Prime Video, BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand and Bunya Entertainment have announced The Australia Office, with her first-ever female lead in the iconic role, comedian Felicity Ward.
Australia office will launch exclusively in 2024 on Prime Video globally (excluding the United States).
In Australia office, Hannah Howard is the managing director of packaging company Flinley Craddick. When she learns from head office that they are going to close her branch and have everyone work from home, she goes into survival mode, making promises she can’t keep in order to keep her “work family” together. The Flinley Craddick staff pleases her and must endure Hannah’s wacky plots as they work towards the impossible goals set for them.
With its universal appeal and related office dilemmas, Office saw remakes in countries like India, France, and Poland. This Australian version will be his 13th adaptation.
Ricky Gervais, co-creator, co-writer and star of Office, said: “I’m very excited for Australia to do my little turn-of-the-century show again. Office politics has changed quite a bit in 20 years, so I can’t wait to see how they navigate a modern-day David Brent.
Production on the eight-part Australian Amazon Original series will begin in Sydney in June, with filming expected to take place over eight weeks. In addition to Felicity Ward, Australia office stars Edith Poor, Steen Raskopoulos, Shari Sebbens, Josh Thomson, Jonny Brugh, Pallavi Sharda, Susan Ling Young, Raj Labade, Lucy Schmitt and Firass Dirani.
“It is an honor to continue the international comedy legacy of Office locally while introducing new quintessentially Australian characters. We can’t wait for the public to meet Hannah Howard, the first female boss Office format explored,” said Sarah Christie, head of development at Prime Video Australia.
Australia office is co-produced by BBC Studios ANZ, Bunya Entertainment and Amazon Studios, produced by Julie De Fina (Aftertaste), Jackie van Beek (Naked Tuesday, What We Do In The Shadows, Wellington Paranormal), and Kylie Washington, with lead producers Sophia Zachariou (Butterfly Effect), Linda Micsko (Disappointment), and Greer Simpkin (Mysterious road, in limbo). Van Beek serves as senior director of set-up with De Fina as head writer. Christian Van Vuuren (A sunburnt Christmas) and Jesse Griffin will also direct the series.
“Office has connected with audiences around the world because everyone recognizes their own David Brent, and now it’s Australia’s turn,” said Kylie Washington, Managing Director and Creative Director, Production, BBC ANZ Studios. “We thought the world was ready for a lovable, flawed boss, ruling over her packaging empire in Australia office.”