Leading independent distributor All3Media International has signed a range of deals for Total Control, Blackfella Films’ award-winning contemporary political thriller, which has seen a further round of critical acclaim following the second series premiering in Australia.

HBO Max Latin America has joined the party taking both series of this multi-award-winning political drama that confronts a range of issues around race, diversity and First Nations rights throughout its compelling narrative. 

In Asia, WATCHA has secured rights for Japan, and ABC has signed a pan territory deal covering Asia, in territories including Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Pakistan and Malaysia for the second series. 

Acorn premiers the show in U.S. and Canada – and a further deal has been secured in Canada with the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. 

The sales follow All3Media International’s deal with Australia’s Blackfella Films to manage worldwide rights to the drama (excluding North America). Keshet International manages tape and format rights in North America, and a U.S. remake of the show has been ordered by ABC. 

Starring AACTA winner Deborah Mailman and Oscar nominee Rachel Griffiths, who also acts as Executive Producer, Total Control is created by Blackfella Films’ Darren Dale and Miranda Dear, and directed by celebrated Australian filmmakers Rachel Perkins (series 1) and Wayne Blair (series 2). 

Series two of Total Control debuted on ABC Australia this month to acclaim. Continuing straight after the explosive finale of series one, where fearless Indigenous senator Alex Irving engineered a remarkable coup and unseated the Prime Minister and the woman who betrayed her, Alex now faces the ultimate test in a democratic system: the nation is going to the polls and Alex will have to face the judgement of the people.

The first series recently received 6 AACTA nominations, including Best Miniseries or Telefeature, Best Lead Actress in a Drama for Deborah Mailman, Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for Rachel Griffiths, Best Screenplay in Television, Best Editing in Television and Best Sound in Television, and series 2 has received a further 5 AACTA nominations.

Maartje Horchner, EVP Content at All3Media International, said “A compelling, intelligent contemporary political thriller Total Control is reminiscent of House of Cards and The West Wing and brilliant addition to our scripted slate. With a tour de force performance from Deborah Mailman, a razor-sharp script, and a timely exploration of the intertwining relationship between race and politics, we are sure global audiences will continue to connect with Blackfella Films’ brilliant series.”