Local Subscription Video On Demand provider STAN looks set to dramatically increase its investment in local content production as the fierce competition continues with rivals Netflix and Presto.

After enjoying significant success with Logie nominated comedy series No Activity, and the intense action drama Wolf Creek, Stan has confirmed it now has a new comedy series Merchants of Misery, in the first stages of development.

Merchants of Misery, is described as a dark comedy from the mind of Trent O'Donnell (A Moody Christmas). The series will be produced by Jungle productions, the same team which produced No Activity.

Stan is keen to use bold local content as a way of distinguishing itself from larger international rivals. A second season of No Activity was recently filmed in Sydney, and Wolf Creek looks likely to get a second season after recently securing international sales.

The good news continues with a spokesperson for Stan confirming to DeciderTV that more Stan Original productions will commence development in coming weeks.

Stan is a joint venture between Nine and Fairfax. Last week Fairfax reported Stan now has over 500,000 active paying subscribers.