ACTF's "More Than This" teen drama will premiere on Paramount+ in Australia

The Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) will bring audiences the teen drama "More Than This" (6x24'), written and co-created by teen actor Olivia Deeble, that is set to air on Australia’s Paramount+ early 2022. "More Than This" is the real, authentic and often raw story of five 17-year-old students and their teacher whose diverse worlds collide when they are thrown together into a final year English class. The series is a Baby Banksia production, produced with the assistance of Big Finish Creative, Shapeshifter Studios and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation.

"More Than This" was created by Olivia and co-created by Luka Gracie, an 18-year-old trans non-binary actor and filmmaker. They both star in the series alongside a talented cast including Kamil Ellis ("Nowhere Boys"), Ellmir Asipi ("Neighbours"), model/actor Josh Heuston ("Dive Club"), Oisin O’Leary ("Little Lunch"), Celine Ajobong ("Mustangs FC"), Tharanya Tharan ("Mustangs FC") and newcomer Selena Brincat, along with theatre and television regular Bert Labonte as their teacher.

Olivia Deeble said: “I had auditioned for and watched hundreds of high school shows and they were all the same. None of them were telling anything near my truth or experience, so I wanted to make something authentic. I asked my friends what they would want to see on screen and the answer was ourselves: real teens and not shiny, airbrushed versions of teenagers played by 25-year-olds with adult bodies and adult confidence. I am really proud of 'More Than This'. I feel like the characters, words and story are our own, and it is a realistic depiction of how Australian teenagers feel while still being a great series with a whole lot of characters you can fall in love with.”

The series is produced by television veteran Kate Gorman and directed by Kate and John Sheedy ("H is for Happiness"). Kate said: “'More Than This' is breaking new ground, having been created by teens and telling stories from their point of view. It has been such a pleasure to work with the very talented cast and see their individuality, uniqueness and passions brought together in this amazing series. I can’t wait for the world to meet this young cast and fall in love with the diverse characters they have created.”

Daniel Monaghan, SVP Content & Programming, 10 ViacomCBS, said: "We are thrilled to have partnered with ACTF to bring the incredible drama 'More Than This'. It is a sensational series with an extremely talented, creative, and young cast that are a force to be reckoned with. We are so pleased we can showcase these unique Australian stories, by such a talented Australian team."

ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland said: “Teens are a neglected audience and we’re thrilled that Paramount+ and Ten have helped us move into a new area. It’s the beginning of a new chapter for us, and audiences can expect to see more teen content supported by the ACTF.”