip locations through the central corridor of Australia, showcasing some of South Australia’s stunning Outback landscapes.”
Read the full announcement from Stan here.