Killing Time (TV series)


Killing Time is an Australian television drama series on TV1 subscription television channel which first screened in 2011. It is based on the true story of disgraced lawyer Andrew Fraser. In New Zealand it screens on Prime Television.

Background

Born in Melbourne in 1951, for thirty years Fraser was one of Australia’s leading criminal lawyers. He defended underworld families the Moran’s and the Pettingills, businessman Alan Bond, and footballer Jimmy Krakauer.
With success came cocaine addiction ending in 1999 with Fraser being charged with being knowingly concerned with an importation of cocaine, serious charges that received no mercy. This was the end of life as Fraser had known. He admitted himself into hospital and withdrew from use. This was the start of the long road to recovery, remaining drug free for the two years he was on bail and has remained so ever since.
Fraser pleaded guilty and received a crushing sentence in 2001; seven years imprisonment with a minimum of five. Despite being a low risk prisoner, Fraser was sent to a maximum-security housing thirty-eight of the most dangerous criminals in Victoria. During that period Fraser heard most disturbing tales from Australia’s most notorious prisoners. Nothing could prepare him for the shock that is maximum security.

Television series

Killing Time is a television mini-series based on Fraser's experiences. It was produced in 2009 by FremantleMedia, TV1 and Film Victoria. David Wenham portrays Fraser in the series.

Overview

Andrew Fraser is a lawyer who defends high profile clients such as Dennis Allen, Jimmy Krakouer, Alan Bond and those accused of the Walsh Street murders.

Production

The ten part series is written by Ian David, Mac Gudgeon, Katherine Thompson and Shaun Grant. The executive producer is Jason Stephens. The series was initially due to screen in 2010 but was deferred due to strong violence and horror content scenes of the mini-series, which jeopardised a series of gangland trials that were in progress.

Main cast