Amazon ups local investment with new Original AFL production

Mariam Cheik-Hussein
By Mariam Cheik-Hussein | 17 June 2020
 
Eddie Betts

Amazon is boosting its investment in the Australian market with the production of a new AFL doco-series.

The Australian Original will follow six icons in the AFL, including players, coaches and administrators, through the unprecedented 2020 season which was abruptly halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, the show will be available on Prime Video in 2021 across Australia and more than 200 countries and territories around the world. The series, which is yet to be titled, is the fifth Australian Original that Amazon has commissioned since first starting local productions in 2019.

“We are thrilled to be adding another Australian Amazon Original to our growing lineup for Prime members in Australia and around the world”, says James Farrell, VP of International Originals at Amazon Studios.

“We’ve been investing in Australian content for several years, and are excited to add to that momentum with this exciting project.”

Amazon Prime Video is working with the AFL and JAM TV Australia for the series that will follow icons including Eddie Betts, Rory Sloane, Nic Naitanui, Stephen Coniglio, Peggy O’Neal and Stuart Dew. The AFL is hoping the series will help attract new audiences to the code, while also engaging existing loyal fans.

“Amazon Prime Video’s ability to tell stories and take fans behind the curtain is unprecedented in global sport and the AFL is proud to partner with Prime Video to showcase our game to the world,” says Darren Birch, AFL general manager for growth, digital and audience.

“We are facing unprecedented times in the history of our league, and to be able to document how it unfolds through the lens of some of our competition’s most influential and important figures will be something we look forward to bringing to life.”

The series will join the four other Original shows, including a cricket production The Test: A New Era for Australia’s Team, a comedy series LOL: Last One Laughing Australia with Rebel Wilson and the drama series Back to The Rafters.

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