Rachel Griffiths is to New Zealand to lead the cast of “Madam,” a half-hour dramedy that delves into the life of a woman who embarks on an unconventional journey. She establishes an ethical brothel in a quaint New Zealand town to provide for her family.
The series, which commenced production this week, is a collaborative effort between Tavake and XYZ Films, in association with Warner Bros. Discovery ANZ and Fifth Season. New Zealand audiences can anticipate its airing on ThreeNow and Three, while Fifth Season oversees international distribution.
“Madam” draws its inspiration from the unpublished memoir of Antonia Murphy, an American woman motivated by New Zealand’s progressive decriminalization of sex work. She laid the foundation for an escort agency founded on principles centered around safeguarding women’s legal rights, emotional well-being, and financial independence.
Rachel Griffiths takes center stage as McKenzie ‘Mack’ Leigh, the visionary behind the brothel, driven by the challenges of a straying spouse and insurmountable debt. Joining her in this captivating ensemble are Rima Te Wiata, Danielle Cormack, Robbie Magasiva, Martin Henderson, and the emerging talent of Ariāna Osborne.
The series is penned by Shoshana McCallum and Harry McNaughton, both celebrated for their work, with the additional role of showrunners. Kacie Anning contributes her directorial expertise, while Madeleine Sami takes on the director’s chair.
Behind the scenes, Tom Hern and Halaifonua Finau spearhead executive production for Tavake, supported by Aumua Crystal Vaega as co-executive producer and Belindalee Hope in the producer’s role. XYZ’s team includes Nick Spicer, Aram Tertzakian, and Marci Wiseman as producers.
Tom Hern expresses excitement about bringing this remarkable story to life, praising the remarkable ensemble and the talented team working behind the scenes. He emphasizes how “Madam” aligns perfectly with Tavake’s portfolio, describing it as a unique, profoundly human narrative enriched with both heart and humor. Hern also extends gratitude to their partners and funders for joining them on this creative journey.
Marci Wiseman of XYZ Films underscores their commitment to discovering stories anchored in authentic characters, emphasizing their global accessibility. The collaboration with Tavake in New Zealand marks an expansion of their independent studio model into the realm of premium television.
Support for “Madam” has come from the Te Puna Kairangi Premium Productions for International Audiences Fund, NZ On Air, and the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate, solidifying the show’s commitment to excellence and innovation in storytelling.
