Far North a focus in exciting ABC television drama

BUDDING filmmakers could get the opportunity to learn from the country’s best when the Far North’s iconic environment becomes the backdrop of a new ABC series set to screen next year.

Blackfella Films’ Black B*tch, a high-end TV drama series, will star Aussie actors Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths.

Screen Queensland chairwoman Linda Lavarch said the project was an “an important cultural and economic investment supporting local stories on screen and the film community in Far North Queensland”.

“Black B*tch is a culturally significant broadcast series in its portrayal of diverse on screen characters with a strong female and indigenous cast,” Ms Lavarch said.

“Far North Queensland will also be portrayed as a crucial element in the storylines which will promote cultural tourism to this region.

“The TV series will stimulate economic activity in Far North Queensland creating jobs and spend on local services and businesses and with a direct regional spend of approximately $1.3 million.”

Port Shorts Film Festival spokesman Greg McLean welcomed news of the project and said the organisation would cover insurance costs for young film professionals to undertake internships on set.

“Any production of that quality which comes up here is only of benefit to the industry,” he said.

“You only have to look at the experience of Rebecca Gibney’s project Wanted.

“They were in Mossman for three weeks and it was such a good experience for production professionals and the region was able to cater to their needs really well.

“This helps demonstrate production on all scales. One thing no one can compete with is the location and that’s what this region’s strength is.”

The six-part drama is about an unlikely national hero who is catapulted into government in a cynical power play. Used, abandoned and underestimated, now she’s on a quest for revenge that will send the political establishment into meltdown.