Matchbox Pictures will produce a new six-hour mini-series about Australian and English journalists covering the battle of Gallipoli with actor Sam Worthington to co-produce, and possibly star in. Among the journalists to be portrayed is Keith Murdoch, father of Rupert Murdoch.

Keith Murdoch’s endeavours in covering Gallipoli is near legendary, credited in some quarters with being a turning point in what had been a badly run campaign.

Penny Chapman of Matchbox Pictures, producers of The Slap and The Straits, told Encore Worthington and his FullClip Productions partner John Schwarz brought the project to NBCUniversal which FullClip is in talks with on other productions, and which owns a major interest in Matchbox Pictures.

The untitled project has received development funding by Foxtel.

The mini-series follows three embedded journalists who see the war going wrong but can’t report on it; Charles Bean, British war correspondent Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett and Rupert Murdoch’s father Keith Murdoch as well as Australian war photographer Philip Shuler.

Chapman told Encore: “We’ve been talking since September last year. We took it to Brian Walsh, Foxtel’s director of TV, who loved it. So we did a brainstorm and we’re currently working on the script.”

Brian Walsh, Foxtel executive director of television said in a statement: “Sam Worthington has brought to Foxtel a rich and riveting concept and a story of great significance. I am delighted Sam and the team at Matchbox Pictures have chosen Foxtel as the broadcaster for this symbolic television drama series. It will be one of many initiatives Foxtel will undertake in 2015 to mark the 100th year since the devastating loss of lives on the shores of Gallipoli.”

While no directors have been attached, Chapman said the writing team is Cate Shortland writer and director of Lore, Jacquelin Perske, writer of Foxtel’s Spirited, Snowtown writer Shaun Grant and Wain Fimeri, writer and director of Revealing Gallipoli and Charles Bean’s War, Bean being one of the journalists in the story.

Chapman said it’s not likely production will take place in Gallipoli and couldn’t give indication on the budget.

Chapman: “It’s hard to know the budget, it’s not anything paltry. That said, we like to pride ourselves on high quality stuff produced on a quarter of what the US does. But we’re hoping other partners will come on board.”

Similarly, with Worthington possibly on board to act, Chapman said: “We’re talking with high profile actors to come on board.”

Funding is expected from Screen Australia, state funding bodies and Foxtel. (Source)

As you can see … Sam Worthington Network has a gorgeous new layout! The layout made was by the talented Laura at Paper Hearts Inc. and I love the way it turned out! I think it is perfect for summer and I adore the images in the header!

I am going to be working behind the scenes a lot over the next few weeks. I really want to expand the current content to make this the most comprehensive and complete resource for Sam. In the meantime, I hope everyone loves the new layout as much as I do! If you spot any errors, sound off in the comments below!

I’ve added a gorgeous new portrait session of Sam into the gallery! The portraits were taken on June 5th in Sydney, Australia! I absolutely love the new shoot, hopefully additional outtakes will be released in the coming weeks! In the meantime, head over to the gallery for the latest additions.

Gallery Links:
- Home > Photoshoots & Portraits > Studio Photoshoots > Session 013

I’ve added images from all the events Sam has attended in 2011. Unfortunately, Sam did not attend many events during 2011, he was busy filming the movies Wrath of the Titans and Man on a Ledge to name a few. Head over to the gallery for the latest additions.

Gallery Links:
- Home > Public Events > 2011 > G’Day USA 2011 Black Tie Gala
- Home > Public Events > 2011 > The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
- Home > Public Events > 2011 > CAA 2011 Young Hollywood Party
- Home > Public Events > 2011 > UFC 137: Penn v Diaz

I’ve added images from all the events Sam has attended thus far in 2012. A bulk of the images are from various premieres and photocalls to promote, Wrath of the Titans. I’ve added approximately 200 HQ images! Head over to the gallery for the latest additions.

Gallery Links:
- Home > Public Events > 2012 > The Tonight Show With Jay Leno
- Home > Public Events > 2012 > “Wrath of the Titans” Mexico City Premiere
- Home > Public Events > 2012 > “Wrath of the Titans” New York Premiere
- Home > Public Events > 2012 > Late Night With Jimmy Fallon
- Home > Public Events > 2012 > “Wrath of the Titans” UK Premiere

Hello everyone, my name is Rachel and I will be the new owner at Sam Worthington Network. I want to start by saying thank you to Michelle for allowing me take over this wonderful Sam site! You may know me from some of my other sites including Diane Kruger Fan or Chris Hemsworth Network. I am excited to continue Michelle’s work on this site to make it the most complete and dedicated resource for Sam Worthington!

To start things off, photos of Sam from the Wrath of the Titans UK premiere have been added into the gallery. Head over to the gallery for the latest additions.

Gallery Links:
- Home > Public Events > 2012 > “Wrath of the Titans” UK Premiere

Sam was on the Ellen DeGeneres Show on January 24th and you can watch the video below plus check out screencaptures in the gallery thanks to my friend Jessica.

Sam was on Conan January 24th and I’ve added screencaptures to the gallery. No video added to the archive yet but you can watch the full episode here:

Hey everyone! Sam attended the “Man On A Ledge” Los Angeles premiere and after party last night and I’ve added photos to the gallery! Check them out!