A new reality series inspired by British author Roald Dahl's classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has started filming on the Gold Coast in the third production for streaming giant Netflix in Queensland this year.
The all-new competition series, The Golden Ticket, is being produced by Freemantle subsidiary Eureka Productions at the Village Roadshow Studios and is expected to pump $17 million into the local economy.
The Golden Ticket will see contestants given the chance to enter Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but there’s a catch - only players who find a coveted golden ticket will gain entry to the factory.
However, a golden ticket doesn’t guarantee a sweet ride once the gates open. That’s up to the contestants who can adapt, strategise and withstand the unknown to make it through.
Set inside a retro-futuristic dreamscape, this high-stakes social experiment will challenge players both physically and mentally as they navigate games, tests and temptations designed to probe their instincts, resilience and ability to thrive in chaos.
Queensland Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek says the ambitious series was secured through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy and will benefit from the state’s depth of screen industry professionals and production services businesses.
“Where better to realise the bold and imaginative universe of Wonka than here in the sunshine state, Australia’s own production paradise,” says Langbroek.
The production, which is expected to support 210 jobs, comes on the heels of Netflix choosing Queensland for two other projects this year - Allen and The Mosquito Bowl.
“The Golden Ticket will enjoy some of the magic that made Ludo Studio’s Allen and Film 44’s The Mosquito Bowl such successful shoots here recently,” says Jacqui Feeney, the CEO of Screen Queensland.
“Queensland excels at creating immersive visual worlds to enhance storytelling.
“Repeat business is a mark of trust in our state’s screen sector and highlights that it’s not only our incentives that make Queensland a production destination of choice - it’s also our renowned crews, first-class facilities, locations and lifestyle.”
Netflix announced plans for The Golden Ticket earlier this year after securing the rights to the entire Roald Dahl catalogue in 2021.
Chris Culvenor, Eureka’s co-CEO, describes the partnership with Netflix on The Golden Ticket as a “dream project”.
“Bringing this world of imagination to life on the Gold Coast couldn’t be more fitting - the region’s incredible talent, creativity and energy make it the perfect home for such an extraordinary production,” says Culvenor.
The series is supported by the Australian Government through the Location Offset, the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy and the local government through the City of Gold Coast's Screen Attraction Program.
Help us deliver quality journalism to you.
As a free and independent news site providing daily updates
during a period of unprecedented challenges for businesses everywhere
we call on your support