Australia's Stan commissions Banijay's "Invisible Boys" series

Stan has commissioned "Invisible Boys." The title, internationally distributed by Banijay Rights, received production investment from Screen Australia, Screenwest, Lotterywest and the WA Regional Screen Fund. “Screenwest is beyond excited to see local production company Feisty Dame secure a Stan Original Series based on a homegrown West Australian story," Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest CEO said. "The WA screen sector is experiencing its busiest year to date with local creatives, crew and production companies making unprecedented levels of screen content, showcasing WA stories and locations to audiences around the world. Congratulations to Tania, Nick and Holden! We look forward to seeing Invisible Boys move into production in the Mid West in the near future.” 

"Invisible Boys" has been commissioned for production in Geraldton and Perth, Western Australia. The 10-part drama series is based on the book by multi-award-winning WA author Holden Sheppard. “We want this series to resonate strongly with audiences in Australia and across the world. It has been great to have Stan, Banijay Rights and our financing partners supporting our creative vision for the Invisible Boys series,” Tania Chambers, Producer said.

The production process for "Invisible Boys" will take place in Geraldton and Perth, Western Australia. Stan commissioned the series following a Stan and Screenwest joint development initiative, designed to foster local talent and spark the development of new series in WA. Banijay Rights will handle international distribution for the series. The series is created and directed by Logie Award-winning creator Nicholas Verso, working alongside an impressive writing team including Sheppard, Enoch Mailangi, Walkley Award-winning writer Allan Clarke and Artistic Director of Griffin Theatre, Declan Greene and is produced by Tania Chambers.“It’s been such a dream creating this series for Stan who have shown such a strong commitment to quality Australian and LGBTQIA+ storytelling. We’ve had a blast in the writers’ room, diving deeply into this world and expanding upon the characters and themes of the book with all its love, heartbreak, confusion, messiness, and joy," Nicholas Verso, Producer/Writer/Director said. "I can’t wait to be back on set in Western Australia, bringing the story to life with the wonderful creative team.” 

"Invisible Boys" explores the challenges faced by a group of gay teens in the remote coastal town of Geraldton, Western Australia after one of them is outed on social media following an encounter with a married man. As they form a tight-knit friendship, the boys find solace and support in one another, exploring their desires and identities in a world that often renders them invisible. The novel was awarded the 2019 WA Premier’s Prize for an Emerging Writer, the 2019 Kathleen Mitchell Award and the 2018 City of Fremantle TAG Hungerford Award. 

“Bound to captivate a diverse range of Australian audiences, the Stan Original Series Invisible Boys highlights our commitment to invest in local content that champions Australian voices and narratives," Cailah Scobie, Stan Chief Content Officer said. "This unique drama has attracted the prestigious international partner Banijay Rights - signifying the global reach and relevance of Stan Original content. We are thankful for the ongoing support of Screen Australia, alongside our other key partners Screenwest, Lotterywest and the WA Regional Screen Fund and look forward to working with creator and director Nicholas Verso and producer Tania Chambers.”