DCD Rights announces sales of crime drama Vanishing Act to US premium streaming service Hulu

27 September 2022


Leading UK-based distributor DCD Rights confirms sales of Vanishing Act, a crime drama based on the real-life mystery that captivated a nation – the bizarre disappearance of Australian high-roller Melissa Caddick.

Produced by Screentime Banijay for Nine Network Australia, in association with Screen NSW, the series has been sold to premium streaming service Hulu – USA, in addition to ITVX and ITV – UK, RTE – Ireland, C-More – Scandinavia and Warner Bros Discovery – New Zealand.

Vanishing Act, available as 3 x 45’ / 1 x 75’ & 1 x 60’, stars Kate Atkinson as Caddick (Wentworth, Jack Irish), alongside Colin Friels (Total Control, Mystery Road), Jerome Velinksy (Doctor Doctor, Love Child) and Maya Stange (The Commons, A Place To Call Home).  Produced by Kerrie Mainwaring and Matt Ford, who also penned the drama alongside Michael Miller, and directed by Geoff Bennett.

Nicky Davies Williams, CEO of DCD Rights comments, “We are extremely pleased to announce this strong line-up of initial sales for Vanishing Act.  It is a highly produced and exceptional Australian drama which is even more compelling to viewers because it is based on a true story which is almost too incredible to believe.”

Melissa – an Australian businesswoman who allegedly swindled her own friends and family out of millions of dollars, spending it all on designer clothes, fast cars, ski holidays and expensive real estate – disappears when confronted by the authorities.

The entire nation is gripped until, months later, Melissa’s running-shoe washes ashore on a deserted beach – with her disembodied foot inside. Everyone has a theory: Melissa’s alive; Melissa was murdered; Melissa killed herself – no, she chopped off her own foot and went into hiding. It’s all possible. Vanishing Act tells the story of this charismatic con-artist, as well as those who suddenly found themselves grieving for a lost friend and daughter, while coming to terms with a monumental betrayal. Her life was lost, but theirs would never be the same again.