Hobart’s star rises with drama boost
Filming of television crime series is part of Tassie screen push, writes Elise Archer
I WAS delighted to join actors Emma Booth ( Glitch, Underbelly, Hounds of Love, Parker), Ewen Leslie ( The Cry, Top of the Lake, Safe Harbour), and Aaron Pedersen ( Mystery Road, Jack Irish, A Place to Call Home) to announce the Hodgman Liberal Government’s $1 million contribution to the largest screen production to ever be filmed in our state.
Crime drama series The Gloaming is the latest creation from Tasmanian producer and writer Vicki Madden, and follows the success of her last television series The Kettering Incident. The eight one-hour episodes which began filming in Hobart on March 25 will be shot entirely in Tasmania. This will be the first time a major TV production has been centred on Hobart, with iconic landmarks such as kunanyi/ Mt Wellington and the River Derwent forming the backdrop of this exciting series.
The Gloaming is expected to spend $7.5 million on Tasmanian goods and services through accommodation, transport and hospitality. More than 40 Tasmanian crew members have been hired for the six-month shoot including producers, cameramen, sound recordists, location scouts and production managers.
Continuous high-quality production projects generates jobs, investment and skill retention and development here in Tasmania. By investing in key projects and innovation, we guarantee these benefits continue into the future.
That’s why under our Government, the Tasmanian screen industry has thrived.
The past five years has been a boon for our screen sector, with major projects such as Rosehaven seasons one, two and three, Aussie Lobster Men, Fanshaw and Crudnut, Lion and The Kettering Incident, showcasing our state and our industry talent to the world.
Screen Australia research reveals that more than $24 million was spent in Tasmania on drama productions starting 2014-2015 and 2015-2016. Before this, $2 million was the average annual amount.
Demand for funding larger projects highlighted the need for more funding to ensure the g prosperity of our screen sector, which is why last year the Government announced the $2 million Screen Innovation Fund to deliver increased investment in production of significant projects as well as funding for innovative projects in the early stages of development.
With a production budget of $18.2 million, The Gloaming boasts substantial local and international marketplace commitment with a commission from Australian Subscription Video on demand service Stan, and Disney’s international production company, ABC Studios International and a distribution advance for the rest of world rights from Disney Media Distribution.
It is very exciting to see the Stan trucks and production moving around Hobart and I am sure Tasmanians will be very proud of the part our state is playing in this worldclass production.
As one of the most significant screen investments a Tasmanian government has made, our support for The Gloaming demonstrates our commitment to the industry and the stories our state and people have to share.