The 8-part drama following the rise and fall of a fictional pop girl group has commenced production in Sydney

Produced by HELIUM Pictures for Network 10 Australia

London – February 13, 2023 – Representing the best dramas from around the world, Entertainment One (eOne) announced today it has acquired international distribution rights (outside Australia) to PAPER DOLLS, a new series produced by HELIUM Pictures for Network 10 Australia.

At the cusp of the new millennium, five aspiring singers are thrust into the spotlight in pursuit of pop-stardom and fame. Currently in production in Sydney, PAPER DOLLS is an eight-part scripted drama following the meteoric rise and fall of fictional manufactured girl-group: HARLOW. 

Never far from the watchful eye of the cameras, fans and critics, their girl-group HARLOW is born out of music reality television show Pop Rush, redefining pop culture in the process. However, the five young women must navigate the dark side of a glamourous industry determined to commodify them.

The ensemble cast includes Emalia (Australian Gangster), Naomi Sequeira (Evermoor Chronicles), Miah Madden (Redfern Now), Courtney Clarke (Last King of The Cross) and Courtney Monsma (Frozen The Musical) as the five band members.  

Created and written by Ainslie Clouston (Amazing Grace), other writers include David Hannam (Darby and Joan), Marieke Hardy (Heartbreak High), Jenna Purcell, Sara Khan (Heartbreak High) and Thomas Wilson-White (Heartbreak High). Paper Dolls is directed by Tenika Smith (The Heights), Nina Buxton (Summer Love) and Erin White (Wellmania), produced by Jessica Carrera (Seriously Red) and Kerrie Mainwaring (Bali 2002), executive produced by Mark Fennessy (Last King of The Cross) and Belinda Chapple, with Alexander Pettaras (Last King of The Cross) as associate producer.  

“PAPER DOLLS reaches deep into the drama inherent to this area of the music business: immense highs, hopes and dreams, but also manipulation and significant psychological and physical pressure. We are so excited to bring the show to international audiences,” commented Noel Hedges, EVP Acquisitions, eOne.

“PAPER DOLLS is all set to deliver an unflinching insight into the darker side of the music industry.  We’ve lined-up a stellar young ensemble cast alongside an incredibly strong creative team at HELIUM Pictures ready to take this prestige drama series to the next level and we can’t wait to get started.  We’re particularly pleased to be working with global distributor eOne who we know will take the engaging story of HARLOW and their exploits out to a worldwide audience in the coming months,” said Mark Fennessy, HELIUM Founder.

PAPER DOLLS is a HELIUM Pictures production for Network 10 Australia, with major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen NSW. Entertainment One (eOne) handles the international distribution for PAPER DOLLS outside of Australia.

The deal was brokered by Noel Hedges, eOne’s EVP, Acquisitions, International Distribution. 

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About eOne

Entertainment One Ltd. (eOne) is a talent-driven independent studio that specializes in the development, acquisition, production, financing, distribution and sales of entertainment content. As part of global play and entertainment company Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS), eOne's expertise spans across film and television production and sales; production, distribution and brand management of kids and family properties; and digital content. Through its extensive reach and scale, and a deep commitment to high-quality entertainment, eOne unlocks the power and value of creativity.

eOne brings to market both original and existing content, sourcing IP from Hasbro’s portfolio of 1500+ brands, and through a diversified network of creative partners and eOne companies.

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