‘Lake’ crew return for more Down Under dirt digging
One of the most successful TV series in recent times is returning to film part of its sequel in New Zealand.
Jane Campion’s Top of the Lake was a major hit in 2013, winning universal acclaim and proving a boom for tourism with its mesmerising scenery filmed around central Otago.
The sequel is being filmed in Sydney, with Mad Men star Elisabeth Moss reprising her role as New Zealand detective Robin Griffin. This time she is joined by Game of Thrones star Gwendoline Christie, who plays her partner.
The show has been filming around Sydney’s eastern suburbs over the past month, with a crew of around 100 staff.
High-profile stars, which are rumoured to include Nicole Kidman, have been a popular target for the paparazzi.
The BBC has revealed some scenes will be shot in New Zealand, thought to be in the South Island, in July.
Oscar-nominated director Campion told News Ltd this week she never expected to be working on Top Of The Lake again.
The famed New Zealand director said she had been surprised by the success of the original 2013 BBC miniseries.
‘‘It was never going to be more than one (series),’’ Campion said. ‘‘To be honest, I was surprised at how successful it was, and that was the reason everyone wanted to see more so then the idea came to me and I thought, ‘I’ve got to do it’.’’
The mini-series will premiere on UKTV on Sky in New Zealand in 2017.
The South Island will be a popular place for filming this year, with Ridley Scott’s new Alien movie, Alien:Covenant being shot around Fiordland.
Scott has been seen scouting for filming sites, and local film crew are seeking Te Anau residents to help out on set. To be honest, I was surprised at how successful it was, and that was the reason everyone wanted to see more so then the idea came to me and I thought, ‘I’ve got to do it’. Top of the Lake director