Series based on bestselling novel The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas launched in Australia last month.
DCD sold the rights to air the provocative Australian drama in the U.S. via DirectTV on the Audience Network channel, and The Slap will also find Canada via Ontario's TVO.
The eight-part drama series is based on the novel by Tsiolkas which launched on Australia's ABC1 last month, and is also getting solid UK ratings via BBC4.
Matchbox Pictures produced the show which stars Sophie Okonedo, Melissa George, Essie Davis and Jonathan LaPaglia.
Here's what The Slap is about (Courtesy of ABC1 Australia):
The Slap is a bold, provocative television drama series that forensically examines the mores and morality of contemporary middle class life. Based on Christos Tsiolkas’ bestselling novel, this 8 –part drama series traces the shattering repercussions of a single event upon a group of family and friends.
The series starts at an Australian backyard BBQ. Amongst alcohol, friendship and a children’s cricket game a man slaps a child who is not his son. The party comes to a sudden halt. The child’s parents are so affronted they vow to take the man to court. As the series unfolds the police become involved and friends and family are forced to take sides. One cousin is forced to testify against another. Couples are caught in the crossfire. Beliefs are tested and relationships strained.
The story is told through the points of view of eight characters as the court case proceeds, as affairs begin and end, as a pregnancy is decided and marriages morph and change. Each character’s life is profoundly affected by “the slap”, and each of the main character is metaphorically slapped as they are forced to face up to fundamental truths about themselves.
The Slap explores what happens when the veil of civility that binds us as a society, is rent aside by one disturbing action. It brings to vivid life questions of parenting, the rights of children, race, class, sexuality, and the different perspectives of men and women.