Stan to adapt Malaysian hit series "The Bridge" for Australia

Double Vision, the leading Malaysian production arm of the Vision New Media group, has confirmed both seasons (20x60’) of its localised version of Hans Rosenfeldt’s hit Scandi series "The Bridge" have sold to Stan, Australia’s leading local streaming service. The agreement, brokered by Lyle Bettson-Barker, SVP Australia and New Zealand from Banijay Rights, represents the first time that Stan has acquired a Malaysian drama series.

The Asian version of "The Bridge" was initially commissioned by Viu and HBO Asia in 2018, after Double Vision introduced Viu to the format. It broadcast to great acclaim across 23 territories in the combined Viu/HBO Asia regional footprint and was also shown on Viu in South Africa. The title has garnered more than 20 regional awards and nominations across its two seasons, making it the most awarded drama in Malaysian history.

In series one, faithfully following the original, a dead body is found on the border between Malaysia and Singapore, necessitating an investigator from each country to work together to solve the crime. Season two, meanwhile, is an entirely original storyline and, uniquely amongst all the iterations of the format, involves a third country - in this case Indonesia.

Min Lim, CEO of Vision New Media, head of production at Double Vision and the series’ showrunner says: “I loved the original of 'The Bridge' when I first saw it and knew that the story would work brilliantly on the Malaysia/Singapore border. It was one of the most ambitious Malaysian television projects at the time and I was both thrilled and incredibly appreciative when Viu decided to take a chance on it and subsequently committed to securing the rights so that we could adapt it for them. Malaysian drama has not traditionally travelled well outside of the country, let alone outside of Asia, and this is something that I am incredibly passionate about changing. So, to have our version of 'The Bridge' premiere on Stan in Australia, is not only testament to the incredible skills and talent base that we have in the country but also to the fact that well-made shows of any language can travel if given the opportunity. This has made me even more committed to ensuring that more Malaysian productions find great homes overseas.”

Lyle Bettson-Barker, SVP Australia and New Zealand, Banijay Rights, added: “One of the most prominent scripted formats of the last decade, 'The Bridge' continues to move and thrill viewers worldwide. We’re delighted the fantastic Malaysian version has found an Australian home in Stan, which will bring a whole new audience to this impeccably crafted series.”