Screen Australia and Dynamic TV are excited to announce that Dark Mode, a new drama created by Anna Barnes and based on the novel of the same name by Ashley Kalagian Blunt, has been selected as a recipient of the Dynamic Television Scripted Initiative.
The project, from Wooden Horse and executive producers Jude Troy and Richard Finlayson (Mother & Son), will receive $100,000 in development funding ($50,000 from Screen Australia and $50,000 from Dynamic Television) to help bring the captivating story to life.
The Dynamic Television Scripted Initiative is a collaboration between Screen Australia and Los Angeles-based Dynamic Television designed to support distinctive scripted television projects with potential for global success. Dark Mode is the second project to be selected in the Initiative, with crime mystery series Fox Hunt, from writer/producer Nicole Delprado and producer Kate Separovich, announced in October 2024.
Dark Mode is a tech-thriller that follows Dr Reagan Walton, a GP whose life is turned upside down by a stalker. In an attempt to regain control, she erases all traces of her online presence – going into ‘dark mode.’ But when a serial killer with an online following resurfaces in Sydney, Reagan is forced to confront her past. Dark Mode explores the complexities of online safety, the digital age’s impact on privacy, and the moral dilemma of balancing personal safety with maintaining meaningful relationships.
Louise Gough, Screen Australia’s Director of Narrative Content said, “The Dynamic Television Scripted Initiative is a strategy to nurture local talent and elevate distinctive Australian stories to a global stage in partnership with industry.”
“Dark Mode presents a unique and compelling exploration of privacy challenges in the digital age, and with such a strong creative team, this series has the potential to resonate with both local and global audiences.”
Carrie Stein, Dynamic’s President Global Scripted Television said, “We are thrilled to partner with Wooden Horse and Anna Barnes on Dark Mode, a gripping female-led thriller based on Ashley Kalagian Blunt’s novel. With its unique Australian setting and timely exploration of digital privacy, online stalking and harassment, Dark Mode is a bold and resonant story that audiences will love.”
About Dynamic Television
Dynamic Television is an independent production and distribution company with a global strategy to bring premium television programming to worldwide audiences. Dynamic is in production on Harry Wild season 4 starring Jane Seymour for Acorn and ZDF and recently delivered the critically acclaimed Drops of God for AppleTV+ and is currently in production on a second season. Dynamic is also in production on Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia, now in season 3 and the highly rated crime procedural The Sommerdahl Murders in season 6. Previous series include Van Helsing and Day Of The Dead for Syfy; the hit Icelandic series Trapped; and ABC Australia’s #1 show Savage River starring Katherine Langford.
