Exposure gold for GC
’Paradise’ entices US audiences
THE Gold Coast is receiving an unexpected boost in exposure from Tinseltown, thanks a new television series on streaming giant Netflix.
The Glitter Strip is getting “promotion money could not buy” as a plot point in the USproduced Ozark, which premiered its second season last week to millions across the world.
The crime drama’s lead characters, played by Hollywood stars Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, propose relocating to Australia and setting up home on the Gold Coast to escape a Mexican drug cartel.
The script describes the Coast as a “paradise” and the season’s final show will be called The Gold Coast.
New Destination Gold Coast boss Annaliese Battista invited the show’s producers to film scenes in the city once its characters reach our shores.
“This sort of exposure is to be expected now that the world understands that paradise is here on the Gold Coast and everyone wants it. I don’t think they have any choice (but to come and film here). They should put their money where their mouth is.”
Ozark is available in the US, Europe, Australia and other major markets.
Netflix also last year premiered the Gold Coast-set animated spoof Pacific Heat, created by Australian comedy team Working Dog.
Council tourism boss Cr Bob La Castra said he was excited by the free publicity offered by Ozark.
“We cannot pay for this kind of production,” he said. “Let’s hope the storyline does bring them here to the Gold Coast at some stage but if they are having problems I would be happy to help them write it.”
Ozark’s characters also discuss having a house in the northern NSW town of Mullumbimby once they relocate.
Branding and marketing expert Dr Stephen Holden said US audiences saw the Gold Coast as a “fantasy land” and said its prominent role in the show could also pay dividends with the Australian audience, “inspiring people to take the trip”.