Destined to be one of the most dynamic programs in Australian television history, Underbelly Files: Chopper has commenced filming.

Created by Screentime, producers of the trailblazing Underbelly franchise, this two-part mini-series will, for the first time, explore the dilemma faced by this notorious criminal as he struggled to reconcile his two competing identities – Chopper, the colourful underworld figure, and Mark Brandon Read, the man who craved a quiet life far from the public arena.

Starring award-winning actor Aaron Jeffery (Wentworth, McLeod’s Daughters, Water Rats) as Chopper, an outstanding cast will feature alongside him, including two-time Logie Award winner Michael Caton (The Castle, Packed to the Rafters) as Chopper’s father, Keith, Todd Lasance (The Vampire Diaries) as Chopper’s nemesis, gangster Syd Collins, and Ella Scott Lynch (Love Child) who will portray his second wife, Margaret, with whom he shared a love that defied obstacles and lasted decades.

The impressive cast will also include Zoe Ventoura as Chopper’s first wife, Mary Ann, Jane Allsop, Reef Ireland, Alex Tsitsopoulos and Anna Bamford, with original Underbelly alumni Vince Colosimo and Kevin Harrington returning as Alphonse Gangitano and Lewis Moran, and Debra Byrne reprising her portrayal of Judy Moran.

Underbelly Files: Chopper will be produced by Kerrie Mainwaring and Karl Zwicky, with Screentime’s Chief Executive Officer, Rory Callaghan, and Executive Chairman, Bob Campbell, executive producers alongside the Nine Network’s joint Heads of Drama, Jo Rooney and Andy Ryan. Peter Andrikidis, who helmed several episodes of Fat Tony & Co. as well as the seminal season of Underbelly, will direct the mini-series, which has been written by Justin Monjo. Underbelly aficionados, cinematographer Joe Pickering and production designer Paddy Reardon, will also return.

Nine’s Andy Ryan and Jo Rooney said: “As a hardened gangster and loving family man, ‘Chopper’ Read was one of Australia’s most complex and compelling crooks. Prepare to be shocked and entertained as Aaron Jeffery brings a whole new dimension to the Chopper legend, supported by many of Australia’s finest actors.”

Underbelly Files: Chopper, a Screentime production in association with Nine Network, will be filmed on location in Melbourne throughout August and go to air on the Nine Network next year. International distribution will be through DRG.

For further information please contact:
Nine Network Publicity
Michelle Stamper
03 9420 3455
0413 117711