Sleepy suburb enjoys TV dream

THERE is magic in the air in a sleepy Gold Coast suburb as it springs to life for the filming of a TV show expected to be aired to 490 million people in almost 200 countries.

Division 5 councillor Peter Young issued a notice to residents on social media revealing several dozen production vehicles would be on site at Clagiraba Reserve for the second season of The Bureau of Magical Things, “so don’t panic”.

He said filming started on Sunday and would continue until Wednesday after permission was granted by Gold Coast City Council.

“Jonathon M. Shiff Productions are producers of the second season of The Bureau of Magical Things – a live-action magical drama that follows the adventures of a regular teenage girl who acquires magical powers,” Cr Young said.

“The 20-episode series will be seen in approximately 200 countries and viewed by 490 million people, and has been pre-sold to Network Ten Australia, German public broadcaster ZDF and Nickelodeon.

“Those lucky folks will get to see a bit of the magic of Clagiraba.”

Cr Young said the show had a production budget of $15 million, “most of which will be directed into the local economy”.

“I am advised residents in the vicinity of the filming location and associated activities have been advised of the dates and times of filming by way of a letterbox drop,” he said. “I’ve not been told if they need stunt doubles or crowd scenes.”

In July, it was revealed production on The Bureau of Magical Things was under way at a luxury mansion at Broadbeach Waters.

It was the first production in Australia to kickstart the industry after a coronavirus shutdown.

Previously shot in a studio at Arundel, filming was halted in March due to the pandemic.

Support from the council and the development of a unique COVID-19 plan saw production on the multimillion-dollar resume in July.