Screentime (Underbelly, Cloudstreet, Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms, Batavia) has acquired the rights to a biography of Gina Rinehart that it intends to turn into a six hour miniseries.
The production company says it has “strong broadcaster interest” in the project, based on Adele Ferguson’s best selling biography.
The script will be written by Michael Lucas (Not Suitable For Children, Offspring) from Ferguson’s biography, based on research and interviews with Rinehart’s colleagues, family, friends and former employees.
Screentime CEO Des Monaghan said: “We are delighted that we won the race to secure the rights to the story of Gina Rinehart and her father, who have fascinated Australia for decades.
“Adele is one of Australia’s most highly regarded writers, and her research, understanding and unprecedented access to those closest to the family, will give an insight and greater understanding of one of the most intriguing women in the world.”
No broadcaster is yet attached, but presumably it won’t be TEN given Rinehart is a network shareholder.
I understand Adele Ferguson’s biography was not authorised by Gina. She is a fearless litigator and likely to pursue any defamation issues. So the real story will never be told, just a rather sanitised version which will be far less interesting. Ten may baulk as she is on the Board. ABC will not want to alienate her given the Coalition will most likely be in power if it ever goes to air. Seven seems unlikely. Which leaves Nine. Six hours is far too long. Frankly just being rich isn’t enough. She’s not exactly Howard Hughes or Elizabeth 1!
@Nick – I assume that you intend for Lachy to play both Gina and Lang?
I think two actors will be needed to portray Gina Rinehart. Gina as a young girl looked totally different to Gina of today.
Aside from not being an actress…
Gee, I wonder what took them so long. This will be a doozy as long as they include everything. But Chrissie is way too pretty to play Gina.
Lachy Hulme?
Sacha Horler would do really well in this role. She is such a strong and versatile actor.
6 hours does seem a bit much when you look at the other feature pieces.
I’m guessing they’ll end up getting four hours max, shown in two parts.
@Codger – if they tell the story for how it is, i don’t think Gina comes across a terribly likeable or a good citizen.
The Rinehart/Hancock family saga would definitely make for compelling tv.
Lang made plenty of atrocious statements during his life, hopefully his influence will play into the series.
I wonder if Fairfax will serialize it in one of their publications?
Regardless if it debuts on Ten or not, it will no doubt receive rave reviews on the “Bolt Report”
How can you justify 6 hours on her when Bob Hawke only got 2?
Six hours??
This could be really good. Please cover everything – Lang, Rose, the white paper (including Lang’s plans to buy or start own tv channel/paper should a mining specific tx be introduced)
This is gonna be Brilliant!!
Time for fantasy casting. Rose Hancock is gonna be a tough one….
Just the placement of the Gina photo above the picture of the gorgeous Chrissie Swan on the homepage, it looks to me like she’d be a perfect fit to play Gina in the miniseries… Just an observation.. Adore Chrissie
Chrissie Swan to play Gina [wait,does Gina smoke ?]