Screen Australia, in association with Screen Queensland and Film Victoria, has announced production investment funding for online series Homecoming Queens commissioned for SBS On Demand.

The semi-autobiographical comedy-drama follows twenty-something best friends Michelle and Chloë who reinvent themselves after chronic illnesses overturn their expectations of life and youth, changing their friendship, their future and… their pubic hair.

The talented all-female team behind Homecoming Queens includes writer/creators Michelle Law, who received acclaim for her sold-out stage play Single Asian Female at La Boite Theatre Company, and Chloë Reeson, who was shortlisted for the John Marsden & Hachette Prize for Young Writers.

Law will also star in the series as Michelle, alongside Liv Hewson as Chloë. Hewson returns to Australia to film the series following international success with roles in Netflix’s Santa Clarita Diet, Before I Fall and the upcoming Top of the Lake: China Girl. 

The series is produced by Katia Nizic for Generator Pictures, whose short film Violent Florence premiered at SXSW Film Festival, and AACTA award-nominated director Corrie Chen will be at the helm, having recently directed episodes of ABC ME’s Mustangs FC. Homecoming Queens was borne out of a previous collaboration between Chen and Law on their short film Bloomers.

Writer/creator Michelle Law said, “Homecoming Queens is a project so close to my heart and the longer I spend with it, the more it continues to challenge me and have me on the floor laughing — we hope it does the same for audiences. I love this team of incredible women and am excited to be collaborating with my longtime co-conspirator, Corrie Chen.”

Liv Hewson said, “I’m thrilled to be a part of Homecoming Queens. This project is witty, exciting, important and meaningful and I can’t wait to be back working with Michelle, Corrie, Chloe and the whole wonderful team. Strap in!”

The online series will be available as a 60 minute special and 7 x 8 minute episodes on SBS On Demand in 2018.

Homecoming Queens joins the growing list of online series Screen Australia and SBS have partnered on, including Top Knot Detective, Wizards of Aus and Starting From Now. 

Mike Cowap, Screen Australia’s Investment Manager Online Production said, “Homecoming Queens began as a strong proof-of-concept pilot, made with support from our development team, which convinced everyone this was a series that needed to be made. We’re thrilled to be working with SBS On Demand who are providing a platform to showcase new voices.”

Karen Radzyner, SBS’s Commissioning Editor Scripted said, “SBS is thrilled with this opportunity to shine a spotlight on startling new comedic talent, in a disarming online program that is as gorgeously warm as it is irreverent and surprising.”

The series will begin filming in Brisbane in November 2017.

Screen Queensland’s CEO Tracey Vieira said: “Screen Queensland is committed to investing in local production and supporting Queensland practitioners. It’s especially exciting to note that the talented team for Homecoming Queens is all female.”

Jenni Tosi, Film Victoria’s CEO said: “A heartfelt congratulations to Katia, Michelle and Chloë for creating the delightful online series Homecoming Queens, which will utilise Melbourne’s state of the art post production facilities and specialists. As a fresh story driven by women, the production will also continue the terrific career trajectory of Victorian Corrie Chen who will direct this entertaining new series.”