New Australian Period Drama To Rival ‘Downton Abbey’

Australian TV networks are being offered a high-end local historical drama which is designed to rival benchmark shows "Downton Abbey" and "Deadwood."

The TV mini-series in development, based on the best-selling novel "Vale Valhalla", is being produced to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I.

"Beneath Hill 60's" producer Bill Leimbach and director Jeremy Sims have been retained by the novel's author, Joy Chambers to produce the 13-part series, "Caroline's War: Vale Valhalla." The series will trace the lives of three families from the early 1890s in Brisbane through the years prior to and during the Great War of 1914-1918, culminating at the end of that harrowing conflict.

Sims says the epic drama is driven by action, tragedy and romance and will tap into the fascination that the world has for the Great War.

"I will look to a series like The World at War for historical detail as a guide as it's still one of the most popular and profitable documentary series ever made,'' he said. Sims also stated that he will find the right writers and directors to work with.

"People that have a love and interest in this period of history. Along with an innate fascination for the maelstrom of change,'' he says.

"The story offers a unique opportunity to dramatize both the conditions that laid the foundations that swept the world at the end of the Great War and the war itself,'' Sims further shared. He also says that they intend to bring together a great cast of world-renowned actors to deliver the emotional punch.

No one has officially been cast yet but the producers have cheekily used an image of Australian actor and "Thor" actor Chris Hemsworth for their promotional poster. Leimbach says with Hemsworth's star factor fast rising in Hollywood, it might be difficult to secure him in a role but the actor is at the top of their wish list.