David Farnor | On 28, Jul 2018

Amazon has inked a first look deal with ‪Picnic at Hanging Rock‬ showrunner Larysa Kondracki.

The new adaptation of the classic Australian novel, which was a co-production between Amazon Studios and the BBC, has been met with positive reception, not least from this publication, which praised the project for its Gothic beauty. Now, as the series continues to air weekly on BBC One, Amazon is wasting no time in locking down the main talent behind it.

The producer-writer-director will develop new series for Amazon Studios via her Smadginelli Inc. banner, with the option to serve as director for select series.

“Larysa has a unique, particular vision and we were blown away by her take on ‪Picnic at Hanging Rock‬. She made the story seem modern, timeless and avant-garde all at the same time,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, in a statement to THR. “By signing her to a first-look deal, we have a triple-threat player who will enthrall our Prime Video audience with whatever she does next.”

Indeed, Kondracki directed Picnic’s pilot, as well as two episodes, and recently helmed the pilot for ABC’s drama The Fix. Kondracki’s other TV credits include Better Call Saul, Legion, The Americans and The Walking Dead. She also directed and co-wrote The Whistleblower, starring Rachel Weisz.

“I am thrilled to be back in business with Amazon,” added Kondracki. “Jen Salke and the entire Amazon team were such incredible collaborators during ‪Picnic at Hanging Rock‬, and I’m excited for the opportunity to be creating together again. I can’t think of better partners to have in this next chapter and look forward to what’s to come.”

Kondracki joins a growing list of impressive names that have deals with Amazon Studios, including Amy Sherman-Palladino, Robert Kirkman, Jill Soloway and Jordan Peele.

Add to Watchlist