My Brilliant Career.

Production has officially begun on My Brilliant Career, a new Netflix drama series adaptation of Miles Franklin’s beloved Australian novel. The series, produced by Jungle Entertainment, is currently filming in Adelaide and across various locations in South Australia, with Adelaide Studios serving as a major base for the period production.

First published in 1901, My Brilliant Career tells the story of Sybylla Melvyn, a headstrong young woman determined to break free from societal expectations and pursue a life of independence and creativity. The book was famously adapted into a 1979 feature film directed by Gillian Armstrong and starring Judy Davis and Sam Neill, which became a landmark in Australian cinema.

Now, this timeless story is being reimagined for a new generation. Leading the cast is Philippa Northeast (Territory, The Newsreader) as the fiercely independent Sybylla, joined by Christopher Chung (Slow Horses, Blitz) as Harry. The ensemble also includes Anna Chancellor, Genevieve O’Reilly, Kate Mulvany, Jake Dunn, Alexander England, Sherry-Lee Watson, and Miah Madden.

The creative team is led by executive producer and writer Liz Doran (Barons, Please Like Me), who is joined by executive producers Chloe Rickard of Jungle Entertainment and Alyssa McClelland (Amandaland, Sex Education), who also directs the first three episodes. Anne Renton (The Good Doctor) will direct episodes 4–6 and serve as co-producer. The writing team includes Doran, Sarinah Masukor, and Rachael Turk, with acclaimed performer Shari Sebbens on board as associate producer.

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Behind the scenes, the production boasts an impressive lineup of Australian screen talent, including production designer Felicity Abbott, cinematographers Kieran Fowler and Marden Dean, costume designer Mariot Kerr, and hair and make-up designer Zeljka Stanin. Casting is by Nikki Barrett in Australia and Nathan Toth in the UK.

“It’s been a privilege to work with so many incredible creatives on this reimagining of Miles Franklin’s rollicking tale of a young woman’s quest to determine her own life,” said Doran.

Rickard added, “It’s thrilling to bring this Australian classic to a whole new audience. Partnering with Netflix and fellow executive producers Liz Doran and Alyssa McClelland, with Philippa Northeast as our rebellious and witty Sybylla, has been the stuff that dreams are made of.”

Minyoung Kim, Netflix Vice President of Content APAC (ex-India), praised the project, saying, “My Brilliant Career is a timeless Australian story with themes as relevant today as when it was originally published. We’re excited to be partnering with some of Australia’s best creatives and talent to bring this story to a whole new generation on Netflix.”

South Australian Film Corporation CEO Kate Croser also expressed her support: “We are delighted to welcome Netflix back to South Australia and Adelaide Studios along with award-winning production company Jungle Entertainment for the new series adaptation of My Brilliant Career. The SAFC is proud to support this exciting new series which will harness the world-class skills of a majority South Australian crew, led by top South Australian producer Paul Ranford, and which will once again provide a showcase for our state’s screen production capability, talent and endlessly beautiful locations.”

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