Robbie Hood is a modern Australian retelling of a classic tale. The six episode, 10 minute series from director Dylan River is a story about Robbie, a thirteen-year-old misfit with a heart of gold. He and his two best mates — little Georgia Blue and big Little Johnny — skirt the law to right the wrongs they see going down in their hometown of Alice Springs.
With no parental supervision, no money, and only themselves to rely on, Robbie and his friends spend their days getting around on their BMX bikes, causing headaches for the local police and avoiding Robbie’s dad. The memory of Robbie’s mother sticks in his head though, and his life of mischief is led with a strong sense of right and wrong.
The series features fresh local talent making their Australian television debut. All Alice Springs locals, Robbie and his friends are played by Pedrea Jackson (who plays Robbie, 14 years old), Jordan Johnson (Blue, 13 years old), and Levi Thomas (Little Johnny, 16 years old).
SBS Director of Television and Online Content, Marshall Heald said: “Robbie Hood is a uniquely SBS series, equal parts warm, funny and heartbreaking. It represents the best of Indigenous filmmaking and showcases a talented young cast led by skillful director, Dylan River. Robbie Hood will draw audiences into life in Alice Springs, and ask them to consider the value of a strong moral compass in the face of adversity.”
Director Dylan River said: “Robbie Hood is my gift to the youth of Alice Springs and the rest of the world. It's inspired by my own life and the first-hand experiences of my friends and family. The show is a combination of the highs and lows of our upbringing in a small desert town that we have a love hate relationship with. I am thrilled to see these stories come to life and find their home on SBS.”
Online Investment Manager at Screen Australia, Lee Naimo said: “This series is exactly the kind of online content we seek to support. It’s clever, inventive, it shows a part of Australia not often seen on our screens, and it brings together some of our best screen creatives.”
Robbie Hood is directed by Dylan River (Finke: There and Back, Sweet Country), written by Kodie Bedford (Mystery Road, Grace Beside Me), produced by Tanith Glynn-Maloney (She Who Must Be Loved, Nulla Nulla) and Meg O’Connell (Doodles, The Sketchy Show), with Charlie Aspinwall (Bluey, Doodles), Daley Pearson (#7DaysLater, The Strange Calls) and Sue Masters (SBS) executive producing.
Robbie Hood is a Ludo Studio and Since1788 production for SBS. Principal production investment from Screen Australia in association with SBS. Financed with support from Screen Territory with Screen Queensland.
Robbie Hood will drop on SBS On Demand on Friday 5 July, and air on SBS VICELAND on Tuesday 9 July at 9.35pm.
