THE HORIZON
The Horizon is Australia’s most watched gay web series and the first to go viral, accumulating over 8.5 million views since 2009. Filmed on location around Sydney’s inner-city gay hub, the series follows Jake, a gay guy from the country town of Bega who moves to the city to pursue AJ, who he’s met on Manhunt. The two hit it off but, having little experience, Jake is wary about rushing into sex. When he discovers AJ has been sleeping around the two call it quits. Jake stays in Sydney with the help of a drag queen, Wilma Bumhurt, who takes him under her wing and introduces him to the scene.
Creator Boaz Stark has been writing for Australian television for 28 years, including hit shows like Neighbours, Home And Away and Winners And Losers. Stark says the great strength of straight-to-web TV is the independence. “With a web series, you have complete control of the story. I’ve had shows
We can be more risqué and we’re pushing the envelope as the series progresses.
(AIDS Council Of New South Wales) are serious about promoting safe sex. In several episodes, characters reach for condoms or discuss safe sex options.
“We want to create a show that’s socially responsible and we’ve woven the message of safe sex into the drama,” says Stark. “Our actors have also done online messages supporting safe sex.”
Despite flourishing online, there are always challenges involved with making a web series. Fans had to wait three years between the first and second series of The Horizon, and most of the original cast weren’t available to revive their roles. Stark says financing is the biggest challenge, which, thankfully he is overcoming. “Financing is difficult, but it gets better with each season. Season one was made on $3,000 from ACON and season two increased to $22,000.” This accounts for the notable upgrade in quality. The budget has increased again for seasons three and four. As it gains in popularity, more major sponsors are getting on board including Ben Sherman, House Of Priscilla and aussieBum. Musicians such as Joey Negro and Wayne G are providing tracks for the series and a number of Aussie personalities including Gretal Killeen, Johnnie Cass and Ji Wallace are lending their acting skills to seasons three and four.
With charm and soul, The Horizon (named after a famous apartment high rise in the district of Darlinghurst) gives viewers insight into gay life in Sydney.