New 1980s Drama Series "Those Little White Lines" in Development

Mark Valadez, known for his work on “Queen of the South,” is set to lead a new drama series titled “Those Little White Lines” as showrunner. The series is being developed by Brisbane’s Red Empire Productions in collaboration with Organic Media Group, which operates out of Taipei and Los Angeles. The narrative is based on an autobiographical novel by Kaz Piper, a former insider in the rock music scene, and follows a woman navigating the complexities of the music industry during the 1980s.

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The series employs a dual-timeline structure, chronicling the protagonist's journey through a landscape rife with substance abuse, criminal networks, and personal peril, ultimately leading to her liberation. Valadez expressed his attraction to the project, stating, “What drew me to ‘Those Little White Lines’ is the same thing that drives all great crime stories — a protagonist who survives by learning the rules faster than the people trying to control her.” He emphasized that the series will explore themes of power, addiction, ambition, and reinvention, describing it as “visceral, dangerous, and deeply human.”

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The production is positioned as an Australia-U.S. co-production, with plans to present the project to buyers soon. Executive producer Steve Chicorel highlighted the international collaboration, noting that it reflects the evolving nature of global filmmaking. “Developing ‘Those Little White Lines’ from Australia, Taiwan, and the U.S. reflects how global motion pictures now truly works,” Chicorel stated. He added that Australia and Asia are integral to the global creative landscape, contributing to a narrative that resonates across borders.

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Filming for “Those Little White Lines” will take place in Wollongong, Australia, under the guidance of Amie Casey from Red Empire Productions. The series will feature both contemporary and period settings, enhancing its narrative depth. The executive producer team includes Shari Hamrick Grewal from Organic Media Group, who will oversee U.S. production and casting in Taiwan, alongside author Kaz Piper.

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Kaz Piper shared her personal connection to the story, stating, “This story comes from lived experience — the glamour, the danger, the cost of wanting too much freedom too young.” She expressed her satisfaction with the adaptation process, feeling that it allows her to reclaim her voice and convey the truth behind the myth of the era.

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“Those Little White Lines” aims to deliver a powerful, character-driven narrative that reflects the complexities of the 1980s music industry while showcasing the collaborative efforts of international production teams. The series is poised to engage audiences with its exploration of personal and societal themes relevant to the era.

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