Critically-Acclaimed Drama Series ‘Rake’ Acquired by DIRECTV

5 April 2011


DIRECTV, the world’s most popular video service, has picked up the critically-acclaimed drama series Rake from international distributor DCD Rights.

The eight part legal series made by Essential Media & Entertainment for ABC Australia, boasts a stellar cast including Richard Roxburgh (Moulin Rouge, Mission Impossible II) in the award-winning lead role of barrister Cleaver Greene (FIPA d’Or 2011 for Best Actor). Guest stars throughout the course of the first season include Hugo Weaving (Lord of the Rings, Matrix Trilogy), Rachel Griffiths (Six Feet Under, Muriel’s Wedding, Brothers and Sisters), Sam Neill (Jurassic Park, Dead Calm, The Tudors) and Noah Taylor (Shine, Vanilla Sky, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory).

Rake focuses on the chaotic world of a criminal defense barrister, Cleaver Greene. Brilliant, iconoclastic and innately self-destructive, Cleaver is one of life’s great addicts. Whether it’s women, gambling or drugs, he can resist everything except temptation. His other addiction is the law – defending those who seem to be beyond redemption – society’s hopeless: our drug dealers, our murderers, our cannibals. From bigamists to cannibals and everything in between, the clients that Cleaver loves the most are the cases that appear to be utterly hopeless. If only Cleaver would realize the stark reality that he, himself, is perhaps the most desperate case of all.

The series premiered on ABC Australia earlier this year to high ratings and critical acclaim and sustained strong audience share throughout its run. DIRECTV will announce their plans for premiere shortly.

Nicky Davies Williams, CEO, DCD Rights said: “We are delighted that DIRECTV has acquired this critically acclaimed series which has so far been fantastically received by audiences in Australia and around the world.”

“Cleaver Greene is a rake in every sense of the word, a thoroughly irrepressible and iconoclastic character that somehow worms his way into your heart,” said Patty Ishimoto, DIRECTV’s Vice President Entertainment & General Manager, The 101 Network. “DIRECTV is the perfect home for Rake and we are proud to add the series to our stable of critically acclaimed, award winning series.”

The LOGIE Awards 2011 (Australia’s answer to the Emmys) have nominated Rake for ‘Most Outstanding Drama’ and Richard Roxburgh won the award for ‘Most Outstanding Actor’. Winners were announced on May 1 in a show televised on the Nine Network.
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