Gea Local: Paramount+ commissions local drama Paper Dolls

Paramount+ has commissioned a new local drama Paper Dolls, inspired by the creation of Bardot, the 1999 girl band assembled via reality phenomenon PopStars.

It will centre around fictional girl band, Indigo.

Produced by Mark Fennessy’s Helium Pictures, the 8 hour drama follows five young women who find their dreams of pop stardom seemingly come true overnight, only to find the moral compromises required to achieve it threaten to tear them apart.

Ainslie Clouston (Amazing Grace) developed the series with Claire Phillips (Playing for Keeps). Bardot original member, Belinda Chapple is a co-executive producer.

Producer Mark Fennessy called Paper Dolls “a deeply fascinating, female-driven drama with a female-led creative team” that was defined “by its unique mix of fun and edge – equal parts gritty and aspirational.”

Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, Paramount Australia and New Zealand, Beverley McGarvey, said: “We are thrilled to have commissioned another premium, entertaining, and distinctive Australian drama from Helium. Paper Dolls is set to be a captivating and engaging series. With a sensational cast and an experienced creative team, this story will enthral audiences.”

Bardot also comprised Sophie Monk, Katie Underwood, Tiffani Wood, Sally Polihronas and briefly Chantelle Barry. Their debut single ‘Poison’ was #1 and double platinum in Australia.

Production will start in Sydney later this year for a 2023 premiere.

Desperate to escape their ordinary reality and with aspirations of pop-stardom, five hopeful women step into the spotlight only to find that their dream of fame is compromised by what it takes to achieve it.

As Indigo is unleashed into the world to instant success and stardom, the girls’ connection with each other evolves from competition to confidants.

But their secrets threaten to tear the band apart, especially the machinations of one extra ambitious member who re-enters the music industry for a specific reason – to implode the group and seek vengeance on the record label that wronged her.

Produced by Helium’s Mark Fennessy, created and written by Ainslie Clouston (Darby and Joan, Amazing Grace, Playing For Keeps,) and developed with Claire Phillips (RFDS, The Wrong Girl, Playing For Keeps), with Bardot’s Belinda Chapple as co-executive producer, production on Paper Dolls is set to commence in Sydney later this year and will premiere on 10 in 2023.

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